A goal inside the first minute and a winner deep into added time bookended what proved to be one of the most entertaining fixtures of Banbury United’s season so far. With both sides committed to flowing, attacking football and only a single yellow card shown, the 461 supporters in attendance were treated to a high-quality, end-to-end contest.

Quorn stunned the home crowd after just 42 seconds. Banbury surrendered possession in midfield and Cain Noble capitalised, driving forward before unleashing a superb 25-yard strike into the bottom corner, leaving Jack Harding rooted.

Despite the early blow, The Puritans responded with composure and belief. In the 12th minute, Alex Prosser delivered a dangerous cross from the left which debutant goalkeeper Adam Harrison could only palm onto the crossbar. Yaw Ofosu reacted quickest, forcing the rebound over the line to level the score.

With Ball and Joel Anker stretching the Quorn defence on the flanks, and Alex Prosser orchestrating in midfield, Banbury looked increasingly dangerous. Their pressure told in the 28th minute when another inviting cross from Ball caused uncertainty in the visitors’ box. Harrison managed to reach it ahead of Anker, but only pushed the ball into the path of Prosser, who hammered home from the edge of the area to give United a deserved lead.

The Puritans were firmly on top at this stage, with Chris Wreh proving a constant menace to the Quorn back line and Abimbola impressing with his energy and creativity. With top scorers Reece Styche and Connor Ferguson still to return, the performance was an encouraging sign of Banbury’s attacking depth.

United had chances to extend their advantage, including a well-crafted move that sent Anker clean through, only for Harrison to make a strong save. But football can be cruel, and in the 35th minute Quorn equalised entirely against the run of play. From 35 yards out, Reece Fyfe let fly with a speculative effort that swerved into the same corner as their opener, Quorn’s second shot, and their second goal. The sides went into the interval level at 2–2.

Banbury reasserted control in the second half, though Quorn continued to pose a threat on the counter. The home side were inches from regaining the lead in the 73rd minute when Anker’s thunderous free-kick crashed off the angle of post and crossbar with Harrison beaten.

The introduction of Jonathan Lawson in the 79th minute would prove decisive. Banbury continued to dominate the wide areas and pushed for a winner as the game entered added time. Just as it looked as though the Puritans might have to settle for a draw, Lawson delivered the moment of magic they craved. In the 93rd minute, he cut inside from the left and curled a superb right-footed effort around the recovering defenders and beyond Harrison to clinch all three points.

It was a dramatic and fully deserved victory for Banbury United, who showcased resilience, quality, and attacking intent from start to finish.

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Banbury United:

Jack Harding, Keegan Bloom, Alex Worley, Aaron McCreadie, Yaw Ofosu (c), Nico Jones, Joel Anker, Peter Abimbola (84’ Luke Stokoe), Chris Wreh, Alex Prosser, George Ball (79’ Jonathan Lawson).
Subs (not used): Harley Giles, Josh Flanagan, Oskar Wahlen.

Quorn:

Adam Harrison, Silvio Bello, Deen Master, Luke Cox, Jasper Tetlow, Reece Fyfe, Zak Goodson (c), Ryan Beswick (64’ Finn O’Boyle), Simeon Cobourne, Cain Noble, Kai Fifield (80’ Billy Kee).
Subs (not used): Zhanl Burgess, Dennis Digie, Marvellous Onabirekhanlen.

Attendance: 461