By Sean Beeby
Gloucester City travel to the Spencer Stadium tonight to face a high-flying Banbury United side who currently sit second in the National League North. (KO 19:45)
City suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Chorley on Saturday, with two goals in two minutes early in the second half being the hammer blow at Victory Park.
Nevertheless, Lee Mansell’s side will be looking to put things right on Tuesday night under the lights in Oxfordshire, with only three points separating City and the play-off places.
Here are all the details regarding City’s 10th league game of the season against Banbury United.
Form:
It’s been a mixed bag of results for City this season, with four wins and five losses, and they’ll be hoping to kick-start a consistent run of good results against Andy Whing’s side.
Banbury United have started the season very well, sitting second in the National League North, just two points short of table-toppers Kings Lynn, after a narrow 2-1 win over Scarborough Athletic.
Getting the three points will be no easy feat for Gloucester, and they’ll be looking to the likes of Matt McClure to find the back of the net, the striker has bagged five league goals in eight games for City so far this campaign.
Key Players:
Banbury winger Morgan Roberts, who is on loan from Swindon Town, has netted four goals in six games, so City’s defence will have a task on their hands to prevent him from adding to that tally this evening.
Alternatively, young striker Jack Stevens has contributed three goals for the hosts so far this season.
The 21 year old was a scholar at Oxford United and previously played for Hungerford Town, City’s FA Cup second qualifying round opponents ten days ago.
Previous Meetings:
27th January 2009: Gloucester City 1-1 Banbury United - Non-League Premier: Southern Central
7th October 2008: Banbury United 1-5 Gloucester City - Non-League Premier: Southern Central
15th March 2008: Banbury United 1-1 Gloucester City - Non-League Premier: Southern Central
27th October 2007: Gloucester City 0-0 Banbury United - Non-League Premier: Southern Central
2nd December 2006: Gloucester City 1-4 Banbury United - Non-League Premier: Southern Central
Lee Mansell’s Pre-Match Thoughts:
“They’re a very good side, they’re used to winning games of football, and it will be a tough encounter.
"We’ve got to go and fight, and fight properly on Tuesday and try and get some points.
“We want to stay around that pack, we don’t want to lose ground on it, these players need to give us more, I need to do more, full focus onto Tuesday now.”
Tickets & Travel:
The Supporters' Coach is sold out for tonight's trip to Banbury, with the coach departing the TigerTurf Stadium at 17:45pm and the 1883 Bar open from 16:00pm for drinks.
Tickets can be booked online here in advance via the Banbury website, this match is not segregated and admission prices are: Adults £15, Concessions £11 Students with ID £8, U18s £5 U11s £2.
There is limited spectator parking at the ground however it is always available for those requiring accessible parking. Spectators also cannot park on Station Approach or on Tramway Road. Additional car parking is available in the Banbury Railway Station car park off Station Approach.