This Under 18 fixture was given the go ahead following an early morning 8am inspection. The -3 degree temperatures overnight meant that the grass was covered white, but the ground was soft and perfect to play on. The game turned out to be a cracker, and would certainly have helped to warm up the spectators who watched on from the sidelines.

Banbury United were looking to bounce back from last weekend's narrow defeat away to an excellent Rushall side, and started the game with a different shape for this match. A back three introduced in a 3-4-1-2 formation.

Sporting started brightly, and the Banbury Utd lads struggled to get to grips the change in shape early on. An early corner wasnt cleared at the near post, and the ball found its way across the six yard box for the Sporting Khalsa forward to dive in and head the ball into the back of the net. 0-1.

There was almost an immediate response as Tadi hit a low hard shot from the corner of the penalty area which the keeper fumbled. Pablo was first to the loose ball, but couldn't divert the ball into the net as the keeper recovered to knock the ball wide of the post with his outstretched foot.

On 15 minutes Sporting Khalsa were close to extending their lead, as some sloppy play from Banbury losing the ball in the middle of the pitch resulted in the number 9 being through one on one. But Jacob stood tall and made a great save with his feet to keep the deficit to just one.

Carl and Ben made a slight tactical alteration after 23 minutes with Ollie Edmunds coming into a defensive midfield role alongside Jacob Hayes, and Ollie Corney coming into the back three, as Sporting appeared to be getting on top in the match. Tyra was also brought on upfront to offer the defenders a different type of problem.

Tyra's power and pace was instantly causing issues for Sporting Khalsa, and on 29 minutes he raced through a couple of challenges before being sandwiched and brought down by two Khalsa defenders in the penalty area. As clear a penalty as you will see, and if awarded further punishment in the form of a red card would likely of been distributed. The referee though saw something no one else in the ground did (including the sporting coach and subs on the bench) and waved play on!

A few minutes later Zach hit a curling left footed free kick just wide of the post, and following a flurry of good corner deliveries from both Zach and Tyra, we could quite force home a goal, the closest we come was Lucas's header just wide, and Charlie firing a lose ball at goal that was cleared by a defender just short of the goal line.

Parity was restored in the game on 38 minutes. Josh fired an effort low at goal that smacked off the foot of the post, Tadi reacted the quickest to smash the ball low and into the net for 1-1. No more than the team deserved following relentless pressure for the 20 minutes or so prior to the goal.

The pressure continued upto half time, and two minutes before the interval Tyra almost scored a sensational goal. He picked the ball up 25 yards out and smashed a great strike at goal, somehow the Khalsa keeper got his fingertips to it and tipped it onto the crossbar, Tadi couldnt quite connect with the rebound, as the ball was cleared to safety.

Into the second half and a couple of alterations with Fin coming on for Josh to try and stiffen up the midfield a little, and Lewis re-entering the pitch in place of Lucas. Tyra started the second half as he ended the first and forced the Khalsa keeper who was having a very good game into a couple of diving saves. Zach also fired an arrowing shot which was also parried to safety by the keeper.

Ollie Corney then found himself in an unusually high forward position, but done well to cut the ball back to Tadi, whose flick towards goal was well saved again by the keeper.

Banbury were really forcing the game now, and creating a lot of pressure on the Sporting Khalsa goal. This pressure was finally rewarded after 65 minutes. Tadi received the ball on the left hand side of the penalty area and hit a looping effort that was over the keeper an into the net. 2-1. Tadi's fourth goal in his first two games for the team.

Banbury saw the remainder of the game out really well. Creating the better of the opportunities as the game reached its conclusion. Will Manvell had a half volley at goal that was just over the bar, then some good interchange between Pablo and Zach should of bought about the third goal but the keeper saved from Pablo, and Zach's shot was blocked.

Jacob had to save a couple of long range efforts, which were routine for him, and although there was some tension as the ref found a good chunk of stoppage time from somewhere, the lads held on with relative comfort to claim a fully deserved 2-1 win.

Next week we play an away game against local derby against rivals Brackley Town, where the team will look to build on today's good performance.

Full Time
Banbury United U18 2 Sporting Khalsa U18 1
Goalscorers - Tadiwanashe Chivenga 2
Assists - Josh Crossman
MOTM - Tyra Aitken