Ford full of praise for Puritans' opening day display

Banbury United manager Mike Ford was delighted with his side's Evo-Stik Southern League opening day display at Basingstoke Town.
Ricky Johnson bagged the winner for Banbury United at Basingstoke TownRicky Johnson bagged the winner for Banbury United at Basingstoke Town
Ricky Johnson bagged the winner for Banbury United at Basingstoke Town

A solitary goal from Ricky Johnson earned the Puritans a 1-0 victory at Basingstoke in Saturday’s premier division clash.

Ford said: “The way we played was the way we intend to play all season.

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“We knew Basingstoke were a team who were confident in possession but I didn’t want us to get too excited about trying to win the ball high up the pitch. I still wanted us to win the ball but not at the risk of losing it.

“It was an outstanding effort by my players, they sacrifice a lot to play for this football club. That result will give everyone huge encouragement for the rest of the season.

“We’ve come to a team who are tipped to win the league and got three points.

“It was a difficult team selection because I looked at the bench and all five substitutes warranted a place in the starting line-up. But the ones that started just gave us a bit more, like Mark Bell with his experience over Darius Browne, while Ricky Johnson and Mark Janes were a handful up front.”