The opening 15 minutes saw both sides struggle to create meaningful attacking opportunities, with neither able to establish momentum in the final third. Royston, needing a positive result in their fight against relegation, showed limited attacking threat early on.

Banbury’s first notable moment came in the 17th minute, when Keegan Bloom produced an important goal-line clearance, allowing Jack Harding to complete the save. Royston responded in the 40th minute by blocking a promising effort from Luke Stokoe, but these chances were rare in what proved to be a subdued opening period.

The game changed shortly after the restart. In the 48th minute, Nico Jones was shown a red card for a foul inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for Royston. James Brighton converted from the spot to give the visitors the lead.

With a numerical disadvantage, Banbury found it difficult to gain control, and Royston came close to extending their advantage in the 74th minute, but Harding made an important one-on-one save.

Banbury responded immediately and equalised a minute later. Substitute Alex Prosser struck from 20 yards, delivering a powerful finish past goalkeeper Reuben Rabstein to bring the hosts level.

However, the decisive moment came late in the match. In the 88th minute, Alfie Thornett delivered a cross into the area, and Kian Harness headed home to secure the win for Royston Town.

Banbury United: Jack Harding; Keegan Bloom, Alex Worley, Aaron McCreadie (Chris Wreh 65), Yaw Ofosu (captain); Nico Jones, Connor Ferguson, Peter Abimbola (Alex Prosser 45+2); James Alabi (Josh Flanagan 51), Luke Stokoe, George Ball (Gedeon Okito 81).
Unused substitute: Nathan Whyman.

Royston Town: Reuben Rabstein; Oliver Stephenson (Thomas Avgoustidis 59), James Brighton, William St Clair-Burton, Adam Murray (captain); Archie Locke, Kian Harness, Anton Matthews (Giuseppe Iaciofano 66); Luke Warner-Eley, Konstantin Ivanov (Bradley Smith 59), Alfie Thornett.
Unused substitutes: Jamie Judge, Franco Ciuffa.