Puritans are getting back to what Ford wants for season

Banbury United manager Mike Ford liked the look of his side on Tuesday

The Puritans beat Brackley Town 2-1 in Tuesday’s pre-season friendly at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium and Ford was much happier with the performance.

First half goals from the tricky Darius Browne and Duran Martin earned United victory over their Vanarama National League North neighbours. Lee Ndlovu replied for Saints but Ford felt United were good value for their win.

Ford had seen his side produce a couple of mediocre displays in their previous two games but was pleased with Tuesday’s performance.

He said: “I’ve not seen us play like that since we beat Taunton Town in May. We were the better side and it was a big confidence boost for us going into the final pre-season games.

“We had a good shape about us and we passed the ball really well. Hopefully that performance will kick-start our preparations.

“We’ve still got players to come back and some have only played 90 minutes.

“But we can’t afford to go into the new season with any complacency.

“We’re in a bigger and better league next season. The first game of the season, at Basingstoke, sums up the difference between the two divisions, they are full-time and we have to remember where we come from.”

The Puritans entertain Hednesford Town on Saturday before visiting Thame United on Tuesday.