Considering that Oxford United’s line-up included five first-teamers, and Banbury’s had five missing, this Oxfordshire Senior Cup, semi-final was a lot closer than was first envisaged, and gave the sparse crowd some enjoyable entertainment.

United had Jack Ashton missing, on holiday, Robbie Maddox away, suffering from illness, and Delroy Gordon, Aynsley McDonald and Malachi Farquharson all out injured, but their replacements all equipped themselves well. Ben Polk was also unavailable after being promoted to the first team squad the previous Saturday, and Stevie Howkins was cup-tied.

Nathan Haisley, who took over the captain’s armband, moved back to the centre of defence and had an excellent game, as did Ollie Stanbridge and Adam Learoyd on either side of him. Joe Eyre was drafted in from the Reserves to play just behind the front two, whilst Mikey Earle was also promoted to the senior squad, and played in central midfield, and both players had reason to be pleased with their contribution.

Oxford United got off to a good start when Alfie Potter opened the scoring in the 6th minute after his mis-hit effort hit the woodwork and seemed to take an age before trickling over the goal-line. However, the expected deluge never materialised, as Banbury stuck to their task, and they enjoyed some periods of possession during the first-half without threatening to trouble Oxford ‘keeper Simon Eastwood. The play went from end to end, and when the half-time whistle blew, Banbury’s confidence had grown significantly, and the single goal margin was looking like a true reflection of the play.

The second-half started as the first had finished, with Oxford’s obvious class dominance being matched by Banbury’s sheer effort, and it took a piece of route one play in the 60th minute to get the all-important second goal. Eastwood collected a shot from Banbury and immediately threw the ball out wide right to Cole Hinchcliffe. He picked out Simon Hackney with a long diagonal ball, which left the Oxford front man with the easy task of lifting the ball over the stranded Joe Murrell and into the empty net.

Banbury then threw caution to the wind and started to move push forward, and they were unlucky when a bullet-header from Earle brought out a wonderful reaction save from Eastwood. Declan Benjamin and Joe Coleman also found the Oxford custodian in fine form in the next five minutes, but in the end, Banbury found the gap in class, a little too much to handle, but they finished the game with their heads held high, and their pride intact.

Oxford United :- Simon Eastwood, Ben Purkiss, Stevie Kinniburgh, Mitchell Hanson, Cole Hinchcliffe, Djoumin Sangare (David Lynn 78), Alfie Potter, Asa Hall, Aaron Woodley, Tyrone Marsh, Simon Hackney. Subs (not used):Max Crocombe, Allen, Conor McDonagh, Aiden Hawtin

Banbury United :- Joe Murrell, Ollie Stanbridge, Mikey Earle, Joe Eyre (67 mins. Sean Snelling), Adam Learoyd, Nathan Haisley, Joe Coleman, Declan Benjamin, David Stone, Henry Rose (83 mins. Durrell Livous), David Staff. Subs (not used): Jack Harding, Anton Sambrook

Attendance – 131