It was finally here, preseason complete, new and returning players competing together in our opening league fixture of the 2026/27 season, our hosts Aylesbury United.

After a couple of early exchanges, it was Banbury who struck as early as the 3rd minute when Katie Kukla, on her league debut, converted following a flowing move featuring both Kyra Cotter and Alex Pitcher. Unfortunately, the lead was short lived as Aylesbury equalised on 6 minutes.

Banbury looked the more dangerous team and Kyra Cotter reinstated Banbury’s lead on 21 minutes latching on to a clever back heel from Katie and firing in on the near post. That was quickly followed with a second goal for Katie on 23 minutes.

On 40 minutes Aylesbury scored their second but player of the match, Kailey Hardy, another debutant, scored on 45 minutes directly from a free kick which was at least 40m from goal!

Half time: Aylesbury United 2 Banbury United 4

After making a couple of changes at half time Banbury continued to control the game but it was Aylesbury who scored the first goal of the half pulling it back to 4–3 on 57 minutes.

Katie completed her hat trick on 64 minutes running on to a through ball from Terri Fisher. Banbury then conceded on 70 minutes and again on 72 minutes while team captain Rachel Aspinall was forced to leave the field for the (new) statutory 1 minute after receiving treatment following a clash of heads.

Both teams held firm in a nervous closing 15 minutes to share the points in an entertaining opening game. Congratulations to both teams for their endeavours.