EMIRATES FA CUP | HEAD OF STEAM

Banbury United had a good away win at the weekend as they breeze into the fourth round qualifying

It’s been an up and down kind of start to the season for Banbury United.

Three wins, three draws and three defeats from their opening nine Pitching In Southern League Premier Central gamed would suggest this, but in the Emirates FA Cup they are building up a head of steam.

After overcoming a tough challenge at Mangotsfield United in the first round qualifying, they then prospered on penalties against Chasetown before heading to League rivals, Leiston, at the weekend and breezing through 3-0.

They have been rewarded with a home tie in the fourth round qualifying as they play host to St. Albans City.

“Saturday’s performance was another occasion where we really showed what we are capable of,” said Josh Flanagan. “It was a fully deserved and commanding win, similar to our recent 4-1 victory over Spalding United where we outworked and outran our opponents.

“There have been other similar glimpses recently as well as games where we have let ourselves down.

“You have to bear in mind that only five lads stayed on from last season, so this is very much a fresh group, but we are confident of what we can go on to achieve together.

“The FA Cup offers us an opportunity to have a bit of a run and we’ve got a home draw to look forward to in a couple of weeks’ time.”

Flanagan has been playing out of position in the centre back role since returning from injury.

“I have to say that I am starting to really enjoy this position,” he admitted. “It took a bit of getting used to, but I’ve been able to use my experience.

“I’ve been around this League a long time with multiple teams and there is no doubt in my mind that this year is the toughest by a long way. We are up against plenty of quality and the addition of teams such as Worcester City, Real Bedford and Bury Town makes for a strong competition.

“You only have to look at the results so far this season to see how everyone is capable of beating each other.

“I want to be part of one of the best defensive records in the League as well as making my mark at the other end of the pitch where possible.

“As a team we have to be aiming for the play-offs, whilst, as I say, a run in the FA Cup would also give us a nice boost and secure extra finance for the club as well as plenty of interest amongst the supporters.”

This is how the rest of Monday afternoon’s Emirates FA Cup fourth round qualifying draw affects our member clubs.

There’s an away trip for Stamford AFC as they go to Macclesfield, whilst Spalding United also hit the road with a long trip up to the north-east to face South Shields.

If Halesowen Town can overcome the challenge of Aveley in their replay, a home tie against Gateshead awaits, as Harborough Town hit the road with their desitination Altrincham of The National League.

The winner of the Flackwell Heath v Bracknell Town replay will go to Maldon & Tiptree. An away tie has also been handed to Needham Market, who go to Weston super Mare and finally Farnham Town, who are making history in this stage of the competition for the first time, have a mouth-watering home tie against Sutton United.

IMAGE: Banbury United FC

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