Cirencester Town 0 – 1 Banbury United

In their fifth pre-season friendly match in preparation for the new season Cirencester Town suffered a narrow defeat to Banbury United of the BetVictor Southern League Premier Division Central.

The opening ten minutes was end-to-end as both sides tested their opponent’s defence but in the 12th minute Banbury took the lead when a cross from their right flank was collected by Pablo Heysham as he moved across the front edge of the home penalty area from the left flank. When he reached the centre he struck a terrific right footed curling shot into the top right corner.

Within minutes Cirencester created an opening when Josh Parsons sent a superb defence splitting pass down the left channel to Tommy Ouldridge as he burst into the visitors box to round the ‘keeper but Charlie Wise was across to block his shot.

The game was being played at a fast pace with excellent movement from the visitors which required the home side to work hard to contain them and shortly before the interval a Parsons glancing header was narrowly wide after a period of pressure.

The second half was much the same with fast, free flowing football from both sides and whilst Banbury had plenty of possession some determined defending prevented them adding any further goals.

Cirencester created a few good openings as Jordan Morris and Jack Freeman fired over the bar and in the final minutes Will Tunnicliff struck the left post.