Banbury United produced a spirited performance to earn a well-deserved point away to second-placed Bury Town, responding to a difficult week with an encouraging display under Craig McKay.

Following Tuesday’s home defeat to Worcester City and the subsequent resignation of manager Kelvin Langmead, United faced a challenging trip with several key players unavailable. However, a much-changed Banbury side showed determination and attacking intent throughout, twice finding the net and coming close to securing all three points.

With Aaron McCreadie, Alex Prosser and Finn Howell suspended, and Josh Smile and Jacob Scott sidelined through injury, McKay was forced to make several positional changes. Levi Steele moved into central defence, Joel Anker and Gus Sanches formed an attacking partnership, and Connor Ferguson operated in central midfield.

Josh Cavallo lined up at left wing-back, Harrison Mole moved into the right wing-back position, and AJ George took on a central defensive midfield role. Yaw Ofosu also returned to the matchday squad, taking his place among the substitutes.

Despite the disruption, Banbury made a positive start and unsettled their hosts with some energetic attacking play. Anker and Sanches combined well in forward areas, using their pace to stretch the Bury defence.

Home goalkeeper Charlie Beckwith was called into action in the 17th minute, producing a save to deny Anker. Three minutes later, Mole delivered a dangerous cross that narrowly failed to find the Banbury forward.

Although United enjoyed much of the early possession, Bury threatened in the 22nd minute when Callum Page sent a long-range effort just wide of the far post. Page went close again in the 36th minute, this time firing over the crossbar.

Banbury responded immediately, with Sanches finding the side netting from a promising position. The forward made no mistake three minutes later, however, as United took a deserved lead in the 39th minute.

Anker drove forward through the centre, carrying the ball between two defenders before releasing a perfectly timed pass into the path of Sanches. The striker kept his composure and guided a finish beyond the advancing Beckwith from 12 yards to put Banbury 1–0 ahead.

Sanches almost added a second shortly afterwards, but Beckwith reacted well to make a save with his legs at the near post.

Bury emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and equalised just two minutes after the restart. George Quantrell created the opportunity from a wide position, allowing Ollie Canfer to finish from close range.

The hosts completed the turnaround in the 54th minute when debutant loanee Alfie Wellens found the net following good work from Page, putting Bury 2–1 ahead.

Despite conceding twice in quick succession, Banbury responded positively and refused to let the game slip away. Anker remained a constant threat and saw two efforts scrambled clear as United worked their way back into the contest.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 70th minute. Nash delivered a corner from the right, and recent signing Tolu Ikuyinminu reacted quickest inside the area to fire home from close range and bring the Puritans level at 2–2.

Banbury continued to press forward in search of a winner and thought they had taken the lead in the 81st minute. Following another corner, Ferguson found the back of the net, but the assistant referee raised his flag for offside and the effort was ruled out.

United remained on the front foot, and Sanches created another opportunity in the 85th minute with a driving run towards goal. Beckwith was again equal to the task, producing a good save to keep the scores level.

The Puritans continued to compete until the final whistle, securing an impressive away point against one of the league’s leading sides.

After a challenging week and with several players operating in unfamiliar positions, Banbury’s performance provided plenty of encouragement. The visitors showed resilience, organisation and attacking quality, with a collective effort that ensured they returned home with a deserved share of the points.

Bury Town: Charlie Beckwith, Joe White, Tommy Smith, Lewis O’Malley, Tayos Flowers (Max Maughn, 63), Ollie Canfer (captain) (Sam Ford, 84), George Quantrell, Callum Page, Ally Conway, Ethan Mayhew (Alfie Wellens, 46), Jamie McGrath (Seth Chambers, 74).

Substitute not used: Joe Carroll.

Banbury United: Jack Harding, Levi Steele (captain), Josh Cavallo, AJ George, Tolu Ikuyinminu, Oran Jackson, Harrison Mole, Ben Nash, Joel Anker, Connor Ferguson, Gus Sanches (Seb Kola, 90+2).

Substitutes not used: Michael Wakeling, Yaw Ofosu, Emil Lulchev.