THE Blues visit Banbury United on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick off) as they return to league action after two FA Cup games against Grays Athletic writes Craig Cooper.

After drawing 0-0 in the first game at Tilbury FC on Saturday, the Blues won 5-0 in the replay in Suffolk on Tuesday night at the Flannery Stadium.

The win set up a tie away at Hitchin Town next weekend in the Second Round Qualifying of this year’s competition.

Joao Rangel could return to the squad this weekend after being out injured so far this season while Noel Aitkens could also be involved after missing the midweek game.

Banbury United went out of the FA Cup on Wednesday night losing 2-1 at Exmouth Town after drawing 0-0 in Oxfordshire on Saturday.

Leiston are currently in 8th place, with 8 points from 6 games, while Banbury United are in 18th position with 5 points from 6 matches. Leiston have not enjoyed great success on previous visits to Banbury, one point from a possible 12 points.

PREVIOUS GAMES AT BANBURY

Saturday 18th August 2018:
Banbury United 1 (Johnson) Leiston 0

Tuesday 19th October 2021:
Banbury United 3 (Kelvin Langmead (2), Morgan Roberts) Leiston 2 (Finlay Barnes, Joe Marsden)

Saturday 24th August 2024:
Banbury United 1 (Prince Henry) Leiston 0

Saturday 16th August 2025:
Banbury United 1 (Reece Styche) Leiston 1 (Joao Rangel)

BANBURY FACTS

THE club was founded in 1931, and they are managed by Kelvin Langmead. They came 12th last season and after beating Leiston at home early on, the Blues won 3-0 in the return fixture.

Their current home, the TUGO Community Stadium, has been their home since the 1934-1935 season.

They have reached the First Round of the FA Cup on six previous occasions, most recently in the 2021/2022 season.

Tony Jacques once scored 62 times for the club, a record for Banbury, in the 1967/1968 campaign.

They are nicknamed the Puritans. The Puritans were English Protestants who sought to rid the Church of England of Roman Catholic practises in the 16th and 17th centuries. The town of Banbury was known then as a strongly Puritan area.

Games coming up in September for the Blues:

Saturday 19th Sep: Hitchin Town (Away - Emirates FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying)
Tuesday 22nd Sep: Peterborough Sports (H)
Saturday 26th Sep: TBC - FA Trophy 3rd Round Qualifying
Tues 29th Sep: Real Bedford (Away)

MATCH INFORMATION
Banbury United v Blues
Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central
Saturday, September 12th, 3pm kick off
The Tugo Community Stadium, Station Approach, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5AB

Admission Prices:
Adults £14
Concessions (over 65s and Students) £12
Under 18’s £7
Under 11’s Free of charge

Game 7/42