Banbury United saw their five-match winning streak come to an end but extended their unbeaten run to seven games following a goalless draw against Stratford Town.

While the result was a source of frustration for the home side, there were notable positives. For the second consecutive match, goalkeeper Jack Harding was not required to make a save of note, underlining the strength and organisation of Banbury’s defence. However, it was Stratford’s defensive resilience, marshalled by goalkeeper Jacob Weaver that ultimately proved decisive in preserving a point for the visitors.

Weaver signalled his intent as early as the 6th minute, comfortably collecting a header from Josh Flanagan, and he went on to play a commanding role throughout. Stratford’s approach was evident from the outset, with robust challenges disrupting Banbury’s rhythm. Early fouls on Luke Stokoe - twice in quick succession, and Joel Anker resulted in a deserved booking and highlighted the visitors’ determination to break up play.

Despite the physical nature of the contest, Banbury dominated possession and territory. Their first major opportunity arrived in the 18th minute when Connor Ferguson drove a dangerous ball across the face of goal with Weaver stranded, but no finishing touch was applied. Eight minutes later, Alex Prosser struck a powerful effort that crashed against the upright and bounced clear.

United continued to press. In the 33rd minute, Alex Worley’s goalbound effort was inadvertently deflected into Weaver’s arms, and shortly before the interval a long throw from Ferguson found Chris Wreh, who laid the ball off to Prosser, whose drive found the side netting. At the break, the score remained 0–0 despite one-way traffic for much of the first half.

Stratford began the second half with greater urgency, but Banbury soon reasserted control and laid sustained siege to the visitors’ goal. In the 48th minute, Anker was brought down inside the penalty area, though appeals were waved away. The pressure intensified, with Stratford conceding a succession of corners as United searched for a breakthrough.

The visitors’ task became more difficult in the 74th minute when Jourdain Masidi received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Stokoe. Even with the numerical advantage, however, Banbury were unable to find a decisive finish. In the 81st minute, Keegan Bloom came close with a curling effort from the edge of the area that narrowly missed the target.

To Stratford’s credit, they defended resolutely during the closing stages, with Weaver orchestrating his back line and managing the tempo as Banbury threw everything forward in pursuit of a winner. Despite their dominance and relentless pressure, United were ultimately denied the goal their performance arguably deserved.

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Banbury United:

Jack Harding (captain), Keegan Bloom, Alex Worley, Aaron McCreadie (84 mins, Peter Abimbola), Josh Flanagan, Nico Jones, Connor Ferguson, Alex Prosser, Chris Wreh, Luke Stokoe, Joel Anker (90+2 mins, Michael Brammeld).
Substitutes (not used): George Ball, Yaw Ofosu, Nathan Whyman.

Stratford Town:

Jacob Weaver, Finlay Brennan, Bo Morris, Kory Roberts, Joshua Toluwaloju (77 mins, Owen James), Lewis Ludford-Ison (captain), Daniel Lafferty, Jourdain Masidi, Harry Reilly (62 mins, Ashley Sammons), Oluwafemi Jakobsen-Oloinjana, Lamine Sherif (88 mins, Max Lott).
Substitutes (not used): Austin Samuels, Paul McCone.

Attendance: 567