A GAME FOR THE FANS: Spencer Reds V Townend Reds

Spencer Reds
May 1
3 min read

Saturday, May 3rd sees the fans migrate from the terraces to the pitch as the Spencer Reds take on the Townend Reds. It’s a day that screams of contradiction — a united fanbase coming together to raise money for the club to assist with pitch maintenance, while still fiercely battling for bragging rights and pride on the pitch.

End-of-season charity matches are nothing new for Banbury fans. For years, they’ve been a staple event, often taking place after the final home game of the season. One particularly memorable moment came from now-retired Townend Reds player/manager Craig Whittingham, who recalled April 27th, 2007, when Maidenhead visited town celebrating their Southern League Premier title. That day, in front of a crowd featuring Batman, Robin, and Superman? Craig stepped up to take a penalty. In that moment I think he wished the super powers transferred from the stands to the pitch as he could have unlimited power and bravery to be able to slot home or even his own superpower of mind reading—just to slot the ball calmly into the opposite corner of the keeper’s dive.

This year, Banbury United community coach Ryan Jones reached out to the fanbase with the idea of bringing the tradition back, building on the two charity games played already this season. The community work has been a massive positive building up Banbury United as a Brand around the local area nd credit goes to both Ryan Jones and Lisa Dixon for all there efforts. This game is in place to help raise vital funds for the club to assist with pitch maintenance and Just from player registrations alone, £170 already been raised. On the day, there’ll also be a donation bucket for spectators who want to support the cause while enjoying what promises to be a high-scoring (I promise it’ll be the highest scoring game all season) game of football.

Fans can expect to see character, commitment, and boundless energy… for all of about one minute. After that, well, just get yourself another drink from the bar.

Townend Reds will be donning this season’s red home shirts, with a squad made up of familiar faces from the terraces.

1️⃣Orion Phillips

2️⃣Corey Phillips

3️⃣Bobby Stewart

4️⃣James hastie

5️⃣Callum Manley

6️⃣Dylan Manley

7️⃣Justin Manley

8️⃣Darren Bunting

9️⃣Ian Upstone

🔟Tommy Upstone

1️⃣1️⃣Jack Finch

1️⃣2️⃣Jack Henessesy

1️⃣4️⃣Ryan hartwell

1️⃣5️⃣Matt Steele

1️⃣6️⃣Ash Whittingham

1️⃣7️⃣Ellis Booth

1️⃣8️⃣Richard Walker

Spencer Reds will take to the field in Banbury United’s yellow (gold) away kit, sponsored by The Terracedfor the 2022/23 season.

1️⃣ Leggy

2️⃣ Harry Cartwright

3️⃣ Harry O’Sullivan

4️⃣ David Clarke

5️⃣ Smithy

6️⃣ Jacko

7️⃣Ethan Cleaver

8️⃣ Charlie Thompson

9️⃣ Nathan Matthews

1️⃣0️⃣ Alfie O’Sullivan

1️⃣1️⃣ Liam Meadows

1️⃣2️⃣ Olly Blake-Rickards

1️⃣4️⃣ Dan Greasby

1️⃣5️⃣ Owen Sumner

1️⃣6️⃣ Roman

1️⃣7️⃣

1️⃣8️⃣ Daniel Athey

1️⃣9️⃣ Connor wetherall

So, if you’re at a loose end this Saturday afternoon and fancy watching a group of fans—who’ve spent the season claiming “we just need a proper number 9”—try and be that number 9 themselves, head down to Spencer Stadium and give us your support.