Banbury United and Exmouth Town played out a goalless draw in the first meeting between the two sides, meaning the tie will be decided when they meet again on Wednesday evening.

The opening stages were fairly even, with both teams settling into the game before Banbury created the first clear opportunity in the 23rd minute. Connor Ferguson’s pass sent Joel Anker through with just the goalkeeper to beat, but Matthew Wonnacott produced an excellent save to deny the Banbury winger.

United were dealt a blow just three minutes later when Anker was forced off through injury, with Joey Evans coming on in his place. Ferguson then also had to leave the field eight minutes later, meaning Banbury were without two important attacking options.

Young Ben Nash was moved into a wide position as United adapted to the changes, but the hosts continued to look the more threatening side during the remainder of the first half.

Wonnacott was called upon again in the 40th minute, making another good save to keep out Nash after the youngster had been played through on the left.

There was a further change at half-time, with Otis Castle replacing Oran Jackson. Three minutes after the restart, Castle delivered a dangerous cross from the right, but Joey Evans was unable to keep his effort down as his shot sailed over the crossbar.

Banbury continued to look for an opening, with Alex Prosser’s corner finding Castle in the 59th minute, although his header narrowly cleared the bar.

Exmouth began to show why they have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season during the final half-hour, putting United under increasing pressure. Banbury defended resolutely and worked hard to keep the visitors at bay and preserve the clean sheet.

Despite the injuries and the changes required throughout the afternoon, United showed plenty of determination and remain very much in the tie ahead of Wednesday’s second meeting.

Banbury United: Jack Harding, Harrison Mole, Finn Howell, Aaron McCreadie, Jacob Scott, Oran Jackson (46 mins Otis Castle), Connor Ferguson (34 mins Rico Patterson), Alex Prosser (captain), Levi Steele, Ben Nash (77 mins Josh Cavallo), Joel Anker (26 mins Joey Evans).
Sub (not used): Emil Lulchev.

Exmouth Town: Matthew Wonnacott, Joe Belsten, Ollie Knowles, Louis Morison, Ross Edwards, Aaron Denny, Callum Shipton, Tom Bath (70 mins Ace High), Alex Cairo, Jasper Mather, Matthew Wright.
Subs (not used): Josh Cann, Alex Kravs, Kevin Hill, Dillon Croft, David Rowe.