THE BLUES head to Banbury United this weekend for what will be their third trip to the Oxfordshire club.

Leiston have come from behind in their last two home fixtures to secure a point and will be looking for their first win of the campaign. Banbury have won one, drawn one and lost one of their opening three fixtures, as they sit 11th.

Leiston have lost both games on their previous visits to Banbury. In August 2018, the Blues lost 1-0 while in October 2021, Banbury scored a late goal as the Blues lost 3-2. Will Davies and Joe Marsden scored the Blues goals on the night. Banbury won the league that season, winning the division by 23 points.

It’s a busy few days for the Blues as they host Royston Town on Monday afternoon at Victory Road, and then look forward to an FA Cup visit of Waltham Abbey next weekend.

Blues defender Seb Dunbar is likely to miss tomorrow’s match again. Club captain Dunbar is still struggling with a calf injury.

Blues boss Chris Wigger said ahead of the Banbury clash: “The way we’re playing is really good, our football is excellent, free-flowing and it’s just a case of turning possession into goals. We need to unlock that door. We’re not far away, but we have got to be prepared to buy a ticket. If you don’t buy a ticket you don’t win the lottery. We need more crosses in the box, get more shots off.

“It’s a hostile place to go, they have very passionate fans and that’s been a big part of their success. It’s also a very difficult place to go. But they are back in the Premier Central again now and are a bit of an unknown quantity, a changed side. It’s going to be a game we’re all looking forward to.”

Meanwhile, Blues player Ollie Saunders, said this week: “I feel like our first win is just around the corner. As a team we’re playing well, keeping the ball well and dominating most games. I think it’s just a case of being more clinical in both boxes, defending ours better and being more ruthless in the opponents’ box.”

Saunders added: “Our fans have been great at home especially. We need their support. We are all looking forward to being at home again on Monday, but first it’s an important clash at Banbury, a game for us to concentrate on and bring home some points.”

Banbury have been in the National League North in the last two seasons. Last season, they were relegated after finishing third from bottom.

A few stats on tomorrow’s opponents: -
Best FA Cup performance: First round 1947–48, 1961–62, 1972–73, 1973–74, 2020–21, 2021–22
Best FA Trophy performance: Fourth round, 2022–23
Best FA Vase performance: Second round, 1999–2000
Record attendance: 7,160 vs Oxford City, FA Cup third qualifying round, 30 October 1948
Most goals: Dick Pike and Tony Jacques share the record goals at Banbury United. Both scored 222
Most appearances: Jody McKay, 576.

Match Information
Pitching In Southern League Central Premier
Banbury United v Blues
3pm kick off
The Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium, Banbury, OX16 5AB.
Tel: - 01295 263354.

Admission Prices
Adults £14, Concession £10, Students £8, U18 £5, U11’s FOC (accompanied by an adult).

Game 4/42.