Banbury United boss Whing ready to focus on the league

There was disappointment for Banbury United last weekend as their fine run in the Emirates FA Cup was ended. Pictured by Kirsty Edmonds

Andy Whing insists Banbury United will be fully focused on their Pitching In Southern League Premier Central campaign whenever it resumes.

The Puritans’ first appearance in the first round proper of the Emirates FA Cup for 47 years ultimately ended in disappointment last weekend as they were beaten 2-1 by lower-ranked Canvey Island at a deserted Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.

Banbury, like every other club in the ‘non-elite’ category are now facing a break from action until at least December 2 with lower league football being suspended during the national lockdown.

It was Canvey Island who were celebrating at the end of the first-round tie at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium

It means their next match could be the league clash at Tamworth on Saturday, December 5.

Banbury will resume the league campaign sitting fifth from bottom in the table, although they are just four points off the play-off places in the early stages.

Whing firmly believes their league form has been affected by their fine run in the FA Cup and he insists there will be plenty more to come from his team when it gets going again.

“This is just the start and there are plenty of positives to look at from the last few weeks,” the Puritans boss said.

Ricky Johnson's goal brought Banbury level but they were eventually beaten 2-1 by Canvey Island

“We are gutted because it’s a missed opportunity but hopefully we will have better days to come.

“I think the FA Cup run has affected our league form because we have had players who are cup-tied coming in and out of the team and it’s been a bit chop and change.

“We have played some top teams in our division and we have competed and been better than most.

“We will take the positives from the FA Cup and we have one thing to focus on and that’s the league and I am sure we will get better.”

Whing, meanwhile, believes an enforced break from action might not be a bad thing for his players after a “relentless” start to the new campaign.

“It’s been relentless for six or seven weeks and we have been playing Saturday-Tuesday virtually every week because of the FA Cup run and league,” he added.

“The players need a rest both mentally and physically and whenever we can train again we will. I know they will keep themselves ticking over.”