Blues aim to make Banbury cross

BLUES will look to reproduce their recent good away form at the ProKit UK Stadium when they host Banbury United on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

While they are unbeaten in their last four away games, they have picked up just three points from the same number of home matches.

Kevin Watson’s side will be without skipper Mark Hughes for the visit of the play-off chasing side after the was sent off in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Weymouth. But the Blues boss will be hoping that at least some of the injured quintet of George Casey, Josh Simpson, Dean Ager,  Tom Clifford and Marvel Ekpiteta will be available for selection.

Blues made their first ever trip to Banbury in August, and despite Jason Williams giving them the lead against the then league leaders, United hit back with a pair of goals to take the points.

After making an immediate return to the Southern League Premier following relegation in 2015, Banbury finished sixth last season but they’ve failed to maintain their good start to the campaign and are currently five points and four places off the play-offs with 42 points from 28 games.

Their 1-0 loss at Farnborough on Wednesday saw the Hampshire side leapfrog the Blue Brazil and we go into the game in 19th place with 31 points from 28 games.

Their FA Cup campaign saw wins against Tiverton and Thatcham before a surprise loss against Shildon, while in the FA Trophy they again beat Tiverton – though only after a replay – before losing against Farnborough following a home draw.