Harborough Town U18 2 Banbury United U18 1

Banbury United U18s visited Market Harborough for this the last game of 2023. Despite a bright start it would ultimately lead to disappointment against a strong Harborough side obviously well suited to the lovely 4g facility they have there.

The team visited Leicestershire much depleted from the previous weeks match against Brackley. With injury, illness and other commitments meaning that we were missing no fewer than 5 players who played last weekend. Indeed two players came in to make their first appearances for the team today with Sean Musvoriwa and Cam Woods initially starting on the bench.

The first half was played at a high tempo, and the pattern was set the same pretty much throughout. Harborough had good possession of the ball, moving it particularly well on the 4g service, and winning the battle territorially aswell. However Banbury's shape was very good and despite Harborough having much of the ball, Banbury themselves created a lot of the better chances in the half.

Banbury took the lead rather fortuitously. Zach whipped in a corner from the right, a defender swung his leg at it and it flashed into the roof of the net for an own goal 0-1.

Harborough created a lot of half chances, but it seemed they were trying to score the perfect goal, and perhaps 'overplayed' at times. Nathan made a couple of comfortable saves from outside the penalty area, and some good defending from the back three marshalled by the impressive Harry Collings withstood the pressure well.

Indeed we had a great opportunity to extend our lead when some lovely link play between Tadi and Josh led to Zach to get ting in on the left of the penalty, but his left footed strike was into the side netting from a tight angle.
Zach also had a free kick from around 22 yards out that the keeper done well to tip over the bar.

Into the second half and Harborough continued to see most of the ball, and were pinning Banbury back into their own half. The difference this time was that United couldn't get out to threaten the home sides back line. The wind had picked up tremendously, and Banbury were now playing into the wind. this no doubt had a big impact on the way the game was going.

Harborough were gifted the opportunity to equalise on the hour mark. Mick was adjudged to have fouled the Harborough forward player. the foul decision was not in doubt, there was some debate as to whether the initial contact was inside or outside the box though. The Harborough player stepped up and drilled the ball down the middle and into the net 1-1.

Banbury did have one good chance in the second half to retake the lead, Jacob played a good throughball through the centre of the defence Tadi outmuscled his marker and was through into the penalty box, although just as he was about to strike the ball towards goal a defender came across well to block his shot.

Harborough had a long range strike from distance well tipped over the bar by Nathan, and had a couple of other good opportunities flashed over the bar. But the pressure finally told 6 minutes from time. A corner from the right was whipped in, and much like our goal in the first half Lewis in an attempt to clear headed the ball against his own crossbar, the ball fell kindly to a Harborough player to nod into the net from a yard or so out. 2-1.

Harborough managed the remainder of the game well, running the clock down with numerous late substitutions. The game became scrappy and a little tetchy, it has to be said not helped by a terrible performance by the referee. There was no bias from the official, he just barely got a decision right the whole game - creating a sense of amazement from the touchlines.

This match brought the curtain down on 2023 for the team. A year that without doubt the team can look back on with a great deal of pride and satisfaction. We started 2023 very well, concluding our campaign in the U16 MJPL league. Finishing in the top 10 of the league by the end.

The team then moved under the umbrella of the main club Banbury United FC for the 2023/24 season, and competing in the U18 MJPL league with the vast majority of the players playing against teams a year older than them - they have competed impressively and have played nearly all the top teams in the league this season. Although we would of like to have turned a couple more of our performances into points, we find ourselves in a decent position moving into the new year.

There has been some great highlights - notably our victories against Rugby Borough and against local rivals Brackley Town.
We also look back proudly as one of our players Zach Scott made his first team debut at Edgar Street against Hereford in November. A number of other players were rewarded with the chance to train with the first team, and we are sure this will provide a source of encouragement for the whole squad as the season progresses, knowing there are opportunities to be grasped in 2024!

Merry Christmas to all our players, parents and supporters, and I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Carl

Full Time
Harborough Town U18s 2 Banbury United U18s 1
Goalscorer - OG
Assist - Zach Scott
MOTM - Harry Collings