"They shouted 'don't shoot' and he hit it" - Banbury United player who scored the winning goal pays tribute to the sub who levelled the match

Banbury United's Henry Landers, who scored the winning goal taking his club into the first round proper of the FA Cup today (Saturday), paid tribute to the sub who levelled the match to give the team renewed vigour.
Banbury United still hoping in the first half of the match. In the final 20 minutes goals from Jack Self and Henry Landers saw the club beat Bury TownBanbury United still hoping in the first half of the match. In the final 20 minutes goals from Jack Self and Henry Landers saw the club beat Bury Town
Banbury United still hoping in the first half of the match. In the final 20 minutes goals from Jack Self and Henry Landers saw the club beat Bury Town

In a post-match interview with Dave England and Tony Newall of Puritans Radio - which provided excellent match commentary for numerous people - Landers, who hit his goal in from 20 yards out, said: "I'm just glad it went into the bottom corner. Words can't describe it. Everyone's emotional and we were going at it and at it and at it and then to get the goal...

"I feel amazing. I just hope we can win the next game and keep going and going. Jack Self (who shot the first Banbury United goal) they shouted 'don't shoot' and he hit it and it paid off. It's the biggest game I've ever been involved in. It's incredible to have scored the wining goal to get to the first first round proper for so long."

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Banbury Utd's success against Bury Town will be celebrated for a generation or more. United last unsuccessfully played for a place in the first round of the FA Cup in 1980. It last played in that first round in 1973 against Northampton Town.

Jack Self told Puritans Radio: "You don't think of it as trying to do anything special - you just do what you have to do. I had one similar (goal) in training the other night and knew that was what I needed to do.

Self, who shot the equaliser in the last 20 minutes of the game, said: "It was good to get back on level terms. Fortunately my opportunity (to substitute Jack Finch) came early doors. I've been fortunate to play for this club now 100 times. People are overjoyed. Ultimately the ones who come through the gate and pay their money every week, this is who it's for. I don't care who we play (in the next round), we'll have a crack at them."

Mark Allitt, who put years of dedication into Banbury United as commercial director seeing it become a community club (and a lifetime fan) said: "It's just unbelievable. I'm emotional and almost speechless. I'm so pleased for the fans. I've grown up as a fan. My generation have never seen this. I wasn't born in '73. This is special, really special. This is such a buzz. It's brilliant.

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"It's been a really busy week for me as for the board members and volunteers. And I should thank all our sponsors, nearly 100 of them. Because of them and their generosity and loyalty and community minded way, it's allowed us to progress the team and bring in good players. I'm so pleased for everyone.

"We've put away that hoodoo and a chain around our neck, we've had so much heartbreak. Now our name is in the hat. I thought there was a goal in us and what a hit from Jack Self! I went into proper heaven. Henry's goal was superb too. I was on a sponsor's shoulder! Big goals for a big occasion in the last 20 minutes - it's fairytale stuff.

"I'm so pleased for Andy Whing - it's his first managerial job. I've had messages already from Australia and Wales saying 'we've done it'."

Mr Allitt said he would be delighted if Banbury Utd were to be drawn against one of the 'big ones' for the next round and he hoped it would be at home at Spencer Stadium.

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"It could even be against Oxford United - an Oxfordshire derby. It'd be good to pull a big one and it would be good to be here at home with the television cameras here which would be great for the club. But at this point let's enjoy tonight."