- Banbury United have won one and lost four of their last five matches.
- Redditch United have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five.
- Both sides have one win, one draw and one defeat each in their three previous meetings in the Southern League Premier Division Central.
Pragmatism meets passion at the Plant Hire Community Stadium
The clash of two new managers with contrasting philosophies on Saturday’s head-to-head between Banbury United and Redditch United should provide a fascinating sub-plot to a crucial match at this stage of the season.
Kelvin Langmead has implemented a pragmatic, physical approach for The Puritans, that has seen them play a compact, direct brand of football, absorbing pressure and defending deep before looking to hit teams quickly and with purpose.
The results have been mixed, and Banbury United’s home form has seen them win one and lose one of their last two games at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium, but they are coming into this one on the back of a 2-0 home win over AFC Sudbury and a 4-0 defeat to Stamford AFC.
Redditch United, on the other hand, are in seventh spot in the Southern League Premier Division Central and have accumulated 66 points from 40 games, enough to put them in contention for a playoff spot come the end of the campaign.
The Roosters have won seven, drawn four and lost nine of their 20 away matches in the Southern League Premier Division Central, and they head to Oxfordshire on the back of one win, one draw and one defeat in their last three away matches.
Fowler’s teams have the energy and momentum to keep the ball high up the pitch and suffocate their opponents when in possession. He’s been more than happy to play young players with a mix of raw pace and enthusiasm to implement his playing style and that energy could make life difficult for Banbury, who like to be compact and play directly.
Roosters to edge it in a tight encounter
Redditch United won their last head-to-head 2-0 at home four months ago, but haven’t won away at The Puritans in any of the last three meetings.
Given that Banbury have won 11, drawn five and lost just four of their 20 home games in the Southern League Premier Division Central, we’re going with a draw on Saturday at 13/5, although the odds for Redditch are tempting at 59/50 with Banbury 87/50.
We can’t ignore the fact that The Roosters are in better form and have a better season overall, so we’re backing the visitors to edge it in a close contest. The over 2.5 goals market is our selection at 71/100, as Fowler’s energy and Langmead’s directness should both see goals at both ends.
Banbury have scored an average of 1.45 goals per home game in the Southern League Premier Division Central, and conceded an average of 1.05. They will look to win second balls, hold firm in aerial duels and make the most of the counter-attack, but we’re not expecting a massacre here.
Luke Stokoe has been in fine form for Banbury United of late and we’re chancing him to score again for The Puritans as he’s been their spark in the final third, scoring two of their four goals in the last five games.
