In front of an impressive local derby crowd of 564, Banbury United virtually secured their Southern League Premier Division status with a 1-1 draw in a much-improved performance against Leamington.

Banbury looked the better side as the first half developed but an early chance that fell to Danny Edmond was well saved by Nathan Vaughan in the Leamington goal. It was thus rather against the run of play that Banbury went behind in the 38th minute when former Oxford United striker Lee Steele ran in unmarked at the far post and fired Leamington ahead. Banbury levelled in the 53rd minute when Ben Polk’s corner kick was met by Ricky Johnson at the near post, the ball flying into the opposite corner of the net.

Banbury United: Andy Kemp, Joe Coleman, Tommy Kinch, Liam Dolman, Ben Thackeray, Ryan Howell, Danny Edmond (Dior Angus 46), Josh Cole, Ricky Johnson, Josh Blake (Howard Forinton 90+3), Ben Polk. Subs not used: Liam Richardson, Joe Eyre, Nick Kingston.

Photo above shows United goalscorer that afternoon Ricky Johnson heading home Ben Polk’s corner in the Leamington game.

The first two photos below are also from this Leamington game and show Ben Polk and Ricky Johnson.

Coming on as a substitute that afternoon for United against Leamington was striker Dior Angus. The then 18- year-old made 22 appearances for the Puritans that season, scoring four goals. He is pictured in the final photo below, during his time with Banbury that season. Nearly six years later, in January 2018, Dior would get a move into the Football League with Port Vale and go on to make three Football League appearances for them in the remainder of that season, scoring one goal that being against Carlisle United in April 2018. He is currently with Barrow who were top of the National League prior to the season being abandoned. Dior is the son of Terry Angus, a defender who played for Northampton Town and Fulham.
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