Boss Whing is happy with his Puritans

The Puritans were edged out 2-1 by Oxford United in a friendly at the weekend before they came from a goal down to win 3-1 at Evesham United on Tuesday night thanks to goals from Jack Stevens, Ben Acquaye and Henry Landers.

Whing added a new face to his squad this week in the form of former Maidenhead United midfielder Josh Smile but, in general, he will lead Banbury into the higher level with the squad that romped to the Southern League Premier Central title last season.

And that’s something he is perfectly comfortable with.

“Things are really good,” Whing said.

“I am pleased with the performances and fitness of the lads.

“We have done really well in terms of trying to keep the vast majority of the squad from last season and we have added a couple to that.

“We will hopefully add one more and then probably a couple of loans before the start of the season but, all in all, we are pleased with where we’re at.

“A lot of clubs have spent money and got a lot of new signings in but I think with how well we did last season, I believe these players can get even better and improve.

“That’s the route we have gone down and I am really pleased with it to be honest.”

Banbury’s next friendly outing is a home game against Coalville Town on Saturday while they are also due to travel to Redditch United on Monday night.

"There’s a lot of games coming thick and fast,” Whing added.

“We had quite a few trialists in during the very early part of pre-season but now they are starting to go to other clubs so we are down to 15 or 16 and we have to be mindful of that.

“But we have some really good games coming up and Coalville are obviously an old foe from the Southern League last season and that will be a good test to see where we are.”