Banbury United boss Kelvin Langmead makes ‘bare minimum’ demand ahead of pivotal run of fixtures
Banbury United boss Kelvin Langmead is hoping his side have gained renewed confidence ahead of a pivotal run of four fixtures in quick succession.
Oran Jackson’s 68th-minute goal earned a spirited 1-1 draw away at third-placed Bromsgrove Sporting last Saturday (October 17), as the Puritans came from behind to share the spoils.
So often recently, Banbury have been let down by defensive naivety and poor decision-making, however there was a great improvement shown last time out.
Banbury take on Leighton Town this Tuesday night (October 20) before a trip to Bourne Town in the FA Trophy on Saturday, October 24.
The Puritans then return to the TUGO Community Stadium to host Worcester City in the Southern League Premier Central on Tuesday, October 27, ahead of a Halloween visit to Bury Town.
It’s hoped Banbury can take momentum from the 1-1 draw at Bromsgrove and use it to perform well in this set of matches.
“All I ask of them is to give me everything, and they did that,” a proud Langmead told Puritans Live at the weekend.
“If they stand up and they perform, and they put that kind of effort in for each other, the staff and the football club, then we’ll be alright this year.
“But it cannot take the position that we found ourselves in to find that. I brought all these players in because I knew what they were capable of.
“Some were underperforming and some things weren’t working, but make no mistake, that is a proper point today against a hell of a team away from home.
“I don’t like to go into it too much, but with the resources and players they’ve got, for us to come here and at times be the better team, it’s absolutely outstanding.”
It certainly hasn’t been an easy period for Banbury recently, with a run of seven league games in a row without a win only ended by the 3-2 victory over Stamford on October 10.
Frustrations had been growing before that, and they returned with a 4-2 defeat at Peterborough Sports on Tuesday, October 13, so Langmead is thrilled to get back on track.
“I’m so delighted with that point as so much hard work has gone in this past month,” Langmead added.
“But it can’t just be today, we need to build off it and have to do the same in every game. That’s the standard and I won’t accept anything less.
“Of course, we’re going to have mistakes and bad games, but that effort and desire to work hard for your teammates… that has to be the bare minimum.”