Following a disappointing week in the Puritans’ play-off chase, the side will be eager to return to winning ways and finish the season strongly. Last Saturday brought a narrow 1–0 defeat to fellow play-off contenders Leiston.

Kelvin Langmead’s men currently sit 12th, eight points adrift of the final play-off place. However, with six games remaining, there is still plenty to play for.

Speaking to Puritans Radio, Langmead emphasised his intention to use the final fixtures to assess his squad ahead of next season, while also maintaining a focus on finishing as high up the table as possible.

Since their nine-game unbeaten run came to an end, Banbury have managed just two points from their last five matches. Langmead has stressed the importance of not letting their earlier hard work unravel during the closing stages of the campaign.

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The Crows

Royston Town, managed by Chris Watters, sit bottom of the league, with relegation looking increasingly inevitable for the Hertfordshire side.

It has been a difficult season for the Crows, who have recorded just four league wins, conceding one of the highest numbers of goals in the division while scoring only 33.

Their only victory since the turn of the year came away at Barwell four games ago, and they have collected just one point since. Their most recent outing ended in a 2–1 home defeat to Redditch United.

Former Puritan Joe Iaciofano leads the scoring charts for Royston with 12 goals—a bright spot in an otherwise difficult campaign.

Defeat on Friday, would see relegation mathematically confirmed for the Crows.

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Previous Meetings

The two sides have met 12 times over the past nine years, with Banbury winning five, Royston four, and three matches ending in draws.

Earlier this season, a brace from Reece Styche earned Banbury a 2–2 draw at Garden Walk after trailing 2–0.

Three points are vital for Banbury to keep the pressure on the top five. With just three home games remaining, strong support at the Spencer Stadium, powered by Egg, will play a key role in helping the Puritans to a win.

Match preview written by Will Hutchinson