Ford relieved as leaders grind out three more points

An own goal from Scott Brice saw the Evo-Stik Southern League leaders emerge 1-0 victors at Mangotsfield. The Puritans extended their advantage to five points in Division One South & West after title rivals Cinderford Town had another game postponed.

Ford said: “That was as difficult a game as we’ve had all season. The difference now is that teams really want to beat us because we’re the leaders.

“It was a fantastic three points, ten straight wins and it keeps the momentum going. Teams are going to press us and try to stop us playing by swamping the midfield but we’ve dug out a result.

“I’ve said from day one it’s all about the performance, we weren’t great with the ball and our decision making was poor. But our spirit was fantastic and the one good bit of play from us has produced the goal.

“We’ve always got a goal in us but we should have had three or four.

“If we could have got a second goal it would have killed them and Ricky Johnson has missed three good chances at the far post which he would normally bury. But Ricky was immense for us in both boxes, he won everything in the air.”

Saturday’s victory also marked Ollie Stanbridge’s 500th game for the Puritans and Ford added: “I didn’t know Ollie Stanbridge until I brought him here but I just had the feeling he was going to be the right one for us. He’s been a fantastic servant to this club.

“Ollie has convinced six Banbury United managers to keep him at this club and the seventh one, me, has brought him back here so that shows how much he is valued. He brings so much to the team.”