After a week off for the half term break, United U18s got back to winning ways in a game that had almost everything!
The squad depth was tested to the limit for this morning's fixture with no fewer than 10 unavailable players due to a mixture of injuries, holidays and in the case of Zach Scott a first team trip with Mark Jones and the team to Southport for the National League North fixture.

The game started pretty cagey with Banbury enjoying the bulk of territory and possession without creating much in terms of clear cut opportunities. Archie Hamblin who was starting today in the left back position swung in two really inviting corners, which couldn't quite be forced over the goal line. Nathan had to be alert to safely claim a long range effort from Rugby after 10 minutes.

Banbury were forced into an early substitution with Archie landing awkwardly on his shoulder when challenged strongly down by the touchline. Mick replacing him at left back. On 16 minutes following a corner from Lucas the ball fell to Lewis on the edge of the penalty area but his strike was high and into the cow field! five minutes later Josh who worked tirelessly all game chased down a back pass to the Rugby keeper, who panicked and picked the ball up under pressure. An indirect free kick was awarded, and after the ball was laid back to Lewis he smashed it towards goal, but it was deflected just wide.

Rugby somewhat against the run of play took the lead. A poor defensive clearance from the Banbury defence, invited the Rugby Striker Number 14 to evade a cup of challenges and shoot low and hard, Nathan got a strong hand to it, but could only push it into the corner of the net 0-1.

The goal seemed to knock the teams confidence, and Rugby started to grow into the game, and took control for a 10 minute spell. During this time Nathan had to make a superb one handed save from a strike just inside the penalty area, the ball diverting just wide of the post.

Will Manvell came on for Ollie Edmunds with 5 or 6 minutes of the half remaining to add a bit more attacking threat as we chased an equaliser, and it almost provided an instant response. Lucas played a good first time pass into Will on the right wing, but he couldn't quite the ball out of his feet, and the defender recovered to make a tackle just as Will was going to shoot.

Will was in the thick of the action again a minute before half time. Lukas this time played Will in on the right wing, Will's first touch was to bring the ball into the penalty area and the Rugby number 2 recklessly took him out for as clear a penalty as you will ever see. A yellow card was shown to the Rugby defender. Lewis stepped up to take the penalty, and although the keeper dived the right way, Lewis penalty was powerful and accurate and into the corner of the net for 1-1.

At half time there was a couple of changes made, with Ollie Corney coming on in central defence for Charlie who was struggling with a foot injury. The other change was in goal where Nathan was replaced by Jacob Humphries between the sticks.

The lads started the second half really strongly. Rugby were being pinned back into their half, and couldn't get out. When they did get out, the ball was coming straight back at them with the Banbury defence winning it back quickly. The two full backs in particular Mick and Thomas were having really solid matches keeping the Rugby wingers quiet all afternoon.

Lewis's influence on the game was growing, and he was beginning to pull the strings in midfield. On 62 minutes a superb long range effort from him was well tipped over the bar by the Rugby keeper, the resulting corner cleared to safety.

On 72 minutes it looked like the pressure had finally paid off, but the Rugby keeper had other ideas. Having half cleared the ball from a free kick, Jacob Hayes retrieved it and played a lovely clipped ball into the box. There were two free Banbury players in the area, Lukas was the one who won the header, but the Rugby keeper flew to his right to make a great save and keep the score level.

Rugby had seemingly weathered the Banbury storm, and were beginning to apply some pressure of their own. Banbury were indebted this time to Jacob Humphries for keeping the score level. One relatively routine save from a half volley in the corner of the six yard box. The other save a tremendous acrobatic save tipped over the bar from the left of the penalty area that was definitely creeping into the net.

With 15 minutes to go there was one final roll of the dice for Banbury, as coaches Carl and Ben made the unusual decision of putting regular goalkeeper Nathan Whyman upfront to provide some aerial threat, and create a bit of chaos for the Rugby backline. Ollie Edmunds came back on into midfield, and Lewis was moved further forward onto the left wing to try and use his pace and skill to isolate the Rugby right back.

The plan nearly worked perfectly. A long kick forward from defence was flicked on by Nathan, Josh won the loose ball and played Lewis in on the left, he cut inside and struck towards goal, but his shot was deflected taking the pace off the ball and keeper saved well with his feet.

4 minutes from times, Banbury hearts were in mouths, as Rugby smashed a free kick at goal from just outside the penalty area, Jacob dived to his left and made a good strong save, the Rugby forward though reacted first to put the ball into the back of the net. Thankfully, the flag was up for offside, with the player a good few yards ahead of the defence.

As the watch ticked past the 90 minute mark, it looked like the U18s were going to pick up their first draw of the season. However, this was to change in dramatic fashion. The ball was passed forward to Josh who was once again a willing runner for the team, he got to the ball just before the keeper and was brought down. As the appeals for a foul rained down from all directions, Lewis picked up the loose ball around 30 yard out, and lobbed the ball over the keeper and the Rugby retreating defender and into the net for 2-1.

A fantastic ending to the match, and a result the lads fully deserved, setting us up nicely for an away trip to Leek Wootton next weekend.

Full Time
Banbury United U18 2 Rugby Borough U18 1
Goalscorer - Lewis Middleton 2
Assists - Will Manvell, Josh Crossman
MOTM - Lewis Middleton