Banbury United boss Langmead identifies ‘two positives’ ahead of Stourbridge clash

The Puritans are in need of a response following two successive defeats, the latter of which was largely avoidable as Langmead’s side gave up a 1-0 lead.

Having lost their shape and structure to allow Rushall to score two goals from distance, Langmead accused many of his players of going “off script”, effectively not following instructions.

Much of Langmead’s post-match interview, therefore, was negative. But there were a couple of positives the boss was keen to mention.

Those positives were individuals, as striker Joey Evans came off the bench to score a late consolation goal for Banbury and Joshua Cavallo made his return when he replaced Ben Nash on the hour mark.

Evans will have felt hard done by to have been named as a substitute for a third game in a row. Cavallo, meanwhile, has not been available since the start of pre-season.

“We will always find positives and they are two of them,” Langmead told Puritans Live.

“It was really great to have Josh back out there, obviously he’s been missing since the first pre-season game.

“It’s brilliant for Joey as well. He started the first one but probably hasn’t had as many minutes as he would have liked.

“But that’s what you’re looking for, a reaction from a player and he’s given us that today.

“I’m delighted for him, it’s always nice for a striker to get off the mark and that will do his confidence the world of good.”

Evans and Cavallo will be hoping to be in contention for the starting XI as Banbury play host to Stourbridge at the TUGO Community Stadium this Saturday, August 29.

Considering the Puritans play again at Anstey Nomads just two days later on Bank Holiday Monday, there’s a good chance the pair will start at least one of those matches.

There could be a return to the XI for holding midfielder Alex Prosser, too, following his recovery from a broken nose suffered in the 2-1 win over Racing Club Warwick.