We might be having something of a quiet spell when it comes to the men’s first team, following an early departure from the FA Cup last Saturday and another away match this Saturday (National League North fixture v Farsley Celtic on September 23rd), but we still have plenty of action for the town to enjoy, down at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium this week. Please come and support the wider Club – free entry!

Match 1, U18 Development: Wednesday 20th September 7.30pm kick-off, Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium. FA Youth Cup – 1st Qualifying Round: Banbury United v Sutton Coldfield Town.

Match 2, U18 Development: Saturday 23rd September 10.30am kick-off. Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium. Midland Junior Premier League: Banbury United v Brocton Youth U18.

Match 3, Banbury United Women: Sunday 24th September 2pm kick-off. Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium. Thames Valley Counties’ Ladies Football League – Division 1: Banbury United Women v Slough Town FC Ladies.

FA Youth Cup preview

Our Under 18 Development team enters the FA Youth Cup for the first time this Wednesday as they face Sutton Coldfield Town in the 1st Qualifying Round.

Having received an exemption in both the earlier extra-preliminary and preliminary rounds, the game is effectively the third round of games played in the competition.

The team have started their league campaign in fine fashion, winning both their first two games of the season, both away from home, against Tamworth FC and Boldmere St Michaels. These victories were achieved without conceding a goal.

This fixture against Sutton Coldfield Town represents by far the toughest challenge the team have faced to date. Sutton Coldfield U18s have teams in both the MJPL and also the Northern Premier Division of the Midland Floodlit League, the teams effectively picking from the same group of players for both competitions.

Sutton Coldfield are last season’s MJPL champions, and also the holders of this season’s Charity Shield competition.

Banbury will go into the game with confidence, hoping to build on the momentum achieved in the first two games of the league season.

Banbury United’s U18 team has a large squad. Twenty-six players compete for a place in the team. It’s a talented group that we hope can provide some of the future stars of the first team in the future.

If you’re coming to watch the boys for the first time, here are a few of the players to keep an eye out for:

Nathan Whyman #1 - Goalkeeper
Nathan is without doubt one of the best goalkeepers for his age in the area. He has already had experience of training with Banbury’s first team and accompanies the first team on match days. A commanding presence in between the sticks, his ability to come and claim the ball under pressure coupled with his good shot stopping ability make him a reliable custodian for the team.

Lewis Middleton #14 - midfielder
All action midfield player, who has a tremendous engine. Last season’s top scorer from midfield position. Works tirelessly for the team offensively and defensively.

Toby Ball #8 - wide player
Technically gifted wide player, who loves to beat his man. Can also operate in a central attacking midfield position. Chips in with some important goals, set piece delivery a weapon, and fitness level very high.

Tyra Aitken #7 - forward
Tyra was the youngest ever player to make an appearance for the first team at 16 years and 10 days old when he came on in the pre-season friendly against Oxford City. Unfortunately, injury has meant that he hasn’t been available to play so far this season. We hope he could play some part on Wednesday night. A tenacious forward who never gives defenders a minute’s peace. Powerful and quick – a real handful.

Co-Managers Carl Ashford and Ben Hayes have this to say ahead of Wednesday’s match:

“We know the lads are really looking forward to representing the club in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday night. We are a very young side, only a couple of the team have just had their 17th birthday, the others are all still 16. This is their first experience of the FA Youth Cup, and its one I hope they can look back on fondly in years to come, regardless of how the result goes.

“It’s sure to be a tough match for the team. We know how strong a team Sutton Coldfield are, but our team always show tremendous commitment and togetherness, and we are sure we will put in a performance that everyone can be proud of.

“The experience of playing at the stadium under floodlights will be memorable, and we hope to see as many fans down at the ground Wednesday to come and support the side.”