Puritans hope to raise the roof in tough first home game

Andy Whing is hoping Banbury United can give a “raucous and excited crowd” something to shout about when they return home this weekend.
Andy Whing shows his delight after Banbury United kicked off life in the National League North with a 2-1 win at Curzon Ashton. Picture by Julie HawkinsAndy Whing shows his delight after Banbury United kicked off life in the National League North with a 2-1 win at Curzon Ashton. Picture by Julie Hawkins
Andy Whing shows his delight after Banbury United kicked off life in the National League North with a 2-1 win at Curzon Ashton. Picture by Julie Hawkins

The Puritans are all set to make their first appearance of the season at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium after they enjoyed a dream start to life in the Vanarama National League North last Saturday as a Jack Stevens goal and a late Giorgio Rasulo penalty gave them a 2-1 success at Curzon Ashton.

But their first home game looks a tough one as they entertain title favourites AFC Fylde before hosting Boston United next Tuesday night.

However, Whing insists his team will be doing all they can to upset the visitors in front of what he hopes will be a big attendance.

“We took near enough 100 up to Curzon, which shows the support we have got,” boss Whing said.

“We were averaging over 1,000 at the back end of last season and we had over 2,500 there for the FA Cup game against Barrow so it just shows it’s a massive footballing town.

“I am sure there will be plenty there on Saturday and we are really looking forward to it.

“I have heard a comment about us having nothing to lose. We have got three points to lose, I don’t get that saying.

“Three points is everything to us on a Saturday afternoon or a Tuesday evening.

“We are focused on the game. We know it’s going to be tough.

“We’re not stupid or deluded but it’s three points to fight for and that’s what we will be doing in front of what I am sure will be a very raucous and excited crowd.”

Whing, meanwhile, feels the opening-day success at Curzon will have instilled further belief in his squad.

“I think you are always a bit apprehensive to see how well pre-season has gone and we are playing in a new league and we were up against a well-established team,” he added.

“But we were outstanding, especially in the first half and we could have been two or three up.

“We rode a bit of a storm for 20 minutes and then we deservedly won the game so I think it should give the lads loads and loads of belief if it wasn’t there already.

“But it’s one game out of 46. We have got to move on quickly. It’s a good win but we have got some very tough games coming up, starting on Saturday against one of the best teams in the league.

“It was a fantastic start but that’s all it was. If we lose on Saturday, no-one will be talking about the Curzon game.”

Whing confirmed he hopes to have left-back Sam Brown available again after he missed the opening game through injury.