In almost perfect conditions for playing football, the teams took the field for Banbury's opening home game of the season on a near-ideal playing surface which was a credit to the ground team at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.

The early encounters showed both teams trying to play good football but with no clear-cut chances being manufactured the game slowly developed into a midfield battle with the visitors looking the stronger. Chances were few and far between until the 20th minute when 'Boro took the lead. Ryan Edmunds' corner was headed down at the far post by Keith Lowe for Luke Benbow to score from close range.

Banbury struggled to impose themselves for the remainder of the half and never managed a worthy goal effort. Nuneaton were the stronger in midfield but United's defence held firm, the visitors having a couple of half-chances but failing to seriously threaten the Banbury goal where Harding had little to do.

With the addition of John Mills at half-time and the introduction of Ricky Johnson in the 57th minute, Banbury at last looked more adventurous up front, and Boro' were made to work a lot harder as Banbury looked to attack.

Amer Awadh was working hard throughout but Nuneaton had obviously done their homework on him, putting two men on him at all times. He got little protection from the referee and was continually fouled as he probed the visitors' defensive midfield set-up.

Banbury's break came in the 80th minute following good play down the left play. A perfect cross from Mills was met by Johnson, whose powerful header from the edge of the six-yard box left Boro' custodian, Cameron Belford, clutching at thin air as it went a foot under the crossbar for an equaliser that Johnson will remember for a long time hence. The goal had about it shades of Tony Jacques, a veteran of both clubs.

Both sides went for a late winner which never came and it was United who were probably the happier with the solitary point.

Banbury United: Harding, Roberts, Okito, Westbrook (C), Hawtin, Rasulo, Dias (Odhiambo 85), Awadh, Henderson, Denilson (Mills 46), Anderson (Johnson 57).
Subs unused: Ngaah Bosio, Davies.

Nuneaton Borough: Belford, Clifton, Sharpe, Lowe, Towers, Julien, Powell, Beavon (Verma 85), Benbow, Kelly-Evans, Edmunds (Camwell 86).
Subs unused: Harkin, Preston, Rankin.

Attendance – 457