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FROM THE BOARDROOM
Goodevening,everyone,anditisapleasuretowelcomeyoualltotheQuattro-Tech Westwood Road as we continue our league programme with the visit of Banbury United.
This match comes just two days after both teams enjoyed good results at the weekend. Our visitors recorded a fine 4-1 victory against Bishop’s Stortford whilst the Ives were magnificent as they won 3-2 at leaders Spalding. After finding ourselves one up at the break, we fell behind 2-1 only for Kellan Hickinson and Michael Richens to hit back and secure us a wonderful victory. Certainly, the win oftheseasonsofar.
There has been lots going on at the club since the last home game. On the playing front, we have lost the services of Amir Hadi to Farnborough. It was a good move for Amir, as Farnborough are a league higher and they are also closer to home for him. No question, Amir had been in fine form of late and it was no surprise when hedecidedtomoveon.
You will recall that when Paul Reason stepped down as Chairman last month, we began a restructure of how the club operates behind the scenes. We have made considerable progress with this and have identified potential new investment which will also see some enhancements around the club. We have also appointed Gino Pistilli to the role of Director of Football. Gino has been involved with the youth section for a while and will be working with teams below the first team to improvethepathwayfromjuniortoseniorfootball.
We are also in the initial stages of exploring the feasibility of installing a Padel Court on site. There is a long way to go with this, but Padel is an up-and-coming sportinthiscountryandhasastrongpopularityanditisanoptionatthisstageas welooktobringinadditionalrevenue.
In terms of off the field revenue, a massive thank you to everyone who supported the Quiz Night on Friday night. We had nineteen teams taking part, and the bar was absolutely rammed. It was magnificent to see, and it helped us raise good moneyforthefootballclub.
FROM THE BOARDROOM
On Sunday, we had representation at the remembrance service in St Ives. Mark Walker and I laid the wreath on behalf of the football club. It was an immense honour to join those from other community groups as we came together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Ahead of the game tonight, the clubwillbemarkingtheirownrespectswithaminute’ssilence.
Tonight, we welcome Clubber TV to the ground who will be providing a live stream of the match. Clubber TV are broadcasting a number of matches from the Trident Leagues this season, and we are delighted to have them here tonight. Andy Abbott from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and me will be providing live commentary. We will also be on the live stream again this Saturday when we are at home to Needham Market. Look out for the scaffolding housing the film crew and commentatorsonthefarsideoftheground!
As always, we are looking for individuals and groups to come forward and take up one of our matchday hospitality or sponsorship packages. Please give it some consideration as it is a fantastic way to enhance the matchday experience here at St Ives Town. On the subject of sponsorship, thank you to Greene King, our ball sponsorsthisevening.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to say what a great vibe there is around the club at the moment. When Mark Taylor and I took on the roles of Interim CoChairman at the beginning of October, we were not sure what to expect, but we made it clear that we wanted everyone to come together. I genuinely feel that this ishappeningandasIhavesaidbefore,unityplaysabigpartinsuccess.
Let’s hope we can carry on from where we left off on Saturday and record another bigthreepointthisevening. ComeonyouIves!
AndrewDunn
BANBURY UNITED BANBURY UNITED THIS SEASON! THIS SEASON!
LEAGUE CAMPAIGN SO FAR LEAGUE CAMPAIGN SO FAR
Games-11
Games-11
Wins-6
Wins-6
Draws-2
Draws-2
Losses-3
Losses-3
Points-20
Points-20
The Puritans came into this campaign looking to improve on last seasons’ 12 place finish in Southern League Premier Division Central, with the Oxfordshire-based outfit beginning their 2 consecutive year in step three following their relegation from National League North in 2023/24. th
Today’s visitors started the season brightly, with manager Kelvin Langmead’s side remaining unbeaten in their first five league encounters. However, Banbury’s form took a turn for the worst as they lost six out of their following seven league games. Banbury fans will be pleased that their losing run has come to an end leading into today’s fixture, following their 4-1 win away at Bishop’s Stortford.
On the brighter side, the Banbury faithful have been treated to an impressive FA Cup run, with Langmead’s men making it through to the fourth qualifying round of the competition, beating Mangotsfield United, Chasetown and Leiston in the process. They were eventually knocked out by St Albans City in their fourth round qualifying round replay.
Like Ives, Puritans were knocked out of the FA Trophy at the first round proper stage, beating Thame United, before losing 1-0 away at Bracknell Town.
BANBURY UNITED BANBURY UNITED
THIS SEASON! THIS SEASON!
BANBURY UNITED-MAN IN FOCUS
ConnorFerguson
Age:22
Position:Striker
Ferguson will be full of confidence heading into today’s fixture against Ives following his superb hat-trick which helped his side overcome Bishop’s Stortford 4-1 on Saturday afternoon.
