The under 16s started a run of 4 league and cup home games in a row at Horton View, on was a lovely mild morning for mid November.
The visitors to Horton View were league leaders Atherstone Town. Atherstone coming with a 100% record and off a back of a good win against Shifinall last weekend.

Atherstone were the first team that I can remember who brought with them actual supporters (not just parents). Having access to Atherstone Town's first team stadium, I'm sure it was a little of a rude awakening for the visitors players and coaches to turn up this morning at the council facilities at Horton View in Banbury. The Warwickshire club clearly getting behind their youth setup with all players (and coaches) individually sponsored by local businesses. It remains to be seen if the time, effort an resources the club are putting into the youth setup will reap rewards in the future. But its definitely the blueprint for other clubs to aspire too.

The team started with the same shape as the excellent performance and result last weekend in Northampton, and in truth they started the game as they left off last week. We were the better side in and out of possession. We had the majority of territory and were also playing the better football.

The team had the first effort of note in the game too. Toby was supplied with an excellent outside of the boot pass by Lewis. He drove into the penalty area and hit a good shot at goal that was well saved by the keeper. The rebound fell to Josh whose first time shot was high and wide.

It therefore came completely out of the blue when Atherstone opened the scoring. It was a goal that was completely avoidable, and handed to the visitors on a plate. Toby's pass backwards was a little wayward, defensively then we were a bit hesitant, allowing the Atherstone number 9 to nip in and sidefoot past Myron when one-on-one. 0-1.

The lads didn't let this setback affect them, they were immediately back onto the front foot, and were rewarded with an equaliser on 12 minutes. A free kick was awarded just outside the penalty area. Lewis stepped up and struck it hard and low at goal. The Atherstone keeper kept it out, but it rebounded out into the six yard box. Lex reacted fastest but his shot was blocked, this time as far as Toby who smashed a left footed shot into the roof of the net 1-1.

This was a game of very little goal opportunities. Myron was sharp off his line on a couple of occasions, and when put under pressure the Atherstone keeper looked shaky and anything but confident. But clear cut chances were at a premium. Banbury were definitely overall playing the better football and having the lion share of possession and territory.

Atherstone retook the lead after 30 minutes. Having twice failed to clear our lines defensively Atherstone won a corner kick. The lads switch off and a short corner was crossed into the box and turned home at the near post. 1-2

The goal seemed to knock the boys a bit and Atherstone had an opportunity to further the lead, but a cross shot went right across the goal, and cleared to safety by Arthur.

What was probably the key moment in the game arrived one minute before half time. Pablo who had entered the pitch midway through the half was played in down the right. He done brilliantly well to disposes the full back, beat the next man and drive to the byline. He then cut the ball back to Lewis who struck the ball towards goal. The Atherstone defender blocked the shot with his hand, and a penalty was awarded. The referee however made the baffling decision to not issue the defender with a red card. A decision that would go onto have a massive bearing on the outcome. The referee later suggesting the player wasnt sent off "As he didnt know which player handled it".

Lewis stepped up to take the penalty, and despite the divot in the penalty spot causing the ball to jump up, dispatched it into the corner to make it 2-2 at half time.

The second half was something of a non event. Punctuated with poor decisions, and sloppy play. Pablo had a low effort with his left foot that was saved low down by the keeper, Lennon had a free kick that was high and wide, and Lewis also had a free kick that was against the top of the wall.

Atherstone scored what turned out to be the winning goal on 48 minutes. Once again a hugely controversial moment. Atherstone were given a throw in on the right side. It was clearly the wrong decision and should of been a Banbury throw in. I was stood right next to it. The linesman also agreed and flagged for our thrown in. However, for some reason unbeknown to me the referee awarded it to the visitors. The lads didnt defend the throw in at all well, and the Atherstone player was allowed to run into the box and smash high into the net. 2-3.

The injustice of this decision, and the one at the end of the first half definitely led to the boys feeling aggrieved. The match became scrappy, and in truth the referee who was having a shocking morning lost control of the game. Four yellow cards were awarded in the last 30 minutes, and a sin bin meant we had to play 10 of the last 15 minutes with 10 players.

We tried to push for an equaliser, but there were few chances at either end of the pitch of note. Atherstone maintained their 100% record, but Banbury Utd can certainly feel hard done by. The result was harsh on the boys, and the poor refereeing performance made it feel like a really frustrating morning. However - having had time to reflect, its clear that the boys can take confidence from our performances this season. We have shown that we can compete with any team we face - we have been unlucky to lose two of the last three matches, its been down to small details. Had we got the rub of the green in those two games, we would be sitting pretty right at the top of the table.

Next week a home game against CS Colts. Another team in impressive form, and flying high in the league.

Full Time
Banbury United U16s 2 Atherstone Town U16s 3
Goals - Toby, Lewis (Pen)
Assists - Lex, Pablo
MOTM- Toby