Banbury broke new ground with their first ever trip to Rushall Olympic in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division Central.

Rushall started on the front foot and after 6 minutes Captain Simeon Maye got in a shot that debutant keeper James Goff saved easily. Charlie Hawtin, returning to league action after injury in March, had to make a goaline clearance five minutes later but after that Banbury came more into the game. On loan Ravi Shamsi crossed for another debutant Steve Diggin but his header was kept out at the far post by home keeper Joe Slinn. However, Banbury then broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with Shamsi scoring a spectacular volley from 30 yards after a great first touch.

Banbury held onto the lead without alarm until half time and 15 minutes into the second half Shamsi came close to doubling his tally when he shot wide. Jack Self was denied by Slinn on 80 minutes but three minutes later Rushall equalised after a strong spell of pressure when Danny Waldron's shot from inside the box eluded Goff.

Banbury United: 1 James Goff, 2 Jordy Ngathe, 5 Charlie Wise, 6 Lewis Gabbidon (Sub 65 mins – 9 Ricky Johnson), 7 Charlie Hawtin, 8 Jack Self, 10 Steve Diggin, 13 Ravi Shamsi, 14 Lee Henderson, 16 Greg Kazaboni (Sub 85 mins – 11 Mark Bell), 20 Jack Finch.
Unused Subs: 12 Amer Awadh, 17 Harry Whitehouse 18 Ben Baker.

Report by Dave Pearce