Banbury United and Bishop’s Stortford played out a hard-fought goalless draw in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium. Despite both teams creating numerous opportunities, neither could find the decisive breakthrough.

The Puritans started brightly, showcasing early intent in the sixth minute when Teddy Rowe delivered an inviting ball into the box, but no one was able to capitalize. Bishop’s Stortford responded with a dangerous counter in the 19th minute, only to be denied by a superb double save from Banbury goalkeeper Jack Harding.

Banbury continued to apply pressure, with Jarvis testing the Blues keeper twice—first in the 25th minute after a shot inside the box was deflected for a corner and again in the 40th minute with a promising effort that was comfortably saved. The physicality of the game intensified as Forsyth and Rowe were both shown yellow cards for fouls in the 35th and 45th minutes, respectively. The first half ended goalless but with glimpses of attacking intent from both sides.

The game resumed with more energy, and Banbury nearly found the breakthrough in the 53rd minute when Ofosu was fouled right on the edge of the penalty area. The referee, however, opted to award a free kick instead of a penalty, much to the frustration of the home fans.

Banbury’s best chance came in the 56th minute from a set piece. A loose ball in the box fell to Forsyth, whose shot was brilliantly saved by the Bishop’s Stortford goalkeeper. Moments later, the visitors came close to scoring when a powerful shot rattled the back of the Radio Stand.

The Puritans made a few changes in the second half, with George Ball replacing the injured Teddy Rowe in the 61st minute. Jaanai Gordon also made way for Connor Ferguson in the 74th minute, and Twariq Yusuf came on as Banbury sought fresh legs to change the game. Despite Banbury's late efforts, including a dangerous cross-shot in the 90th minute that just evaded Ferguson, the match ended in a stalemate.

Banbury United :- Jack Harding, Harry Reilly, Gedeon Okito, Alex Prosser, Yaw Ofosu (captain), Tai Fleming, George Forsyth, Connor Stanley (74 mins. Twariq Yusuf), Jaanai Gordon (74 mins. Connor Ferguson), Dan Jarvis, Teddy Rowe (61 mins. George Ball). Subs (not used): Nico Jones, Claudio Dias

Bishop’s Stortford :- Elliot Krasniqi, Cole Dasilva, Luke Warner-Eley, Olu Oluwatimilehin (83 mins. Bennet), Jake Thompson (captain), Mark Haines (85 mins. Eyituolyo Akinbulumo), Nahum Melvin-Lambert, Brad Russell, Louis Walsh (73 mins. Presley Evans), Fabio Virciglio (76 mins. Charlie Castle), Ryan Charles (83 mins. Lanrewaju Balogun)

Attendance: 554