Kevin Wilson second game in charge saw Banbury fall to a 3-1 defeat at the Silverlands Stadium on Saturday. Buxton opened the scoring after 14 minutes through Jake Wright, who scored his fourth goal in the league before the Bucks doubled the lead just before half time through Kirby’s spot kick.

Banbury had a mountain to climb in the second half could not find a breakthrough as the game ran away with from them. Kirby added his second of the afternoon and Buxton’s third just after the hour mark, forcing the game out of reach. Banbury did score a late consolation goal through Ken Charles in the 88th minute, making him the first Banbury player to ever reach double figures in the National league North.

Following the game, Wilson discussed his thoughts on the afternoon’s proceedings:

“There are positives, that we kept going, Aidan Elliott Wheeler was different class especially as he went in the wide area.

“I’m not overly disappointed, I’m disappointed that we got beat but there are positives that come out of the game."

Banbury’s battle against Buxton has led to some injury news as new signing Rudi Pache was forced off with a hamstring problem just after the hour-mark. Charlie Waller also pulled up with a thigh issue, leaving Banbury to play the remainder of the game with 10 men.

Wilson is hoping to have Ricky Johnson back in contention after he had to pull out with illness on the morning of Saturday’s game. Ken Charles and Louis Hall, who missed the previous away game at Chester, got through the game unscathed and are fit to go again in Derbyshire under the lights.

Alfreton Town

Alfreton had a free weekend this week as their home clash against Kings Lynn town was postponed on the morning of the game due to a waterlogged pitch. Despite not playing, Alfreton remained in the playoff positions courtesy of a Curzon Ashton. Town come into the game in good form, collecting 18 points from their last 10 outings.

Alfreton possess a physical side and have been free-scoring this season. Jordan Thewlis has 12 goals to his name, with Liam Waldock contributing nine and Lewis Salmon has eight.

Billy Heath’s side are not only all out attack but have a strong defence too, keeping three clean sheets in their last four games.

Since the turn of the year Liam Waldock has been in fine form, with the midfielder collecting the National League North Player of the Month award thanks to his five goals and two assists in January. Playing every minute of every game, manager Billy Heath says he is becoming “more important as the campaign rumbles on”.

Previous encounters

Banbury have yet to record a victory over Alfreton Town since meeting the side in the National League North, with the sides battling out two draws at The Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium and a 2-0 Alfreton win at the Impact Arena last March.
The home fixture this campaign saw Emmanuel Maja make his home debut as the team fought hard for a precious point and clean sheet and could have won it with a golden chance at the end from Jack Tompkins. Banbury now look to get their first win at the Impact and first away win since December 12th, in our 2-1 away victory at Kings Lynn.

Ticket Information

Supporters can purchase their tickets here! You can also purchase tickets on the gate, with Alfreton accepting cash and card payments.
They are priced at:
• Adult - £15 (all under 18s with a paying adult are free of charge)
• Concession (aged 65 and over) - £10
• 16-21 years-old - £10
• Student - £10
• 12-15 years-old - £3
Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult to gain entry.

Supporters are also reminded that they can purchase tickets for the official club bus here! Tickets are priced at £25 and the bus will leave from the BUFC Clubhouse at 15:45.