‘Get down and support us!’: Banbury United rallying the troops for Saturday’s local derby
With local pride on the line, Banbury United play host to Leamington in a crucial Southern League Premier Central six-pointer this Saturday, November 7.
The Puritans haven’t faced Leamington in a league fixture since 2022/23. To celebrate the reunion, there are huge savings to be made on early-bird tickets until midnight on Thursday, November 5.
Back at the TUGO Community Stadium for the first time since former manager Kelvin Langmead handed in his resignation, interim boss Craig McKay and his players need all the support they can get to turn around their poor form.
That bounce back has arguably already started, too, as Banbury came from behind to draw 2-2 away at title challengers Bury Town last Saturday (October 31).
It’s still merely three wins in 15 league fixtures for Banbury but the performance away at Bury - with a severely limited squad due to injuries - has created fresh optimism.
Recent signing Tolu Ikuyinminu, who scored last time out, said: “Let’s hear the fans, get as many people down to the stadium as possible and as many people to back the boys.”
This Saturday’s clash could have major implications on both sides’ survival chances, with Banbury currently just one point above the relegation zone and Leamington three points adrift from safety.
If the Puritans win, they could leapfrog Leiston and Stratford Town to rise as high as 14th in the table. But if Leamington win, then the Brakes could escape the drop zone on goal difference and be within a point of Banbury.
With numbers on the pitch limited as it is, the Puritans could really do with a fuller crowd in full voice to act as the twelfth man. That can sometimes be the difference between glory and defeat.
McKay, who was Langmead’s assistant but is now Banbury manager until further notice, admitted: “We’re hoping for a big crowd.
“We urge anyone that's listening to get down and support us. Get the place rocking, the club needs the gate. Fill it as much as we possibly can!”
Saturday’s game kicks off at 3pm. Early-bird tickets cost £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and £5 for under-18s, while under-11s go free.
Once the early-bird period ends, adults cost £15, concessions £13 and under-18s £8. For more details, visit: banburyunitedfc.co.uk/news/ticket-offer--v-leamington-3006261.html