It won't be the same without the fans, says Banbury United boss Whing

Scenes like these at the end of Banbury United's FA Cup fourth qualifying round win over Bury Town won't be seen this weekend when the Puritans play their first round clash with Canvey Island behind closed doors. Picture by Kirsty Edmonds

Andy Whing knows it “won’t be the same” without supporters on hand to watch Banbury United’s big Emirates FA Cup game in person on Saturday.

While football for teams at the Puritans’ and Canvey Island’s levels has been paused due to the new national lockdown, the two clubs were given the go ahead to play their first round proper clash as the FA Cup is deemed as an ‘elite’ competition.

The huge game will go ahead as planned at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off) but, in line with elite sport guidance, it will be played behind closed doors.

Fans will be able to watch the action live, however, after the game was selected as one of the BBC’s ties for live streaming on their online channels - a move that has earned both clubs £12,500.

It will be a different atmosphere for Whing and his players after a sell-out crowd witnessed their 2-1 success over Bury Town in the fourth qualifying round.

But the Puritans boss is confident his team will be able to deal with the change in circumstances.

He said: “The last game we had at home in the FA Cup with Bury Town, the atmosphere was brilliant and the fans really drove us on after we had been 1-0 down. They drove us on to win the game.

“This is such a big moment for the club and it’s a real shame that they will not be able to share in what could be a fantastic day.

“We are gutted for the fans but we are fortunate that the BBC have chosen us as one of their live streaming games. That, at least, gives everyone the chance to watch it.

“But it won’t be the same without our loyal supporters there.

“We played a lot of pre-season games behind closed doors and we played Leamington away in the FA Cup with no fans and we were really good that day.

“I don’t think it will affect us too much. We just have to make sure we concentrate.”

Banbury suffered disappointment in the Buildbase FA Trophy last weekend as they were beaten 2-1 at Southern League Premier Central rivals Tamworth in their third qualifying round clash.

The Puritans trailed 2-0 at half-time and pulled one back in the second period through Jaanai Gordon but were unable to find an equaliser after piling the pressure on late in the game.