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Puritans hoping to smash a 1974 record on their march to Wembley
09/02/2023
Super-fan Phil hopes people will get behind the team this Saturday
Excitement is building as Banbury United prepare to take another step on the road to Wembley this weekend. The Puritans will face Gateshead FC in the 5th round of the Isuzu FA Trophy on Saturday afternoon.
With the big game getting closer local people are being asked to get behind Andy Whing’s team and head to the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium to be the team’s twelfth man.
By making it into the last 16 the Puritans have equalled the club’s previous best in the competition, which was back in 1974 – a match they unfortunately lost 1-0 in a second replay match against Dartford. Saturday’s game is a chance for the team to make the history books.
A win will see the team through to the quarter-finals and just two matches away from a final at Wembley Stadium.
Banbury United Chairman Ronnie Johnson is urging people to get behind the team. He said: “Word is increasingly spreading locally about the success of Banbury United, and what a great show the team puts on for the crowd.
“If you’ve been wondering when to take the leap and finally come down and see what all the fuss is about, then Saturday’s home FA Trophy match is the time to do it! Our players need the town to get behind them.”
Wroxton-born Phil Coles has supported Banbury United since being taken to the stadium as a boy by his father. He still watches as many home and away matches as he can.
Phil recalls the last time the club reached the last 16 in the FA Trophy, when he was working as an electrician for National Electric in Banbury. He said: “There was a lot of anticipation for the 5th round match in 1974. I had a dream the night before the match that we got all the way to Wembley. Instead of winning a trophy, we won my tea flask! I won’t be sharing any of my visions this time round!
“In 1974, there wasn’t much sport on the telly and Banbury United had big crowds, regularly over 1,000. We had some great players in that season including Tony Jacques and Tony Foster up front and Colin Moulsdale in defence. We had a power crisis in 1974, meaning our FA Trophy match was played on a Wednesday afternoon, to avoid the need for floodlights.
“This is a really big game for the club. Gateshead are in the league above us, but let’s not forget, it’s a Cup tie and anything can happen.”
Phil will be attending the Gateshead match on Saturday with his son and grandson who live locally.
Admission to the game costs £15 for adults, with concessions priced at £11 and students (with ID) at £8. Under 18s can get in for £5 and under 11s for just £2. Tickets can be purchased here. Parking is free (between 1pm and 6.30pm) in the Chiltern Railways car park adjacent to the stadium.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam