A very young and well-coached Hereford side took to the field looking very confident, and soon took the game to Banbury, pushing forward from the opening whistle, and it became apparent very quickly that United had to be on their mettle if they were to get anything out of this game. With captain Giorgio Rasulo serving the first of his three-match suspension, and with key defenders Connor Roberts injured and Ben Radcliffe’s loan spell at an end, Banbury managed to add two new names to their teamsheet with Cody Johnson and Keane Barugh arriving on loan from Stockport County. The somewhat makeshift line-up had to come up to the plate, and after a shaky start, they certainly did that, and the game fashioned itself into a very watchable affair.

Whilst The Bulls were always looking dominant early on, Banbury defended in their usual manner, and Jack Harding had little to do. The closest that anyone came to troubling the scoresheet was in the 20th minute when captain Josh Smile, who had shaken off a 4th minute injury, fired in a free kick which home ‘keeper Dino Visser grabbed at the foot of the post to deny United. However, the home side always looked the more likely if they could penetrate the away defence, and in the 32nd minute they did just that when, following a Harry Pinchard free kick, and a mis-hit from new signing Colin Oppong, Aaron Amadi-Holloway netted from close in to open the scoring. This put Hereford in full flow and three minutes from half-time, they tried a chance from distance which saw Dan Jarvis’ effort come back off the upright. On the stroke of half-time, manager Andy Whing made a tactical substitution, young loanee Cody Johnson was introduced and he quickly made his presence known with his first touch.

Johnson immediately looked a very polished player in the second half and quickly started to control the midfield, as if he has played there all season. As Banbury gradually got back into being competitive again, they equalised in the 62nd minute when Ben Acquaye showed his magic and speed, and he sent in a left-wing cross which substitute Alex Babos controlled and then fired home from the edge of the six yard box. This seemed to physically spur the Puritans on, and within two minutes, Banbury took the lead when Kelvin Langmead nodded home a Jack Stevens free kick to notch his first goal of the season.

Just when Banbury were thinking of an away win, they came down to earth with a bang when Orrin Pendley pounced on a loose ball following a corner to equalise for the Bulls in the 77th minute. With both sides still looking to win the game. It was Banbuiry that were looking the more likely and that man Langmead joined in the attack to score the winner in the 84th minute, after Stevens had been denied by Visser.

This was a fantastic victory for Banbury as they completed the double over Hereford. The game seemed to turn their way after the introduction of 18 year-old Johnson in midfield. Both Langmead and Williams were magnificent at the back especially in the air, and as usual, Acquaye was a thorn in Hereford’s side throughout. Although he didn’t score Jaanai Gordon needs a mention as he worked tirelessly, usually alone up front, and he kept two defenders busy throughout. It was also good to see James Golding driving upfield at every opportunity, which again kept two players busy. A great team effort again!

Hereford :- Dino Visser, Jack Evans (53 mins. Jared Hodgkiss), Kane Thompson-Sommers, Ryan McLean, Ryan Lloyd (captain), Aaron Amadi-Holloway, Harry Pinchard (88 mins. Zak Lilly), Orrin Pendley, Dan Jarvis (65 mins. Jack Holmes), Levi Andoh, Colin Oppong. Subs (not used) Jethro Hanson, Yan Klukowski.

Banbury United :- Jack Harding, Sam Brown, Josh Smile, Kelvin Langmead, Jay Williams, Jaanai Gordon, Jack Stevens, Ben Acquaye, Jak Hickman (44 mins. Cody Johnson), James Golding, Callum Reilly (56 mins. Alex Babos). Subs (not used) Henry Landers, Keane Barugh, Ben Taylor.