Stratford Town secured their first victory of the season at Banbury United, ending a remarkable 61-year wait for a win against the Puritans’ in a league game. Despite Banbury taking an early lead, the visitors produced a determined performance to claim all three points.

Stratford arrived following an eight-game winless run and sitting just one place above the bottom of the league. Under the guidance of head coach and former Banbury manager Paul Davis, they showed considerable urgency from the outset, making United work hard throughout the opening stages.

However, it was Banbury who made the early breakthrough. In the 14th minute, Joel Anker, once again operating on the right wing, found the net with a composed finish past Stratford goalkeeper Jacob Weaver to put the hosts ahead.

The lead lasted just four minutes. Stratford responded with an excellent equaliser when Finlay Brennan advanced down the left and delivered a powerful, head-height cross into the penalty area. Zach McKenzie met it with a superbly struck header, leaving Jack Harding unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line despite getting a hand to it.

The goal gave Stratford renewed confidence, and the match developed into an entertaining, end-to-end contest befitting a local derby.

As the first half progressed, Banbury looked increasingly likely to regain the lead, with Alex Prosser going close in the 23rd minute. Both sides enjoyed periods of promising play, while recent signing Gus Sanches covered considerable ground and contributed at both ends of the pitch. Despite the lively contest, neither side created a clear-cut opportunity before the interval.

Stratford came close to taking the lead 15 minutes into the second half when Kobe Hall missed from close range, sending the ball over the crossbar from approximately four yards.

However, Hall made amends just a minute later. Reece Flanagan unleashed a powerful effort which Harding could only parry, allowing Hall to react quickly and turn the rebound home to put the visitors ahead.

Stratford thought they had extended their advantage five minutes later, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

With Banbury pushing forward in search of an equaliser, the visitors found greater space to exploit, and Jack Beame made it 3–1 in the 80th minute.

United responded with sustained pressure during the closing stages and reduced the deficit in the 89th minute when Alex Prosser finished well. Despite their late efforts, Banbury were unable to find a further goal, and Stratford held on to record their first victory of the campaign.

For Banbury, it was a disappointing evening after taking an early lead, while Stratford’s persistence and second-half finishing proved decisive.

Banbury United: Jack Harding; Harrison Mole, Josh Cavallo, Josh Smile (Ben Nash 74), Jacob Scott, Oran Jackson, Joel Anker (Neo Dobson 76), Aaron McCreadie, Gus Sanches (Levi Steele 62), Alex Prosser (captain), AJ George (Connor Ferguson 81).
Unused substitute: Emil Lulchev.

Stratford Town: Jacob Weaver; Finlay Brennan, Josh Hawker, Paul McCone (captain), Kory Roberts, Reece Flanagan, Daniel Lafferty, Harry Hawkins (Daniel Vann 83), Jack Storer (Jack Beame 73), Zach McKenzie (Owen James 90), Kobe Hall (Dennis Halliday 90+1).
Unused substitute: Liam Coyne.