Banbury United U18s extended their winning run to four consecutive games, but left it late to finally see off a spirited Leek Wootton side 3-2 on Saturday morning.

Despite heavy rain the night before, the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium was in great shape ahead of this 10.30am kick off, testament to the work Andy and his ground staff do on the playing surface.

There were a couple of alterations to the squad from the previous weeks victory over Silhill. Bobby returned in goal, and there were also places in the squad for Ryan, Ethan, Harry and Ike (who made his first appearance for the team).

Banbury started the game a little sloppily, and Bobby was tested early on with a long range effort that he gathered comfortably. The reprieve was short lived however as the away side took the lead after 12 minutes. Sloppy defending allowed a Leek Wootton player to get a shot off at goal. Bobby made the first save, but the Wootton striker was quickest to react and fired the rebound into the bottom corner of the net 0-1.

Following the opener Banbury finally seemed to settle into the match. Lukas Wahlen had an effort blocked, and then headed wide, and following a long range effort from Seb, Brook was deemed offside on the rebound.
Banbury were inches away from drawing themselves level on 20 minutes. The ball found its way out to Oscar on the right wing, he drove towards goal cutting in and striking the ball from just inside the penalty area. The balls smacked against the foot of the post and was cleared.

The equaliser came on 25 minutes. Lukas won the ball back on the right side of the area, he fed the ball to Tyra on the edge of the box, who smashed it low and hard into the corner of the net via the post 1-1.

By now United had a real control of the game, Seb Volleyed a foot or so over the bar, and Ike had two efforts well saved by the Wootton keeper, the second of which an excellent one v one save after Ike was slid through on goal.
It seemed inevitable when Banbury took the lead for the first time on 40 minutes. This goal was a bit of a gift as Leek Wootton attempted to play out from the back, Lukas intercepted ran through on goal and cleverly sent the keeper the wrong way 2-1.

With Banbury in complete control of the game Leek Wootton against the run of play found an equaliser on the stroke of half time. A lovely lobbed finish to the corner of the net tying the scores at the interval 2-2.

The second half was one way traffic. Leek Wootton defended resiliently with their centre back number 5 having a particularly good game.
Banbury had a lot of chances, but at times chose to shoot from distance, or force things a little too quickly as they sought the winning goal in the game.

Lukas had two efforts that were narrowly wide, and then a free kick which was pushed away low down by the keeper.
Niccolo also had two or three good chances to score, the best of which a header which just landed on the roof of the net.
Niccolo then turned provider with an excellent cross into the box, where Ryan met it six yards out - but the keeper done well to keep it out on the line.
Lennon, Seb, Jacob and Brook were all denied by either the Leek Wootton keeper, or by wayward finishing, as Bobby was a virtual spectator throughout the second period.

Finally 4 minutes from time Banbury, got the goal they were searching for, and that they deserved. Ironically the goal came as Leek Wootton committed a couple of players further forward for probably the only time in the half. United broke and Seb drove over the half way line, before passing the ball to Tyra on the right side of the penalty area, he strode forward a few more yards before smashing an unstoppable strike into the roof of the net for 3-2.

Banbury saw out the remaining minutes comfortably to pick up the win, their fourth in a row. Leek Wotton had defended with their lives, and although no one in attendance could argue Banbury United didn't deserve to win, Wootton can feel disappointed that they leave with nothing after the effort they put in to trying to keep the red wave at bay!

Next week a tough fixture against our nemesis Sutton Coldfield Town - at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium

Full Time
Banbury United U18 3 Leek Wootton U18 2
Goalscorers - Tyra Aitken 2, Lukas Wahlen
Assists - Lukas Wahlen, Seb Kola
MOTM - Seb Kola