United made a positive start and looked dangerous from the opening whistle. Their early pressure almost produced a breakthrough in the fourth minute when home goalkeeper Tom Jackson slipped while rushing out to intercept a loose ball near the left corner of his penalty area. AJ George took advantage and aimed for the unguarded goal, but Joe Burgess managed to get a foot to the effort and divert it behind for a corner.

Peterborough failed to clear the resulting delivery effectively, allowing Joel Anker, operating on the right wing rather than his usual left-sided position, to collect the ball and pull it back from the byline. His excellent cross found Jacob Scott, who headed home from five yards at the far post to give Banbury an early lead.

United continued to create opportunities, with Josh Cavallo going close in the 18th minute before George threatened again five minutes later. Gus Sanches also tested Jackson in the 27th minute, but the goalkeeper did well to save with his outstretched leg.

The hosts gradually began to establish themselves, with former Banbury player Lewis Hilliard influential in midfield. Peterborough thought they had equalised in the 35th minute following a Hilliard corner from the right, but after the initial delivery was not properly cleared and the ball was turned into the net, an offside infringement was signalled. Banbury maintained their advantage until the interval.

Peterborough returned with greater urgency after the break and drew level in the 54th minute. Wing-back Connor Wood delivered an excellent cross, which former Banbury striker Ben Beresford met with a header to bring the scores level.

With the match finely balanced, the next goal was always likely to prove significant, and it arrived in the 65th minute. George attempted an ambitious effort from a tight angle on the left, catching Jackson out as the ball found its way into the net to restore Banbury’s lead.

Peterborough pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but United remained resolute. With four minutes of normal time remaining, young substitute Ben Nash was introduced, and he produced a memorable contribution in stoppage time.

Winning possession inside his own half, near the centre circle, Nash set off on a powerful run towards goal. Showing impressive pace, he outstripped three pursuing defenders before calmly placing the ball beyond Jackson to secure Banbury’s third goal in the fourth minute of added time.

It was a memorable first goal for Nash in a Banbury shirt, and his celebrations reflected the significance of the moment. The referee brought proceedings to a close without the need for a restart, confirming a deserved FA Trophy victory for the Puritans.

Peterborough Sports: Tom Jackson; Connor Wood, Joe Burgess (Lewis White 75), Jordon Cooke (captain), Lewis Hilliard (Jevani Brown 73), Michael Richens, Leon Lobjoit, Finn O’Boyle (Harvey Williams 49), Ben Beresford, Luca Miller, Lewis Green.
Unused substitutes: Harry Vince, Michael Frew.

Banbury United: Jack Harding; Harrison Mole, Josh Cavallo, Josh Smile (Ben Nash 86), Jacob Scott, Oran Jackson, Joel Anker (Connor Ferguson 89), Aaron McCreadie, Gus Sanches (Levi Steele 83), Alex Prosser (captain), AJ George.
Unused substitute: Emil Lulchev.