It is a well-used saying but this really was a typical cup-tie, neither goalkeeper had much to do, the first corner of the game was not until the 25th minute, and it had to be the best defensive performance by Banbury United this season. We are not just talking about the ’keeper and the four at the back, the whole team defended when it had to, yet whilst Basford were a very well organised hard-working side that probably shaded the play, Banbury were certainly well into the game throughout, and the home side did not have everything their own way.

That first corner fell to Basford in the 25th minute and they managed to get the ball into the net, but a foul was awarded immediately for an arm across the face incident, despite the complaints from the home side. Banbury’s first shot of the game came in the 38th minute when Harry Reilly tried his luck, but his shot went straight at Adam Collin in the host’s goal, and he managed to claim the ball at the second attempt.

This game was so tight with both defences well on top that it was not until the 53rd minute that Banbury had their second shot, and it was Reilly again, this time with a fierce drive from the edge of the penalty area which curved wide of the upright, much to the relief of Collin.

After having the better of the first 15 minutes of the second half Banbury were forced on to the back foot as the home team pushed forward for the all important opener. But Banbury remained resolute with blocks, tackles and Jack Harding keeping the score at 0-0. Banbury inched back into the game with the introduction of Henry Landers in the last 20 minutes and his speed and strength putting pressure on the Basford backline.

With time running out, a replay on the cards and the headline writers settling on “Tied in Notts”, the most inspired piece of substitution this season took place in the 88th minute when Ethan Johnston came on for Ben Acquaye, and within 30 seconds of coming on, and with his first actual touch of the ball, he got the winner. A free kick from Giorgio Rasulo came off a defender, Kelvin Langmead produced an Uwe Seeler-esque hopeful cross-goal header, and Johnston was in the right place at the far post to slot it home.

This puts Banbury into the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup for the second reason running, and extends the unbeaten run to the opening eleven games of the season.

Basford United :- Adam Collin, Owen Betts, Ryan Wilson, Dom Roma, Brad Gascoigne, Declan Dunn, Terry Hawkridge (71 mins. Reece Fyfe), Matt Thornhill (captain), Marcus Marshall, Kane Richards, Aaron O’Connor. Subs (not used) Alex Howes, Josh Scott, Rev James, Jordan Pierrepont, Jordan Haywood, Stef Galinski.

Banbury United :- Jack Harding, Connor Roberts, Sam Brown, Kelvin Langmead, Jack Westbrook (captain), Giorgio Rasulo, Chris Wreh, Morgan Roberts, Ben Acquaye (88 mins. Ethan Johnston), Harry Reilly (71 mins. Henry Landers), Alex Babos. Subs (not used) Tom Sharpe, Theo Rowe, Ben Taylor, Brandon Patterson, Tom Rowley.

Attendance - 514