Tomorrow sees United at Rushall Olympic. We have played them quite regularly in recent times but the first time we met them was as far back as season 1997/98. This was an FA Cup Preliminary Round game played at the Spencer Stadium on 30th August 1997. The Puritans were still in the Hellenic League at this time whilst Rushall were a Midlands Alliance side.

Andrew Dale gave Rushall the lead after ten minutes before Martin Singleton equalised with a 20-yard shot on 21 minutes. Just two minutes later United were in front when player/manager Ian Bowyer headed home a Paul Warrington cross but the lead was soon wiped out when Neil Sole handled in the penalty area and Lee Davis converted from the spot. With a replay looming, Neil Sole went up for a corner. Warrington’s kick was flicked on at the near post and there was Sole to hook the ball home at the far post to earn United a trip to the seaside in the next round, United going down 2-1 to Great Yarmouth Town.

The Banbury side against Rushall that afternoon was Tim Williams, Tim Rogers, Andy Swann, Paul Warrington, Neil Sole, Ian Bowyer, Kevin Burrows, Anrew Parrott, Darren Deeley, Martin Singleton, Jody McKay. Subs (used) Ricky Smith, Tony Rose. Sub (not used) Vinny Halsall.

A team photo for that season follows: The names are as follows:

Back Row (Left to Right): Ian Bowyer (Manager), Andy Swann, Jody McKay, Ricky Smith, Ian Trott, Marcus Townsend, Neil Sole, Stuart Saunders, Neil Donovan, Tony Rose (Assistant).

Front Row (Left to Right): Anton Sambrook, Angus Weston, Andrew Parrott, Cliff Cousins, Darren Deeley, Chris Flynn, Mark Essex, James Coleman, Kevin Burrows.

Martin Singleton

Ian Bowyer

Neil Sole