Whing hails Banbury United's 'great achievement' in the FA Cup

Banbury United are enjoying their best run in the FA Cup since 1980

Andy Whing hailed a “great achievement” as Banbury United reached the fourth qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time since 1980.

The in-form Puritans were up against Pitching In Southern League Premier Central rivals Peterborough Sports in the third qualifying round on Tuesday night and eventually advanced in dramatic fashion.

Banbury took the lead through Connor Roberts in the first half but Sports struck late to take the game straight into a penalty shoot-out.

But it was Whing’s team who prevailed 7-6 on spot-kicks to book their place in the next stage where they will host Isthmian League North Division side Bury Town a week on Saturday (October 24) for a place in the first round proper.

“It’s brilliant and the lads were superb once again,” the Banbury boss said.

“We have had a few injury problems and we had three or four missing on Tuesday and then we had a couple of injuries during the game so all-in-all it was an unbelievable effort.

“The squad is really being tested. I think we have played eight games now since September 19 and we have only lost one game in that period.

“It’s been a fantastic start but Tuesday night really topped it off.

“We have got Banbury the furthest they have been in the FA Cup for 40 years so it’s a great achievement for everyone at the club.”

There’s no rest for the wicked and Banbury head straight into another big game at the weekend as they head to unbeaten Coalville Town who sit on top of the early standings.

The Puritans shared a 1-1 draw with another of the early high-flyers Needham Market last Saturday.

And Whing insists his team are looking forward to another big test.

“I think we have had a really tough start, we have played some good teams already,” he added.

“We had Needham Market last weekend who have started well and, again, I felt we should have won but it was a good game between two footballing teams.

“I was slightly disappointed we didn’t win but we will go again this weekend.

“We will hopefully have one or two back and we will strap a few others up and get them back on the pitch.

“Thankfully we have got a midweek off next week so we are really looking forward to putting everything into Saturday. We are full of confidence at the minute.”