Banbury United made it four league victories in succession with a narrow but thoroughly deserved win over Barwell, in a match dominated by the home side despite relentless resistance from visiting goalkeeper Finn Osborn.

Played in difficult conditions as heavy rain greeted the kick-off, United were undeterred in their pursuit of another three points. Although the final margin was slim, Banbury were comfortably the better team throughout and, but for an outstanding performance from Osborn, the contest would have been decided far earlier.

Following an even opening ten minutes, Banbury assumed control of the match. Despite the continued absence of captain Yaw Ofosu and Peter Abimbola, the home side once again displayed unity and work rate, with every player contributing fully to the collective effort.

Banbury nearly made the perfect start in the 2nd minute when Joel Anker was denied by Osborn, and a scrappy spell followed as both teams battled the elements. As the rain eased and conditions improved, Banbury’s dominance became more pronounced. In the 28th minute, Connor Ferguson saw a goalbound effort tipped around the post by Osborn, and four minutes later Anker was again denied by the same goalkeeper. Osborn was called into action once more in the 37th minute, producing another excellent save to turn Ferguson’s effort behind for a corner.

Barwell’s only meaningful opportunity of the first half arrived in the first minute of stoppage time when Jevin Seaton’s header was comfortably gathered by Banbury captain Jack Harding. Despite sustained pressure, the sides went in level at the interval.

Four minutes after the restart, the industrious Chris Wreh came close with a header that found the side-netting. An opening spell of the second half saw Anker repeatedly trouble Barwell right-back Malakai Reeve, who was forced into fouls as he struggled to contain the winger. Central defender Sonny Singh was frequently required to cover as Banbury attacked relentlessly down the left.

In the 50th minute, Anker again went close, and when the rebound fell to Aaron McCreadie, his powerful strike was spectacularly tipped over by Osborn. The pressure continued to mount, with Reeve blocking a shot from Alex Prosser before Ferguson’s follow-up was once again saved by the inspired goalkeeper.

Despite Banbury’s dominance, Barwell threatened briefly as nerves began to surface. Substitute Emanuel Nnaji fired inches wide in the 73rd minute, and ten minutes later Zayn Hakeem was denied in a one-on-one after being played through by Anthony Dwyer. Moments later, George Ball’s fierce effort was diverted around the post by Osborn, summing up an extraordinary goalkeeping display.

Just as frustration threatened to take hold, Banbury finally found the breakthrough. In the 87th minute, Alex Prosser’s low corner from the right was turned home from close range by Josh Flanagan, securing a deserved victory. Remarkably, it was the third consecutive match in which Banbury had scored the winning goal in the 87th minute.

Banbury United:
Jack Harding (captain), Keegan Bloom, Alex Worley, Aaron McCreadie, Josh Flanagan, Nico Jones, Connor Ferguson, Alex Prosser, Chris Wreh (72 mins, James Alabi), Luke Stokoe, Joel Anker (82 mins, George Ball).
Substitutes (not used): Oskar Wahlen, Max Fuller.

Barwell:
Finn Osborn, Malakai Reeve, Jiah Medrano, Freddie Cook, Sonny Singh, Prince Mancinelli (captain), Mario Mendez (68 mins, Emanuel Nnaji), Ethan Hill, Tyree Wilson (68 mins, Anthony Dwyer), Zayn Hakeem (89 mins, Ryan Hayes), Jevin Seaton.
Substitutes (not used): Liam Castle, Rhys Kelly.