Date: Fri 05 Nov 2021

By Steve Whitney

Emirates FA Cup Preview - Banbury United v Barrow AFC

A look at the televised tie.

Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central club Banbury United`s tie at the Plant Hire Community Stadium against League Two side Barrow AFC will be televised live on ITV4, kicking-off at 5.15pm.

This is the second consecutive season that Banbury have reached First Round Proper, having not previously done so since 1973/74 when they lost 3-2 at Northampton Town in a replay after a 0-0 draw at home.

They disappointingly lost 2-1 to Isthmian League North side Canvey Island at this stage last season.

However, the Puritans have never progressed past the First Round.

To reach this stage of the competition, Andy Whing`s side, who still unbeaten in the league, have seen off Ardley United 1-0 in the First Qualifying Round, Northern Premier League Premier Division Nantwich Town 2-1 in the Second Qualifying Round, the Dabbers` league rivals Basford United 1-0 in the Third Qualifying Round and then beat Vanarama National League South side Bath City 1-0 at home in the last round.

Barrow, in their second season in the Football League after winning the National League title in 2019/20 under now-Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt, were eliminated in First Round last season, losing to AFC Wimbledon on penalties.

They are looking to reach the second round of the competition for the first time since 2016/17.

Before they were relegated to the Northern Premier League after being voted out in 1972 to be replaced by Hereford United, the Bluebirds had a good record against non-League teams in the FA Cup, winning ten of their eleven ties, though this is their most recent such game since 1969/70 against Alfreton Town, winning after a third replay.

Banbury will have to keep a close watch on attacking midfielder Ollie Banks, who is Barrow`s top scorer with 7 goals.

He joined from Tranmere Rovers in January 2021 and has experience of non-League football, having appeared in the colours of Gainsborough Trinity, Scarborough Athletic, North Ferriby United and FC United of Manchester before being given a second chance at League level with Chesterfield in 2013.

Banbury United Web Site

Get Stuck In!

Southern Football League, Volunteer and help out your local football club!

Get involved with your club!

Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:

www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.uk

Pitching In Southern League

All the news and results in one place.

REGISTER