The 22 year-old has been an ever-present in Langmead’s side having featured in 17 games so far in the 2025/25 season, with his three goals on the weekend helping the young striker to open his goal scoring account for the season in emphatic fashion.
Ferguson started off his career with neighbouring Oxford United as a youngster, before being released in 2020. Since then, he has enjoyed spells at Thane United, Didcot Town and Kidlington, before making the move to the Spencer Stadium prior to the 2024/25 campaign.
BANBURY UNITED-MAN IN FOCUS
LAST MACTCH LAST MACTCH REPORT! REPORT!
SpaldingUnitedvStIvesTown
Pitching-InSouthernLeaguePremierCentral08-11-2025
AnalmostperfectcounterattackingperformancesawtheIvestoppletheleagueleaderson theirownpatch.Aresultthatmovesthevisitorsupintothetophalfofthetableand knocksthehostsofftheirillustriousperch.Buttosimplyfocusontheresultwouldseema bitchurlishasmakenomistakethiswasahighlyentertainingaffairwherethelead changedhandsthreetimes.AnearlygoalputIvesintotheascendencybutaboldattacking movefromTulipsbossJimmyDeanreplacingbothofhisfullbackswithattackersatthe breaklookedlikeitwasgoingtopayoffasthehostsnettedtwoinfourminutesjustafter thehourtoturnthingsaround.Butthevisitorswerenottobebeatenandanerrorfromex IveskeeperJamesDadgegiftedthemanequaliserwithfifteenminutestogoandMichael Richensspectacularwinnerdeepinaddedtimeputtheicingonthecake.
IvesmanagerRickyMarheinekehandedCambridgeUnitedloaneeJahrelMcKoyhisfirst startandtheyoungster’spowerful,butskilful,performancestoodoutonadaywhen everyoneplayedtheirpart.
Thevisitorswerefastoutofthetrapsandcouldhavegoneinfrontafteronlyninety secondsasJernadeMeadedroveintospacelayingofftoKellanHickinsonwhointurnfed inTheoAlexandrouthroughthecentre.Ivescentreforwardwasquicklycloseddownbut gothisshotawayforcingDadgeintoasmartsavelowtohisleft.
TheTulipsrespondedwellwithBartCybulskicurlinganeffortwidefromjustoutsidethe boxandBenHartfiringacrossthefaceofgoalfromtherightcornerofthebox.Allofthat beforeanerrorbyDadgeallowedLiamCrosstoputIvesinfrontafterfiveminutes.The powerfulMcKoyrodeacoupleoftacklesbeforeputtingAlexandrouawaydowntheright. Dadgecamerushingfromhisgoaltotryandbeatthestrikertotheballbutlostout. Alexandrouthenshowedgreatcomposuretogethisheadupandpickouttheunmarked CrossarrivinginthecentreleavingtheIvesnumbertenwiththesimpletaskofstoopingto headtheballintotheemptynet.
Ivescontinuedtorattletheirillustrioushostsastheytookeveryopportunitytobreakat pace.Alexandrouwasonlypreventedfromburstingclearontherightagainbyaclumsy challengefromConnorJohnsonwhopickedupayellowcardforhistroublesandalsoa knockthatsawhimlimpoutoftheactiononlyfourminuteslater.Thevisitorscamewithin inchesofdoublingtheirleadfromtheresultingRichensfreekickasAlexandrougotacross infrontofhismanatthenearpostandhisflickflewinchespastthepostwithDadge beaten.
LAST MACTCH LAST MACTCH REPORT! REPORT!
Saturday 8 November th
ThehostshuffedandpuffedbutdidnotreallylooklikeblowingIveshousedownasthey weredeliveringalloftheircrossesfrombothleftandrightstraightintothehandsofthe agileOllieTaylorinthevisitor’sgoalandheshowedexcellentfootworkandhandlingto ensurethathehungontoeverything.
Ivesstilllookedthemorethreateningonthebreakandtheywentcloseagainin19th minuteasMcKoyfedinEthanCrearydowntherightandthefullback’scrossdeflectedoff TulipsskipperLiamMoorejustpastthepost.
TheTulipscontinuedtopressbutwerestillstrugglingtoreallythreatenTaylor’sgoal.Jack Robertsfireda24thminutefreekickfrom25yardsstraightintoIvesfourmanwall.Lewis WhiteroseabovethecrowdtoheadAlfieBendle’s32ndminutecornerwide.Butittook untiladdedtimebeforethehostsfinallygotashotontargettotestTaylor.Duncan IdenhendidwelltoinitiallypreventCybulskigettinghisshotawayasthebigcentre forwardpoweredintotheboxbutasthepairbothtumbledinaheapeightyardsoutthe balldroppedontothestriker’sfootandhestruckapowerfuleffortthatTaylorreacted brilliantlytoparryaway.
