We weren't clinical enough, says Banbury United boss Whing

There was bitter disappointment for the Banbury United players as their FA Cup hopes were ended at the hands of Canvey Island. Picture by Kirsty Edmonds

Andy Whing is determined to bring more big days to Banbury United after their Emirates FA Cup adventure was ended.

The Puritans suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to lower-ranked Canvey Island in the all-non-League first round proper clash at a deserted Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.

Banbury fell behind to Conor Hubble’s first-half strike for the visitors and the hosts were out of luck in the opening period with both Giorgio Rasulo and Pablo Haysham hitting the woodwork.

The Canvey Island players celebrate after their 2-1 success which sent them into the second round of the FA Cup

The Puritans drew level through Ricky Johnson in the second half but Canvey struck again soon after with Elliott Ronto scoring what proved to be the winner.

Banbury were unable to find an equaliser against their Step 4 opponents and boss Whing was left to rue the lack of a clinical edge in front of goal as the club’s first appearance in the first round for 47 years ended in frustration.

“We were much the better team but we just weren’t clinical enough and that’s probably the only criticism I can have of the team at the moment,” the Banbury manager said.

“When we have chances or we get into really good areas down the sides of centre-halves, it’s our final ball that has let us down.

Banbury boss Andy Whing felt his team lacked a cutting edge as they were beaten in the first round of the FA Cup

“We have conceded from a throw-in and a set-piece so they haven’t carved us open. Their shape was brilliant, they stayed behind the ball and let us play and unfortunately we didn’t have that cutting edge in front of goal.

“We conceded sloppy goals and we have to be better at the nitty gritty side of the game.

“They are fantastic boys, fantastic players and I am proud of them for getting this far but it shouldn’t happen once in every 47 years for a club like this.

“We have to progress now and help the club to go further and have many more days like this.”

Whing and the Banbury players are now set for a near four-week break from action with non-elite football being suspended due to the new national lockdown because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Their FA Cup clash was allowed to go ahead but had to be played behind closed doors and the manager believes that played a big part in the final outcome.

“I honestly believe that if the supporters had been there we would have won the game,” he added.

“It’s unfortunate and I want to say sorry to the supporters. We tried our best, we have got this far but we just couldn’t get over that extra hurdle.

“I want them to stick with us. There’s a great buzz around the place and this is the start.”