United returned to Oxfordshire with a point, thanks primarily to goalkeeper Simon Tricker who was in great form, particularly in the second-half when he saved a penalty and also made two other incredible saves.

The first half was dominated by Bashley but they failed to create a single decent goal-scoring chance, thanks to some magnificent defending and some safe handling from Tricker. In fact, the best chance of the first half fell to Banbury but Jody McKay’s left-foot shot from outside the penalty area cleared the bar.

The second half was also dominated by Bashley but Tricker performed his penalty heroics in the 62nd minute when Kieran Sullivan handled the ball. Craig Davis hit his spot-kick well, only for the Banbury custodian to dive full-length to tip the effort away for a corner. Sullivan then redeemed himself, clearing the resulting flag-kick off the line.

Bashley then pummelled Banbury's defence, who were grateful to Ollie Stanbridge, who made two goal-line clearances, before a fantastic double save from Tricker, the second of which was whilst he was prostrate on the goal-line.

Banbury United: Simon Tricker, Ady Fuller, Matty Travers, Kieran Sullivan, Jason Allen, Jimmy Simpson, Jon Corbett, Ollie Stanbridge, Norman Sylla (Liam O'Neill 86), George Redknap (Scott Taylor 67), Jody McKay. Subs not used: Mark Essex, Kevin Brock.

Neither Banbury or Bashley would earn promotion that season. Bashley would finish fifth and Banbury eighth. At the time of the Bashley game, Dorchester Town were down in ninth place but did not lose another league game all season to be crowned champions. Eastbourne Borough finished runners-up to be promoted alongside Dorchester to the Premier Division.

Below is a team photo from season 2002/03. The players are:

Back Row (Left to Right): Les Hastie (Coach), Mark Essex, Wayne Blossom, Jason Allen, Simon Tricker, Ady Fuller, Norman Sylla, Jody McKay, Brian Robinson (Assistant Manager).

Front Row (Left to Right): Jimmy Simpson, Ollie Stanbridge, Liam O’Neil, Kieran Sullivan, Jon Corbett, George Redknap, Matty Travers.
.

.
Simon Tricker joined Banbury from Abingdon United in November 2000 and stayed with the club until the end of season 2005/06. He made 313 appearances in all competitions for the Puritans and even got on the scoresheet! His goal would come in bizarre circumstances in the first game of the 2001/02 season when United were at home to Eastbourne Borough. After going behind early, United had fought back by the hour mark to lead 2-1 through goals from Ben Milner and Matty Gooderick. Then in the 61st minute Tricker sent a free kick into the Eastbourne area that bounced over opposite number Dean Lightwood into the net. A final note about Simon’s career at Banbury United is that between April 6th 2002 and 28th January 2006 he never missed a single Southern League game for the club, a remarkable 158 consecutive league games for the Puritans!

.The first photo below shows Simon with Assistant Manager Brian Robinson which is followed by a number of photos of the United goalkeeper in action:

.

.

.

.

.

.
Bashley was a popular trip for United supporters, many making a weekend of it and staying somewhere on the South Coast. Though it is doubtful there were many Banbury fans there on this Tuesday night, there was certainly always a decent following there for Saturday games. Here is a photo of some of the Puritan faithful at Bashley for the Saturday game in February 2001.
.