RealisingthathehadtodosomethingtogethissidebackintothegameTulipsmanager DeanmadetheboldmoveofreplacingfullbacksBenHartandBenBlythewithstrikers MattBondswellandSanoSani.HealsoreshuffledhissidewithDionSembie-Ferrisand Bondswellplayingaswingbacksandbothstickingtothetouchlinetousethefullwidthof thepitchasmuchaspossible.
Thechangesplus,nodoubt,arocketfromDeanathalftimesawtheTulipscomeoutwith allgunsblazingatthestartofthesecondperiod.Crearydidbrilliantlytoblockaclose rangeeffortfromSaniwithCybulskiscrewingthereboundwidein49thminute.SembieFerrisshowedhisthreattwominuteslatercombiningwellwithRobertsbeforedeliveringa lowcrossthatSaniturnedwideatthenearpost.Taylortippedoverarisingdrivefrom Bendlemomentslater.
TaylorpulledoffanotherbravesavetoblockaSembie-Ferriseffortatpointblankrangein 57thminute.ThepressurecontinuedanotherSembie-Ferriscrosscausedproblemsonthe hourtheballeventuallyfallingtoCurtisThompsonwhofiredwidefromtheedgeofthe box.
LAST MACTCH LAST MACTCH REPORT! REPORT!
Saturday 8 November th
FiveminutesaddedtimewentupandIvesstillcontinuedtopushforawinner.McKoy harriedBondswellintoconcedingacornerinthethirdaddedminute.Meade’sresulting cornerclearedthecrowdatthenearpostanddroppedinvitinglyontoRichensrightfootby thepenaltyspot.Perfectconnectionsawtheballflyintothecornerofthenettosparkwild celebrationsamongstplayersandthesmallcontingentofIvesfansbehindthegoal. Withmoreaddedtimeforthecelebrationtherewerestilltwominutestogo.Twocorners werebravelyrepelledandasMcKoyvolleyedthelastofthoseclearoftheboxthefinal whistleblewonanoutstandingperformanceandacrackingresult.
FinalScore:SpaldingUnited2StIvesTown3HalfTime0-1
Goals:
SPALDING:Cybulski62,Ceesay66
STIVES:Cross5,Hickenson73,Richens90+4
TeamLineUps:
SPALDING:Dadge,Hart(Bondswell46),Blythe(Sani46),Moore (capt),Johnson(White12),Thompson,Roberts,Bendle,Sembie-Ferris, Cybulski,Ceesay,Unusedsubs:Lawlor,Nicholson
STIVES:Taylor,Creary,Richens(capt),Williams,Idehen,McKoy, Cross(Njie80),Hickenson(Shepherd84),Miles(Medrano75), Alexandrou,Meade,Unusedsubs:Smith, Referee:AndrewPark
Cards:Yellow:SPALDING:Johnson(8),Hart(10),Sani(77),SembieFerris(90)STIVES:Idehen(24),Hickenson(83) IVESSUPPORTERSMANOFTHEMATCH:JahrelMcKoy Attendance:507
RESERVES,
RESERVES NEWS
Since our last edition of the matchday programme, the reserves have continued to go about their business in good fashion despite tasting defeat against a strong Harborough Town side on the 25 of October. th
Manager Mark Field’s side have since got back to winning ways, first in the County Cup as the reserves overcame Godmanchester Reserves in a local clash that ended 3-1 despite having players missing through injury. This past weekend, they welcomed the visit of Rothwell Corinthians Reserves to the Quattro-Tech Westwood Road, in a game which saw Field’s side run out 8-0 victors and go 10 in the United Counties League table. th
YOUTH TEAM NEWS
The U18s have also continued to go from strength to strength since our last home league fixture. They welcomed Wisbech Town U18s to the Quattro-Tech Westwood Road on Tuesday 4 of November, in a game which saw Archie Riorden score a spectacular double hat-trick, helping his side come out 8-0 winners on the night. They remain top of the Thurlow Nunn Youth Football League West Division with their 100% record in tact.
It was also a good week for the U19 side who brushed aside Long Road by five goals to one, making it three wins out of three as they headed into the half-term break.
WOMENS NEWS
St Ives Town Women have dropped down to 6 place in the Alan Boswell Group Cambridgeshire Girls and Women's Football League Division two, mainly due to their previous fixture against Whittlesey Athletic being postponed. In what has turned out to a frustrating period for our women’s side since the last edition of this programme, their cup fixture against Girls United U18 due to take place on Sunday 19 of October, was also postponed.
