Banbury’s brave 19 game unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday when a very professional outfit from Barrow AFC ran out worthy winners and it is them that will progress to the next round. Their manager had watched Banbury at least twice since the Cup draw was made and he had certainly done his homework, ensuring that United’s three main threats were not given any space or opportunity to shine, the very impressive Giorgio Rasulo sometimes was surrounded by as many as three Barrow midfielders, and both Morgan Roberts and Chris Wreh were treated with great respect by a big boisterous defence, and were in a mood to not take any prisoners. Barrow were a very tall team, and controlled the game in the air. Any Sam Brown throw-ins were dealt with competently, and their ‘keeper never really had a worthwhile shot to deal with. They certainly looked well-trained and the difference that being three Leagues higher than their hosts was prevalent throughout the game.

As early as the 8th minute, the visitors took the lead when a long ball from the halfway line was headed back across the goal by Offrande Zanzala to Joshua Gordon who placed the ball wide of Banbury’s ‘keeper Ben Taylor, into the far corner of the net. As a way of reply, three minutes later, Morgan Roberts collided with the Barrow ‘keeper Paul Farman, and although he pushed the ball past him, the collision spoiled any chance of a shot. Then in the 25th minute, Taylor made a fine save when he turned a Robbie Gotts header over the crossbar. Although United were under severe pressure during the first half-hour, they eventually started to get back into the game, and they denied the League Two side any more scoring opportunities, although they still couldn’t penetrate the Barrow back line.

Banbury came out in the second-half, and they started to throw caution to the wind a little more, and Rasulo particularly looked impressive. Even though a succession of free-kicks came Banbury’s way in the opening ten minutes after the break, the best chance fell to Kelvin Langmead in the 48th minute, but Farman managed to punch the effort clear, and the ball was scrambled away. Three minutes later, Taylor again came to United’s rescue with a good stop.

Tragedy struck Banbury in the 55th minute when the normally reliable Langmead was caught in two minds on the edge of the six-yard box and Zanzala, managed to lob the ball over Taylor, and although Tom Sharpe hooked the ball away from under the crossbar, the assistant referee ruled that the ball had crossed the line, and Barrow went further ahead, doubling the score. In the 63rd minute, Morgan Roberts was brought down in the penalty area but no foul awarded and no spot-kick was given.

Banbury’s chances were all but gone in the 80th minute when Taylor brought a Barrow forward down and Ollie Banks hit a brilliant penalty home, giving Taylor, or any other ‘keeper, no chance at all, to make the game safe at 0-3. Just three minutes later, Jordan Stevens made it 0-4, which was hardly what United deserved, even though the home side had shaded possession during the second-half. Ben Acquaye went very close just three minutes from time, but it wasn’t to be. United were never ever going to win the FA Cup, but they are in a position to win every other competition that they are in this season

Banbury’s commitment and effort deserved better than this scoreline, but Barrow were clinical in their play, and payed United the compliment of 100% commitment and effort throughout. It had taken United 20 games to lose, and this was the first time this season that they had failed to score. They should certainly be proud of their performance in this competition, as should all the people who have made such a great effort to move this Club forward in the last few years.

Banbury United :- Ben Taylor, Connor Roberts, Sam Brown, Tom Sharpe (78 mins. Ethan Johnston), Kelvin Langmead, Giorgio Rasulo (captain), Chris Wreh, Morgan Roberts (90 mins. Harry Reilly), Ben Acquaye, Alex Babos, Jack Stevens (56 mins. Henry Landers) Subs (not used) MacKenzie Chapman, Theo Rowe, Will Taylor, Brandon Patterson.

Barrow AFC :- Paul Farman, Patrick Brough, Matty Platt, Offrande Zanzala (83 mins. Luke James), Joshua Gordon (83 mins. Joshua Kay), James Jones, Robbie Gotts (87 mins. Jason Taylor), Joe Grayson, Remeao Hutton (54 mins. Connor Brown), Ollie Banks (captain), Jordan Stevens (87 mins. Thomas White. Subs (not used) Mark Ellis, Joshua Lillis, George Williams, Festus Arthur.

Attendance - 2400