Whilst Stourbridge are always a difficult side to face, their position at the foot of the league may have given Banbury United a false sense of security. That would have been a mistake. The Glassboys had recently recorded an impressive victory over high-flying Harborough Town, and with a new manager at the helm, the Puritans knew they would need to be fully focused and ready for a tough contest.

Stourbridge quickly found their rhythm and Banbury were indebted to goalkeeper Jack Harding for keeping them level in the opening stages. Harding produced an excellent save from Zidan Sutherland in the 5th minute before denying Jack Fletcher four minutes later as the home side pressed early. Banbury’s best chance of the opening period arrived in the 11th minute when George Ball attempted a delightful lob, only for the home goalkeeper to react superbly and claw the effort away.

The Glassboys continued to look a well-organised and efficient unit, forcing Harding into further action when he saved again from Fletcher in the 14th minute. Four minutes later Stourbridge came agonisingly close to taking the lead when Brad Bood’s free-kick picked out Aaron Bishop, whose header came down on top of the crossbar, with Harding well positioned underneath.

Banbury’s defence faced a stern examination against a revitalised Stourbridge attack and performed admirably despite being stretched by absences. Captain and centre-half Yaw Ofosu remained sidelined through injury, while Josh Flanagan was unavailable due to food poisoning. As a result, Peter Abimbola was redeployed from midfield into a makeshift central defensive role, where he impressed with a composed and disciplined display. As the half wore on, Banbury began to settle, and Alex Prosser went close in the 44th minute with a volley that just cleared the crossbar.

The Puritans emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and were rewarded almost immediately. In the 46th minute Banbury were awarded a free-kick, which Aaron McCreadie delivered into a dangerous area. Nico Jones flicked the ball on and Joel Anker reacted sharply, turning and poking home from close range to give United the lead.

Banbury defended their advantage well, with Prosser again trying his luck in the 58th minute, his volley flashing wide of the target. Stourbridge responded by making three substitutions within a six-minute spell, a move that injected fresh energy into their play. The change paid dividends in the 71st minute when the hosts drew level. After a sustained period of pressure, Harding produced a superb save from Dominic Lewis, but could not prevent the striker from converting the rebound with a well-placed header, following an excellent headed pass into the danger area from Toumani Sidibe.

In a dramatic finale, Harding ensured Banbury left with a point when he made another outstanding save in the 95th minute, denying Harvey Portman and securing a thoroughly credible draw for both sides.

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Stourbridge:
Charles Price, Brad Bood, Babatomiwa Solanke, Hayden Reeves (captain), Harvey Portman, Jai Verma, Jack Fletcher (59 Toumani Sidibe), Aaron Bishop, Dominic Lewis, Aksum White (65 Jenson Sumnall), Zidan Sutherland (59 Kobe Chong, 72 Oliver Shaw).
Subs not used: Hay Willock.

Banbury United:
Jack Harding (captain), Keegan Bloom, Alex Worley, Aaron McCreadie, Peter Abimbola, Nico Jones, Connor Ferguson, Alex Prosser, Chris Wreh (77 James Alabi), Joel Anker, George Ball (75 Harrison Bradney).
Subs not used: Max Fuller, Luke Stokoe.

Attendance: 927