ST IVES TOWN FC ST IVES TOWN FC QUIZ NIGHT! QUIZ NIGHT!
The latest St Ives Town quiz night proved to be a big success.
With 19 teams taking part, the clubhouse was packed, and the winners were a team called ‘Piddlers Plus Paul’ who were led by Ives fan, Vic Moseley. They won the contest by three points.
Ives Interim Co-Chair Andrew Dunn said “It was a brilliant night, and it was great to see so many areas of the club represented from board members, coaching staff and the academy. We also had teams consisting of our own fans and members of the wider community. It was a big fundraising night for the club and an enjoyable one too.”
The next quiz night is scheduled for the new year, so look out for further details.
10 TO TACKLE 10 TO TACKLE
QUIZ! QUIZ!
Wearebackfortheeightheditionof‘10totackle’forthe 2025/26season!Thistime,wewillbetestingyouonthe nicknamesoffootballclubs!Canyougetall10?
GOOD LUCK! GOOD LUCK!
1.Which South Yorkshire club is referred to as the Tykes?
1.Which South Yorkshire club is referred to as the Tykes?
2.Which club became known as the Exiles after they were forced to play home games in a different stadium?
2 Which club became known as the Exiles after they were forced to play home games in a different stadium?
3.which team are known as the Mariners?
3.which team are known as the Mariners?
4.Which Devon-based club are called the Grecians?
4 Which Devon-based club are called the Grecians?
5.What is Cambridge United’s nickname?
5.What is Cambridge United’s nickname?
6.As well as Spurs, which other team is nicknamed the Lilywhites?
6 As well as Spurs, which other team is nicknamed the Lilywhites?
7.Which team are nicknamed ‘The Eagles’?
7.Which team are nicknamed ‘The Eagles’?
8.Which team known as simply ‘The Whites’?
8.Which team known as simply ‘The Whites’?
9.What is Crewe Alexandra’s nickname?
9 What is Crewe Alexandra’s nickname?
10. ‘The Royals’ is the nickname of what Championship club?
10.‘The Royals’ is the nickname of what Championship club?
Want to find out how you got on?
IN A funny way, Kevin Horlock’s quote after Maldon & Tiptree’s defeat to Port Vale encapsulated what the FA Cup is all about. “We had them on the ropes for five minutes –we probably scored 85 minutes too soon,” the Jammers boss said of Anisius Lewis’ very early strike that put the Step 4 side ahead, “but what a magical moment.”
Less than 20 minutes later and Horlock’s side were 4-1 down to the League One Valiants, the lowest-ranked team in the first round’s FA Cup adventure was coming to an end.
But it’s those moments that make the FA Cup. For a few minutes, nine to be more precise, their travelling fans would have been wondering ‘what if’.
We all know about the financial rewards that comes with the FA Cup – the TV cash to boost the coffers, the benefit of prize money, extra sponsorship and ticket sales. But, also, it gives unforgettable moments.
Think of Havant & Waterlooville all those years ago when they led the mighty Liverpool not once but twice at Anfield. Think of Kidderminster Harriers taking West Ham to the final moments before Declan Rice bailed the Premier League side out.
Think of Tamworth last season as they took Tottenham into extra-time but almost won it in the dying stages of the 90 minutes.
At the weekend Chelmsford City caused the first upset of round one when they beat Braintree Town at Saturday lunchtime – a feat repeated by fellow Step 2 sides Westonsuper-Mare, who knocked out Aldershot Town, and Slough Town as they piled the woe on Altrincham.
There were some all Non-League ties that brought Sutton United, Wealdstone and Buxton success and a place in the second round.
We also saw Gateshead upset League One AFC Wimbledon, Brackley Town beat Notts County on penalties and Boreham Wood take, what feels like, their annual EFL scalp in Crawley Town.
Carlisle United looked to be on their way out at Reading before Regan Linney scored two stoppage-time goals to force extra-time –where he then scored the winner to complete his hat-trick.
“It was a good three points,” he accidentally said live on Match of the Day the next day. “I’ve crumbled here!” Thankfully the striker doesn’t crumble when he’s in the box!
“Where’s the matchball?” presenter Jason Mohammad asked. “It’s still in my car,” Linney responded with a smile. That’s the magic of the FA Cup!
