Whing revels in Banbury’s fine start but injuries are already biting

The Puritans kicked off the season with a 2-1 win at Curzon Ashton and have followed that up in impressive fashion against two of the division’s big hitters.

Their first home game at the higher level saw Banbury stun title favourites AFC Fylde with a brilliant 3-1 victory last Saturday, courtesy of goals from Ben Radcliffe, Alex Babos and Jak Hickman.

And then, against Boston United on Tuesday night, honours ended even in a goalless draw with the visitors having to play the last half-an-hour with 10 men after Luke Shiels was sent-off.

But, with seven points on the board and an unbeaten record intact after the first three games, boss Andy Whing couldn’t be happier with his players as they now turn their attention to a long trip to Darlington on Saturday.

“We’d have snapped your hand off for that, especially with the tough start we had with Fylde and Boston who are two of the biggest teams in the league,” the Puritans boss said.

“To take four points off them is an unbelievable achievement. The players have been absolutely fantastic and I couldn’t be more proud of them.

“Every test they’ve had, they have stood up and produced the results which has been great.

“With the Fylde game, I had messages the following day telling me it was one of the best performances in Banbury’s history, just with where we are in terms of being at the highest level we have been at and playing against a very tough team.

“And then I thought Boston were the best team we have played so far.

“I know they have had a good start but they have a big squad with quality players.

“They pressed us and it took a while for us to get into it but we could have won it, even before they went down to 10 men.

“It’s gone really well but, again, it’s just a start and the tough games keep coming.”

United’s brilliant start hasn’t come without its issues, however, with injuries and unavailability currently leaving Whing with just 12 fit first-team players.

Jack Stevens suffered a concussion on Tuesday night while Kelvin Langmead is currently sidelined with injury.

And the manager is hoping he can add some fresh faces to help his squad.

“We are really thin on the ground,” he added.

“Jack Stevens was in hospital until the early hours with concussion so he will miss this weekend and possibly longer, which is really frustrating.

“Kelvin will also miss out at the weekend but we are hopeful he will be back for the week after.

“And Sam Brown is unavailable for the next couple so we are down to 12 fit players at the moment.

“We are desperately trying to see what we can bring in to help the lads a bit.

“Those who have been in and around it have been absolutely fantastic but they need a bit of help to give them that bit of rest when they need it.

“Subs can change games and that’s why we will try to add a couple in the next few days.”