Banbury United is just over a week away from one of the most important games of the season (and beyond!) as we take on St Albans City in the Emirates FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round on Saturday 11th October.
This home match, at Banbury’s Spencer Stadium, powered by egg, kicks off at 3pm. Tickets can be purchased here. (It’s all-ticket for St Albans fans – please see details via the link). We’re expecting a big crowd and strongly urge fans to buy tickets online in advance.
Our matchday sponsor is The New Foscote Hospital, which offers fantastic medical facilities to the Banbury community, on its doorstep. From MRI scans, a private GP service, sports medicine, and physiotherapy The New Foscote Hospital offers a swifter, much more convenient and surprisingly affordable alternative to waiting lists and stressful treks to Oxford.
For supporters new to the FA Cup journey, or indeed Banbury United, here’s why this is such a massive occasion for the club:
The FA Cup is the world’s oldest and most famous knockout football competition. Each year, hundreds of non-league clubs enter, all with the same ambition of progressing as far as they can. For clubs like Banbury, the dream is to make it into the First Round Proper, when clubs from League One and League Two (the third and fourth tiers of English football) join the competition.
Banbury United now stand just one win away from that stage. Victory over St Albans would not only put us in the national spotlight, and provide vital financial support for our fan-owned community club, but could also hand us a tie against a professional Football League club. Think Cardiff, Reading, Bolton Wanderers: the kind of names that are known beyond the football world. Just two more rounds would see Premier League draws become a possibility.
Why it matters for Banbury United and the town
For a community club like Banbury, a good FA Cup run means so much more than the 90 minutes on the pitch (which can also see replays, extra time and penalties). It brings:
- National exposure: with media and potentially TV coverage across the country.
- Financial rewards: prize money, sponsorship and exposure help the club grow.
- Community pride: It’s a chance for Banbury to be in the spotlight, showcasing the town and its people, as well as the tireless work of many volunteers at the club, year round.
Banbury last reached the First Round Proper in 2021, bringing a sell out crowd of 2,500 and ITV1 coverage to The Spencer, and the prospect of doing it again is tantalisingly close. It would be only the seventh time in our 94 year history.
Who remembers Ian Wright Day in 2021? Were you there?
About Our Opponents
St Albans City are a strong Isthmian Premier League side, known for their attacking football and excellent pedigree. It will be a tough test, but our players will give everything for the badge and the supporters, and we need you to be there to support your town and Club.
New to the FA Cup or Banbury United? Here’s What You Need to Know
- It’s knockout football – win, and we’re through. Lose, and the FA Cup dream ends for another season.
- No replays beyond this round: If the match is level after 90 minutes, there will be a replay at St Albans. From the First Round Proper onwards, ties go straight to extra time and penalties.
- Big crowds, big atmosphere – FA Cup days always attract more supporters – and we will welcome you with open arms! Whether you’re a lifelong Puritan or coming to your very first match, your voice really does makes a difference. Perhaps this match will turn you into a new fan.
How You Can Be Part of It
We want as many people as possible backing the team at The Spencer Stadium, powered by egg. Whether you’re a seasoned supporter or completely new to non-league football, this is the perfect time to get behind your local club. Bring family, bring friends, tell everyone about it, and be part of the FA Cup magic. There’s no premier league or championship football on either, so come and be close to the action.
Spectator information
Admission prices for this match are:
Adults £14
Concessions & Students with ID £12
U18s £10
U11s get in free this season if they are accompanied by an adult.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Please note due to FA rules, season tickets (general, Youth and sponsors) are not accepted for entry at this match. All home spectators should proceed to the turnstiles, as directed, to present the QR code from their online purchase or to pay by cash or card.
Volunteers and security on the gates may check the correct category of ticket has been purchased and a request for ID and proof of age may be requested. Any supporter found in the wrong area of the ground will be removed from the ground.
We will have a matchday programme available online. Please check our website and social media for the link. A printed team sheet is available on the gate at the cost of £1.
Turnstiles will be open from 12.00 pm
Club House Bar will be open from 12.00 pm
Please arrive early to avoid queuing and to enjoy our pre-match drinks promotion – £4 a pint on all draught products up until 2pm.
Stadium Access and Parking
Please enter the stadium via Tramway Road (opposite Morrisons) for all vehicle access. Pedestrian access is via both Station Approach (the train station) and Tramway Road.
Limited parking is available at the ground. Supporters are advised to use the multi-storey car park at Banbury train station (Merton Street, East side). Parking charges apply.
Standing and seated areas are available, with cover, as well as toilets and refreshments in both areas.
Please read our ground regulations…
Banbury United reserves the right to refuse admission to the ground, or to eject from the ground, any person who fails to comply with these ground regulations.
The following items are prohibited and may not be brought into the ground by spectators:- alcohol, knives, glasses or glass bottles, fireworks, smoke bombs or pyros, aerosol/gas canisters, any article likely to cause injury, any article prohibited under law, any article likely to cause annoyance to other spectators.
The following are prohibited and may not be undertaken within the ground, the throwing of any object within the ground without lawful authority or excuse, the chanting of anything of an indecent or racist nature, the use of threatening behaviour, foul or abusive language, the entry onto the playing area or any adjacent area to which spectators are not generally admitted without lawful authority or excuse. In addition, spectators shall comply with any request from club staff or appointed match stewards.
Please note: The New Foscote Hospital Stand and John Nicholls Stand are no-smoking areas. That includes E-Cigarettes
We wish everyone a great day. Banbury United is a community-owned, family-friendly Club and we know the vast majority of home and away spectators approach their day out with this in mind. Our message to anyone looking to create or participate in a disorder is that you are not welcome here and you will be removed from the ground. Thank you.
Any queries please contact info@banburyunitedfc.co.uk