Matthew Badock Editor-The Non-League Paper
MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS
KELVIN LANGMEAD-(Manager)-Former player for Banbury United who was appointed the Club’s manager in June 2025. Began his playing career as a striker with Preston North End, having loan spells with Carlisle United, Kidderminster Harriers and Shrewsbury Town Joined Shrewsbury permanently in 2004 and after making more than 80 appearances as a striker was converted to a central defender Spells with Peterborough United, Northampton Town, Ebbsfleet United, Kidderminster Harriers, Nuneaton Town, Harrogate Town and Brackley Town prior to joining Banbury United in August 2020. Made 78 appearances and scored 12 goals for the Puritans through to the end of season 2022/23 Played for Kettering Town in season 2023/24 and then had a brief spell with Racing Club Warwick at the start of last season, before calling time on is playing career
CRAIG MCKAY-(Assistant Manager)-Appointed First Team coach at Banbury United In the summer of 2023 after previous coaching experience with Oxford United and Southampton Academies Managed Kidlington last season Returned to Banbury as Assistant Manager in June 2025
PETER ABIMBOLA-21-year-old central midfielder who joined Banbury United in June 2025. A product of the Northampton Town Academy having spells with AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Aldershot Town, St, Ives Town and Bromsgrove Sporting prior to his release at the end of season 2023/24 Spent last season with St Ives Town
JAMES ALABI-30-year-old left-sided striker whose career started as a Youth player at Tottenham Hotspur, Celtic and Stoke City before making his professional debut with Stoke City. He moved on to Ipswich Town and after a short loan spell with Grimsby Town, before joining Chester in 2016 After being the National League’s top scorer in the 2016/17 season he moved to Tranmere Rovers, and then spent much of the 2017/18 season on loan at Dover Athletic James then joined Leyton Orient in July 2018 where they won the National League title that season. The next season he went on loan to Eastleigh and then Bromley until he was released in 2020. He spent two seasons with the Ravens before playing for Maidstone United He then moved on to Bath City and Welling before signing for Banbury this season
JOEL ANKER-20-year-old attacking midfielder who came through the MK Dons Academy, progressing to earn a professional contract in June 2023. Prior to his release by Dons at the end of last season, he had loan spells with Tring Athletic, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Biggleswade Town, Hitchin Town and AFC Dunstable Joined Banbury for the start of the current season
GEORGE BALL-26-year-old forward who joined Banbury United in July 2024. Previously with Daventry Town and Loughborough Dynamo. Quick and direct and can play through the middle or out wide
MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS
KEEGAN BLOOM-22-year-old full back who is happy on both flanks but normally plays as a right-back. First played for Harrow Borough in their underU23’s before spells with North Greenwood United and Aylesbury United, where he won Player of the Season honours Last played for Welling United Signed for Banbury in July 2025
CONNOR FERGUSON-22-year-old striker who was with Oxford United as a youngster and then after being released in the summer of 2020, he has played for Didcot Town, Thame United and Kidlington Joined Banbury in July 2024 Quick and direct player who is always looking for a goal chance
JOSH FLANAGAN-21-year-old right back who came through the Northampton Town Academy, progressing to earn a professional contract in May 2021. After his release Josh joined Brackley Town in July 2022. His time at Brackley also saw him have a loan spell with Kettering Town before he joined Barwell in March 2023 Last season he played for Bedford Town, Winslow United, Biggleswade Town and Barton Rovers Joined Banbury United in June 2025
MAX FULLER-16-year-old full back who has come through the Banbury United youth set-up, playing for the Club’s U18 Development side last season His performances, including in first-team pre-season friendlies has earned him a place in this season’s first team squad
HARLEY GILES-24-year-old midfielder who was with the Oxford United Academy and then after a spell with Ardley United Joined Southern League Didcot Town in February 2020 Paid a key part in Didcots promotion to the Premier Division through the play-offs at the end of season 2022/23 and made in his time with the Railwaymen 100 appearances before joining Banbury United in December 2023, In his 3-month spell with Banbury, he made 13 National League North appearances . Returned to Banbury for a second spell at the start of this season.
MARCEL GUZYNSKI-18-year-old left sided player who is currently on loan from MK Dons Signed a professional contract with Dons this past summer Spent time with Rushden & Diamonds and Biggleswade Town last season. Is equally at home in a defensive role or playing further up the field.
JACK HARDING-33-year-old goalkeeper who came through the Banbury United youth side and would progress to be a regular in the reserve side, also making five first team appearances before having spells with Hellenic League sides Hook Norton and Ardley United. Returned to Banbury United in the summer of 2015 and has now made over 400 appearances for the Club, more appearances for the Club as a goalkeeper than any other player in Banbury’s 94 year history.
MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS
NICO JONES-23-year-old central defender who came through the Fulham Academy before joining Oxford United on a scholarship, progressing to earn a twoyear professional contract. Made three League One appearances whilst at Oxford and also had loan spells at Oxford City and Havant & Waterlooville After being released by Oxford United, he joined Brentford on a two-year deal in the summer of 2021 and was a regular in the Brentford ‘B’ side for two seasons Season 2023/24 saw him have spells with Welling United, Dover Athletic and Burgess Hill Town. Joined Banbury in June 2024.
SEBASTIAN KOLA-18-year-old midfielder who has progressed to the first team squad from United’s Development team Signed for Banbury in August 2024, and looks very promising.
JONATHAN LAWSON-19-year-old striker who is currently on loan from Watford. Joined Watford Academy from Cray Valley Paper Mills in 2023, before being awarded a professional contract with Watford in May 2024 Spent time on loan with King’s Langley and Hitchin Town last season
AARON McCREADIE-24-year-old central midfielder who came through the Oxford United Academy, progressing to earn a professional contract in 2019 After being released he then played for Gosport Borough, Salisbury, North Leigh and then back to Salisbury, playing for them in the National League South Most recently had a spell in the UA.E. at Al-Qabila FC. Joined Banbury in July 2025.
YAW OFOSU-28-year-old central defender who joined Banbury in June 20124, having played for Alvechurch in season 2023/24 whom he joined the previous season from Cambridge City Prior to his four seasons at Cambridge, Yaw has been with Newport Pagnell Town Club Captain
GEDEON OKITO-28-year-old left back who is a product of the MK Dons Academy. Spent four seasons with Dunstable Town prior to joining Banbury United or the first time in the summer of 2019 Made 19 appearances for the Puritans in season 2019/20, leaving for Stratford Town in January 2020 Three seasons with AFC Dunstable Followed before moving to Kettering Town for season 2023/24. Joined Banbury for a second spell in August 2024.
ALEX PROSSER-25-year-old midfielder who was at Aston Villa as a youngster, progressing to play for their U18 and U23 sides Had a loan spell with Brackley Town towards the end of season 2018/19 before being released, whereupon he joined Kidderminster Harriers, having two seasons at Aggborough. A permanent move to Brackley followed n the summer of 2021, then playing for Leamington before having a loan spell at Stourbridge from the Braes that became permanent in the summer of 2023 Joined Banbury from the Glassboys in October 2024
MEET TODAY’S OPPONENTS
LUKE STOKOE-23-year-old midfielder who bwgan his career with Oxford City and spent time on loan at Kidlington. Moved to Corinthian Casuals for season 2022/23. Has since played for Boeung Ket in Cambodia, Kingstonian, Twin City Toucans in Texas USA, Hendon, Hitchin Town and FC Jazz in Finland before joining Banbury United in July 2025
REECE STYCHE-36-year-old experienced striker who played for a host of clubs in his lengthy career, most notably Forest Green Rovers, Kiddermonster Harriers, Gateshead, Tamworth, Darlington, Hereford and Stourbridge Began Last season with Stratford Town before having spells with AFC Telford United and Bromsgrove Sporting Has 31 international caps with Gibraltar Joined Banbury for the start of this season.
NATHAN WHYMAN-18-year-old goalkeeper, who has moved up to the first team squad after spending last season with the Banbury United Development squad Also appeared as a goalkeeper replacement for the first team last season, as cover for Jack Harding
ALEX WORLEY-22-year-old left sided defender. Initially started his career with Walsall Academy before joining Stourbridge at the start of the 2022/2023 season Moved to Stratford Town, 12 months later and won the Club’s Young Player of the Year award during that season He then moved to Stourbridge for his second spell in October 2024, but returned to Stratford Town. Signed for Stafford Rangers at the start of this season before joining Banbury in September 2025.
CHRIS WREH-29-year-old striker who was with Northampton Town and Arsenal academies before playing for Stony Stratford Town, Barton Rovers, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Aylesbury FC, Newport Pagnell Town, MK Gallacticos, Dunstable Town, Stratford Town and Rushall Olympic, and then at the start of season 2020/21 returning for a second spell with AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Joined Banbury in the summer of 021 Scored 22 goals in 47 appearances for United that season as the Club won the Southern League Premier Division Central Championship, before going on to play for Southend united, Hartlepool United, Tamworth, Scunthorpe United, Hereford and Bedford Town. Returned to Banbury for a second spell in September 025. Chris is the son of former Arsenal, A.S. Monaco and Liberian international striker Christopher Wreh.
HISTORY OF BANBURY UNITED
Banbury United – History
Banbury United’s genesis is to be found in a works club formed by the Spencer Corsets Factory of Banbury in 1931 Friendly matches were played on a ground on the town’s Middleton Road in their first two seasons. The club joined the Banbury & District Junior League for the 1933-34 season, initially competing as Spencer Villa before changing their name to Banbury Spencer mid-season, winning the championship of Section C at their first attempt. The club moved to their current ground for the start of the 1934-35 season in which they competed in the Oxfordshire Senior League. This too they won at their first attempt. During the season they were elected to the Birmingham Combination for the start of the 1935-36 season.
