Nunneley hits hat-trick as Banbury confirm status

Steve Brooker’s boys travel to Old Cranleighans for Saturday’s division one clash and 24 hours later entertain Henley.

After a couple of defeats, Banbury stormed to an 8-1 victory over London Wayfarers on Saturday

The home side started as they did in last week’s derby at Oxford Hawks but this time the chances were taken rather than squandered.

After only three minutes Harry Brooker’s ball out of defence found Steve Campbell who moved it on to George Brooker, his pass found Barney Williams who scored from close range. Seven minutes later Josh Nunneley slotted home a penalty corner to increase the home lead.

Two minutes later his Tyson Nunneley made a spectacular break from midfield and his pass found Simon Boardman who finished in characteristic style from close range.

With a three-goal advantage and looking safe, Banbury suffered the setback of Campbell taking a head injury requiring treatment and he was off the pitch for nearly ten minutes. In his absence, Banbury keeper Scott Reynolds preserved his side’s three-goal lead with a stunning diving save to end a succession of attacking corners from the visitors.

Banbury again took command just before halftime when Harry Loxton’s break into the D and cross goal pass was steered home from close range by Brooker.

Banbury extended their advantage eight minutes into the second half when Richard Foreman’s pass found Loxton who slotted home. The visiting keeper dislocated his shoulder in his vain attempt to save the shot and he was unable to continue.

The visitors fought to get back into the game but were unable to stop a break away that saw Campbell make it 6-0. Wayfarers still fought back and scored a breakway goal when Richard Jenkins hammered home from the top of the.

But the home side went on to score two more goals in the closing stages with Josh Nunneley converting another short corner and penalty flick to bag a hat-trick.

Brooker acknowledged the welcome return of player-coach Matt Bull who provided the stability required when Campbell was forced from the pitch.

He said: “It was good to have Matt back and great to see the side meeting their potential after two weeks of disappointment. We have much to look forward to next week.”