This is only Larkhall Athletic’s second season at Southern League level, having won the Western League Premier Division Championship in season 2013/14.

Last season Larkhall finished a creditable fifth in their first season at this level, enough to earn a place in the play-offs. They then beat Evesham United, who had finished second, 3-0 away in the play-off semi-final before just missing out on promotion to the Premier Division after losing 3-2 at Stratford Town in the play-off final.

Though losing at home to Didcot Town on the opening day of this season Larkhall have put that defeat behind them very quickly as they have been unbeaten in their five league games since, winning three and drawing two, their latest success being a 2-1 win at then second in the table Taunton Town on Holiday Monday. Larkhall currently stand in sixth place in the table.

Larkhall also progressed in the FA Cup last Saturday with a win over Buckland Athletic so they go into the game on a run of six games unbeaten in all competitions.

This will be Banbury’s first ever visit to Larkhall Athletic’s ground as the clubs have never met home or away in any competition.

Squad news from Banbury United manager Mike Ford is that Nic Evangelinos returns after missing the last two games but that Brian Bowles has left the club due to work commitments and Reece Bayliss has also departed.

Directions for those travelling by car to Larkhall Athletic are here