After the war, Banbury resumed in the Birmingham Combination and turned professional for the 1946-47 season. In 1947-48, with attendances averaging 3,500, they finished runners-up in the league and reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 2-1 at Colchester United, at that time a Southern League club. The next season the ground attendance record was broken when 7,160 turned up to see Banbury lose to Oxford City in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. Banbury’s manager at this time was Jimmy Cringan, who had joined them in 1936 and was to remain ‘The Boss’ for no less than 25 years until his retirement in 1961
The status of the Birmingham Combination began to decline in the early 1950s. At the end of the 1953-54 season the league disbanded and, along with most of its remaining clubs, Banbury joined the Birmingham League. In 196162, Banbury reached the first round of the FA Cup for the second time, travelling to Third Division Shrewsbury Town, losing 7-1.
The Birmingham League continued to expand and became the West Midlands League in 1962 This coincided with the effective independence of the football club, the Spencer company having all but ended its association The club name remained unchanged, however, until April 1965 when, with the club’s finances suffering – attendances had fallen to a historical low – a group of local businessmen acquired the club. Banbury Spencer became Banbury United
HISTORY OF BANBURY UNITED
The new owners were ambitious and were looking to a higher grade of football Former Chelsea, West Ham, Arsenal and England player Len Goulden was installed as manager. During the summer of 1966 Banbury were elected to the Southern League Significant improvements were made to the ground Floodlights were installed and the famous old railway coaches that had been used as changing rooms were removed and replaced by a new clubhouse.
United then embarked on an unbroken 24-season run as members of the Southern League They came close to league honours in 1967-68 when they finished in seventh place in the First Division, just two points and three places behind Rugby Town who were promoted to the Premier Division. The First Round Proper of the FA Cup was reached twice more; in 1972-73, United lost 2-0 at home to Barnet, then a Southern League club, and the following season, after a 0-0 draw at home, they lost 3-2 away to Fourth Division Northampton Town in a replay. United twice reached the last sixteen of the FA Trophy, losing 1-0 in a replay to Hereford United in 1970-71 and, in 1973-4, by the same score in a second replay to eventual Southern League champions Dartford.
From the late 1970s, United’s fortunes declined sharply as debts mounted. The ownership of the ground was given up in the 1980s as security against the club’s debts On the field the team was also struggling, finishing in the top half of the table just twice in twelve seasons after 1978. In 1990, United finished 21st of 22 and were relegated for the first time in their history, starting season 1990-91 in the Hellenic League.
Those fans who expected a quick return to the Southern League were to be disappointed. However, from 1997 onwards a revived and expanded committee brought about such an improvement in financial circumstances that the club was ready to aim for promotion. Former Oxford, Newcastle and QPR player Kevin Brock was appointed first team manager for the 1999-2000 campaign
United’s form up to Christmas of 1999 was good but they entered the New Year no fewer than nineteen points behind leaders Highworth Town. In only eight weeks they overhauled their rivals with a run of 13 consecutive victories and remained unbeaten for the rest of the season. A 3-1 victory at Wantage Town clinched the Hellenic League championship with two games remaining and Banbury United were back in the Southern League
HISTORY OF BANBURY UNITED
United took a couple of seasons to find their feet in the Eastern division, finishing 13th and 15th Eighth place in 2003 was their best in the Southern League in 25 years. That was equalled the following season, enough to qualify for a play-off for a place in a reformed Premier Division in the restructured non-League pyramid. Banbury beat Sutton Coldfield Town of the Western division, coming from behind to win in stoppage time in extra-time.
