The setting could not have been much better for the opening match of the season, when the teams were introduced to Stortford’s brand-new artificial surface and, presentation-wise, after a detailed tour of the ground, it looks like money well spent.

The surrounding tarmac surface all around the perimeter of the well-fenced pitch showed that the supporters are well cared for, and although we didn’t need them, I understand that the brand-new floodlights are a credit also.

The teams kicked off on a glorious sunny day and, from the opening whistle, both sides gave their all in an encounter which, whilst lacking in sparkling skills, certainly oozed hard work and tenacity all round.

Banbury’s defence was tested in the 7th minute when Harry Titchmarsh received the ball some 12 yards out and completely unmarked. He had a fairly easy chance to put the Blues into the lead, but Jack Harding had other ideas and made a splendid full-length, two-handed save to put the ball around the post for a corner. This seemed to wake Banbury’s rearguard up, and that was basically the only chance that the home side conjured up in the first half.

Max Woodford, in the Stortford goal, looked as though he was probably a good ‘keeper, as he seemed to be well in control of his defence, and he was called upon after the opening half-hour when Rico Patterson forced a save from him that would have caused some ‘keepers in this League a few problems.

After a goalless 45 minutes, it looked like either side could possibly make the breakthrough, and Connor Ferguson, who had managed a hat-trick on his previous visit to Bishop’s Stortford, tried his luck in the 56th minute, but his effort was headed out for a corner. Five minutes later, Ferguson again went close, but his effort was just wide.

Banbury’s best chance fell in the 70th minute, with United forcing more attacking play than their hosts, and only Woodford will know how he managed to get in the way of a Levi Steele header from point-blank range from Joel Anker’s lofted left-wing cross and physically clear the ball off the goal-line.

Then, just to show that it could have been anyone’s game, within the next 60 seconds Harding made a terrific save from a one-on-one chance that rebounded off the Banbury shot-stopper for a throw-in.

A draw was inevitable and a fair result, and on this resilience, both sides could well be in the play-offs or better at the business end of the season.

Bishop’s Stortford: Max Woodford, Leon Davies, Jake Thompson (captain), Alfie Thornett, Tyrone Baker (90 mins, Usisya Longwe), Harry Titchmarsh (65 mins, Obi Onyeagwara), Frank Norris (75 mins, Samuel Okolie), Fabio Virciglio (90+3 mins, Joe Nardelli), Jack Smith, Aaron Greene (57 mins, Bradley Russell), Charlie Johnson.

Banbury United: Jack Harding, Harrison Mole, Finn Howell, Aaron McCreadie, Jacob Scott, Oran Jackson (72 mins, Otis Castle), Connor Ferguson, Alex Prosser (captain), Levi Steele, Rico Patterson (80 mins, Ben Nash), Joey Evans (58 mins, Joel Anker).

Subs (not used): Max Fuller, Joel Giblin.