Banbury United recorded a goalless draw away to Worcester City at Sixways Stadium on Tuesday evening, with two new signings making their season debuts. Josh Smile and AJ George were both included in the squad, adding further interest for the travelling supporters.

United started positively and looked the more adventurous side during the opening stages. Worcester adopted a physical approach, but the referee allowed the game to flow, with no bookings during an energetic opening period.

Banbury were awarded several set-pieces but were unable to turn them into clear opportunities, with Worcester’s defence dealing effectively with the visitors’ attacks. Joel Anker and Gus Sanches both tried their luck from distance, but the best chance of the first half fell to the hosts.

In the 42nd minute, Worcester sent a ball over the top of the Banbury defence, creating a one-on-one opportunity. Jack Harding reacted quickly to come off his line and make an important block, keeping the scores level at half-time.

Ben Nash was introduced at the interval as Banbury looked to utilise both flanks more effectively. However, both defences remained well organised, restricting the number of clear chances as the second half progressed.

United came close in the 61st minute when Aaron McCreadie saw his effort saved by Worcester goalkeeper Christiano Dzialuk, who diverted the ball behind for a corner.

The match subsequently developed into an end-to-end contest, although neither side looked likely to break the deadlock. Banbury appeared to have taken the lead in the 81st minute when Levi Steele produced a clever close-range finish, but the goal was ruled out for offside after Josh Cavallo was adjudged to have been in an offside position when delivering the ball from the left.

Neither side could find a late breakthrough, and the match ended goalless, with both teams taking a point from an evenly contested encounter.

Worcester City: Christiano Dzialuk; Josh Ezewele, Josh Taroni, Luke Rowe (captain), Duncan Idehen, Nathan Hayward, Ryan McLean, Matthew Richards, Charlie Lutz (Fabian Salmon 81), Zach Guinan (Jez Abbey 76), Brandon Smalley (Liam Lockett 69).
Unused substitutes: Adam Willis, Harry Burns.

Banbury United: Jack Harding; Harrison Mole, Josh Cavallo, Josh Smile, Jacob Scott, Oran Jackson, Neo Dobson (Ben Nash 46), Aaron McCreadie, Gus Sanches (Levi Steele 65), Alex Prosser (captain), Joel Anker (AJ George 75).
Unused substitutes: Emil Lulchev, Otis Castle.