A difficult first season in the Premier division (2004-05) was followed by a much better second Seventh place in season 2005-06 was an improvement of ten places but thirteenth in 2006-07 was a big disappointment. However, it was troubles off the field that made the headlines. Club accounts showed a large deficit and big cuts were made to the playing budget Shortly after the season ended, manager Kevin Brock resigned, citing the cuts as his reason for leaving after eight years
Relegation was avoided in 2009 as the annual bout of resignations and demotions elsewhere in the Pyramid resulted in a reprieve In 2012 a last-day victory ensured safety. Season 2013-14 began well enough – United were eighth in the table in early February – but more drastic budget cuts were applied. Another player exodus resulted; there followed a most embarrassing run of defeats as the team plummeted to 19th, conceding 43 goals in nine games The dismal form continued into the 2014-15 season and the inevitable occurred. After 11 years in the Premier division level the club was relegated and was placed in the South & West division for the 2015-16 season
Change, however, was on its way. For a year, fans had been discreetly working on a takeover Advised by Supporters Direct, the supporters club launched its bid towards the end of the season. Agreement was reached with the existing board and in May 2015 the club appointed a new manager, ex-Oxford United player and Brackley Town and Oxford City manager Mike Ford. He had to assemble a new squad from scratch Early form was moderate with only four wins from the first 12 games but the team hit form to win 24 of the next 30 and finish runners-up to Cinderford. A nervy victory in the play-off semi-final against Winchester set up a final showdown with third-placed Taunton Town In front of more than 1,200 spectators, the club’s biggest attendance for more than 21 years, United won 2-0 to regain their place in the Premier Division at the first attempt
HISTORY OF BANBURY UNITED
May 2020 would see Mike Ford leave the manager’s post after five years, to be replaced by former Coventry City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Oxford United defender Andy Whing. Though season 2020/21 was seriously curtailed due to Covid, the club reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time since 1973, United losing 2-1 at home to Canvey Island but the biggest disappointment was that supporters were not able to watch the game as it had to be played behind closed doors
Few would argue that season 2021/22 was the best in the club’s over 90 years history. The FA Cup First Round Proper was reached for the second consecutive season, the club hosting League 2 side Barrow. Though losing 30, it was great to see supporters, unlike the previous year, able to enjoy the occasion with a sell-out crowd of 2,400 in attendance. But it was United’s league form for which the season will most be remembered, just two defeats all season with the club hitting the top of the table in mid-December and pulling away to win the Southern League Central Division Championship by an incredible 23 points to earn for the first time in the club’s history a place in the National League Regional Divisions.
Season 2022/23 began well for the Puritans, challenging for a play-off place until a poor run of form from March onwards saw the club sliding down the table Despite just one win in their last 18 league games, the good start to the season meant United managed to finish just above the relegation zone. The end of the season saw Andy Whing resign from the manager’s position with the club appointing former Oxford City and Hemel Hempstead Town boss Mark Jones to the post. However, after a poor run of form, the end of January saw Jones relieved of his duties and the club appointed former Banbury United player Kevin Wilson to the manager’s post but he was unable to turn United's form around and the club finished third from bottom of the table, meaning relegation back to the Southern League for last season. The summer of 2024 saw Simon Hollyhead, a former Assistant Manager at Malmo, SK Brann, Odense and Stevenage, appointed as the club's manager The club finished in mid-table last season but Hollyhead was subsequently dismissed after expressing interest in the managerial vacancy at Kettering Town Former United player Kelvin Langmead who made 375 Football League appearances in his playing career was appointed manager ahead of the current season
MATCHDAY SQUADS
Ollie Taylor (GK)
Ethan Creary
AAron Smith
Jordan Williams
Jernade Meade
Jahrel McKoy
Ed Hottor
Michael Richens
Claudio Dias
Albie O’Keefe
Johnson Gyamfi
Amir Hadi
Gibou Njie
Theo Alexandrou
Liam Cross
Jamal Adams
Jiah Medrano
Alfie Shepherd
Evan Watkins
Neo Dobson
Matty Miles
Duncan Idehen
George Munday
ManagementTeams
Ricky Marheineke (Manager)
Adam Fisher (Assistant)
Jim Freeman (Assistant)
Frankie Fry (First Team Coach)
Paul Swannell (Goalkeeping Coach)
Jardaine Patel-Joseph (Physio)
Jack Harding (GK)
Peter Abimbola
James Alabi
Joel Anker
George Ball
Keegan Bloom
Connor Ferguson
Josh Flanagan
Max Fuller
Harley Giles
Marcel Guzynski
Nico Jones
Sebastian Kola
Jonathan Lawson
Aaron McCreadie
Yaw Ofosu
Gedeon Okito
Alex Prosser
Luke Stokoe
Reece Styche
Nathan Whyman
Alex Worley
Chris Wreh
Kelvin Langmead (Manager)
Craig McKay (Assistant)
Dan Hines (Sports Therapist)
Danny Scheppel (Goalkeeping Coach)
MATCH INFO
KitColours
Shirts-Black and White Stripe
Shorts-Black
Socks-Black
GoalkeeperKit
All Green Kit
MatchOfficials
Shirts-Red
Shorts-Red
Socks-Red
GoalkeeperKit
All Blue Kit
Referee-Ashley Tyne Assistant-Andrew Hitchcox Assistant-Richard May LocationDetails
Stadium-Quattro-Tech Westwood Road
Pitch Type-3G Surface
Kick Off-7:45PM