Banbury United avoided what had all the makings of a potential banana skin on Saturday, producing a disciplined and controlled performance to overcome bottom-of-the-table Stamford at the Spencer Stadium, powered by Egg.

Both sides began cautiously, with neither goalkeeper tested in the opening quarter of an hour. United created the first meaningful chance on 20 minutes when Connor Ferguson’s strike was deflected wide by visiting goalkeeper Tom Jackson.

After sustained pressure, Banbury finally made the breakthrough a minute before the interval. McCreadie delivered a corner from the right, and although Abimbola’s initial header was cleared off the line, the recycled ball was sent back into the danger area where Josh Flanagan rose superbly to head home and give the Puritans a deserved 1 - 0 lead at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Banbury controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game. Stamford introduced fresh legs just after the hour in search of a foothold, but United remained firmly in command. On 69 minutes, Ferguson’s low cross found Chris Wreh inside the six-yard box, but his finish was ruled out for offside.

Banbury secured the points in the 79th minute with a moment to savour. Keegan Bloom burst through the Stamford back line and unleashed a powerful 20-yard strike. Jackson got down low but could not prevent Bloom’s first goal for the club from nestling into the net, doubling the advantage and sealing the victory.

This win marks our fourth win and third clean sheet in five matches. Attention now turns to Redditch United away from home.

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Banbury United:
Jack Harding, Keegan Bloom, Alex Worley, Aaron McCreadie, Josh Flanagan, Nico Jones, Connor Ferguson, Peter Abimbola, Chris Wreh (85’ James Alabi), Luke Stokoe (86’ Joel Anker), George Ball.
Subs (not used): Max Fuller, Harley Giles, Oskar Wahlen.

Stamford:
Tom Jackson, Charlie Marzano, Connor Bartie (86’ Michael Frew), George Hobbins (60’ James Bone), Jordan Cooke, Alex Collard, Kai Sanchez-Tonge, Harry Vince (captain), Manni Norkett (67’ Jon Challinor), Ryan Wilson (70’ Kyle Rowley), Jack Thomas.

Attendance: 429