Southern League Derby Goes To Form - Banbury United vs. Brackley Town

There was a big crowd at The Spencer Stadium.

On Bank Holiday Monday, I opted for another Southern League Premier Division match. The match I chose was the game between Banbury United and Brackley Town. This game was important for both sides for different reasons. Brackley were looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, although strangely for a team at the top of the league, they had conceded over a goal a game. Banbury on the other hand were looking a for win to pull themselves away from the relegation zone. I didn't realise until just before the game that this was a local derby with only twelve miles between the two towns.

The main stand just before kick off.

Banbury are forced on to the back foot straight from kick off and they have a lucky escape when the keeper spills the ball but no Brackley player can take advantage. Then shortly afterwards a Brackley free kick in to the area causes chaos but the Banbury keeper manages to hold on. Brackley are creating lots of chances and are gifted another when the Banbury full back slips but the forward can't take advantage. Banbury's first chance comes when a corner is headed back across goal but no one can take advantage. Both teams then have opportunities when one of their players ends up being clean through but neither can take advantage. Banbury's resistance is broken just before half time when the Brackley player finishes from close range.

Brackley look a goal in front of their fans.

At the start of the second half, the Brackley keeper makes a really good save to keep out a drilled effort from the Banbury player. However, Brackley soon double their with a near post header following a corner but despite this setback, Banbury still battle to try and get a point. Brackley have another effort tipped over and Banbury fail to make the most of a good opportunity when the player elects to pass the ball when he probably should have shot himself. Brackley put another decent cross in to the box but no one can make the vital touch. That missed opportunity doesn't prove to be too costly as they see out the rest of the game for a two nil win. 

Another view of the stand and covered terrace.

The walk from Banbury Station to The Spencer Stadium is one of the shortest I've ever made, rivalling the walk to Thatcham Town's ground to the station. The walk is literally through the station car park and short walk down the access road. Trains to Banbury depart from Marylebone on a regular basis and the journey takes just over an hour. The town centre is also a short walk from the station and is worth an explore. In the city centre I visited JT's Bar which was a decent Brakspear pub. The clubhouse is massive and also sells tasty burgers.     

The open side of the ground