We are delighted to publish this special match report, which has been written by Samuel Owen Herd, a Banbury-based student of Journalism at the University of Lincoln, who wrote into the Club to pursue some experience and his goal of becoming a football writer. We think you’ll agree that he’s a great writer and has a strong future ahead of him!

An early set-piece goal from Oxford City, drifting into the right side of the net within the first five minutes, laid the foundations for their 3–2 pre-season victory at the Spencer Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Despite a strong late push from Banbury United, the visitors held on to take the win.

Both Banbury and Oxford showed glimpses of danger on the counterattack, while strong defensive efforts kept the two goal-thirsty sides at bay. Oxford, however, won more set-pieces in promising positions that gifted them two more goals, one of which was a penalty and made the match outcome look almost certain. But The Puritans didn’t lie down. They broke their scoring drought with two excellent goals in a two-minute spell of wonder that sparked real hope of an equaliser. But just as momentum swung their way, the 90-minute whistle arrived too soon, cutting short what could’ve been an impressive comeback story.

Three fouls, two outside and one inside Banbury’s box, all led to goals for the visitors and foreshadowed a difficult afternoon for the hosts in the sunny conditions. Oxford City were sharp in the first half, dominating possession and creating more chances, using width as their advantage with fast paced wingers that tested the Banbury defensive wall, but in the end failed to deliver thanks to Banbury's keeper Jack Harding who made a number of strong saves after an earlier mistake that led to City’s opener.

Banbury’s number 8, Peter Abimbola, showed flashes of quality throughout the first 45 minutes, shrugging players off and making promising runs, cutting through the Oxford City midfield. Josh Flanagan, number 6, also impressed with composed and brave defending that regularly frustrated Oxford’s forwards.

Despite the onslaught of pressure, Banbury managed to limit the damage heading into the break.

Half-Time: 0–1

The Puritans came out with fresh energy and found another gear in the second half. They applied steady pressure in a push for an equaliser and tested Oxford keeper Treml, who was called into action several times to keep his side ahead. However, Oxford were soon gifted another set-piece chance, and Josh Ashby curled a near-identical effort into the top right corner, his second goal of the day. Minutes later, DJ Campton-Sturridge was brought down in the area by Harding. The Oxford City attacker stepped up and netted a calmly executed finish from the spot that seemingly eliminated any signs of there being light at the end of the tunnel for the hosts now, putting the visiting side 3-0 up.

Just as the match looked out of reach, Banbury’s number 15, Kaydon Gardiner-Solomon, provided a lifeline with his quick feet and energy, pulling a goal back, slotting home a precise bottom corner finish. Moments later, a trialist fired the ball through a crowded box to make it 3–2. What was once a smooth path for the Hoops, now looked bumpier.

Ping-pong attacks intensified as the game drew closer to the 90-minute mark, each team was hungry to find the back of the goal mouth one more time.

Full-Time: Banbury United 2–3 Oxford City

Although hopeful for something more, the game was sealed at 3-2, an exciting first pre-season fixture from which both teams were able to take plenty of positives from.
Banbury United wish Oxford City the best of luck in their 2025/26 campaign.

With thanks to Samuel Owen Herd.