The Dabbers’ run of cup games continues this Saturday with the Second Qualifying Round tie against Banbury United.
BaddaBan
Banbury are 15th in National League North with 11 points from 9 games. They ended a recent run of 4 games without winning, 3 of those without scoring, with a convincing 3-0 win over Warrington Town in their last match. All 4 of their losses this season have been by 3 goals or more, including most recently a 4-0 to South Shields, and they have yet to gain any points from a losing position.
A change in management in the summer saw Andy Whing step down and subsequently join Solihull Moors after 3 successful years with the Puritans. Mark Jones is now the manager who will look to maintain their status in the sixth tier and build on Whing’s work.
Last Time Out
It’s déjà vu all over again as the Dabbers and Banbury meet at the Swansway Stadium in the Second Qualifying Round for the second time in 3 years. In September 2021, Banbury, who were then at the same tier as Nantwich, came out 2-1 winners thanks to an 89th minute winner to complete the comeback after James Lawrie had put Nantwich ahead early on, with Banbury going on to reach the First Round Proper and get promotion that season. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
Ken Charles, whose name sounds like he should be banging in goals in the 1950s, is in fact scoring well in this decade. He has 4 for the season, scored in 2 pairs, most recently in the Warrington win last weekend.
Match Information
The pre-match entertainment starts in earnest in the Atherton Lounge and bar area with local artist Maisie Atkinson performing.
Tickets are available online HERE or on the gate.
Photo by Jonathan White