Banbury United’s hard work pays off as Spencer Stadium pitch transformed - it’s like a carpet
Groundspeople have been hard at work over the past few weeks to get the playing surface at Spencer Stadium ready for next season.
Following another long campaign in the Southern League Premier Division Central, Banbury’s home pitch was in need of some tender loving care.
Not only have 21 league games and plenty of cup matches been played on the surface, but the Spencer Stadium has hosted frequent holiday football camps.
When you combine all that action with the very wet winter and a drought-like period in spring, keeping the pitch in good nick has been a challenge, to say the least.
Photos shared by the club just show patchy and dry the surface was a few weeks after the 2025/26 season ended, perhaps unsurprisingly after the May heatwave.
But the pitch is now looking full, tidy and a luscious green. It’s a carpet that looks very inviting to play on.
It’s now under a month until Banbury’s first team can try out the new surface properly, as the Puritans host Easington Sports for a pre-season friendly on July 14.
There are then three more home pre-season matches, against Potters Bar Town on July 18, a Northampton Town XI on July 21, and an MK Dons XI on July 28.
Those attending those friendlies can expect to see Banbury’s four new signings - Joey Evans, Levi Steele, Oran Jackson and Harrison Mole - in red and gold.
Head coach Kelvin Langmead is also expected to welcome some trialists in those matches as the Puritans look to further bolster their squad.