Across the next 28 days Banbury will face a runoff 6 games out of 7 at home as we finally catch up on the back log off fixtures caused by the country’s mass rainfall. This can be a pivotal part of the season in the lead up to Christmas as Banbury can make up ground through their one/ two games in hand on various different sides in the division if they get a positive result.
Yet, the feeling leading up to this spell of home games is a mixed bag among supporters. An early exit in the FA trophy against step 3 side Nuneaton Town on Saturday, alongside only 4 goals scored at home in the league this season has led some fans to feel downbeat therefore making it is easy for some to think “It’s cold, I’ll give this a miss” or “that’s a tough game, we might lose, what’s the point”. But there is lots of points about this home advantage and how it can be a positive impact on our season. Therefore this blog is here to squash any negativity and promote the importance of our home advantage as we go into a spell where 6 out of our next 7 games will be held at the Spencer therefore we all become accountable and have to work together to make this a fortress as WE ARE UNITED.
A Weeks a Long Time in Football
Just over a week ago the Banbury supporters was sent into raptures by Simeon Maye’s 97th Minute winner away at table topping Tamworth. The scenes led fans, the Management team and players unite in pure elation as they amalgamated on the edge of the terrace with only the sponsor barriers trying to contain the wild celebrations. The scenes and the manner of victory led to some Puritans hailing it one of their best away days since following the club as the Puritans sheered the lambs at the death. The victory took Banbury up to tenth place with only a point adrift of a playoff spot leaving us in a very healthy position in the table, yet a week is a long time in football, and this has shown since leaving Staffordshire on that Saturday night.
A heavy defeat against Hereford and being outplayed by the bulls led fans to feel philosophical regarding the loss. On paper it was a tough game and with Hereford only conceding 3 at home all season, average crowds of 2000 and a revamped Hereford side with flair, experience, and ability it was always going to be a tough place to come. Yet conceding 4 goals again and this time to step 3 side Nuneaton Town whilst on a poor home showing on our first Saturday home game in 7 weeks has left the feeling of Simeon Maye’s goal feel like a distance memory.
However, notwithstanding this tough week of two heavy defeats the squad is nearly on its way back to its full contingence as Aidan Elliott Wheeler who has been unavailable due to Oxford United’s involvement in the FA Youth cup is back alongside fellow loanee Harry Parsons as he is in line to make his second home debut for the club after being unavailable at the weekend due to his parent club Maidenhead’s involvement in the FA Trophy. Additionally, we could be seen to be defensively stronger with the return of experienced right back Dion Kelly-Evans who was out with a minor hip injury. These players add talent, skill and experience for this level and will prove to be welcome additions back to the squad ready to put on a show at home.
Away Form into Home form
If you are in position where you can’t make away days due to circumstances life throws at you then it probably looks bleak when you come to watch Banbury United with only 3 Home wins in our last 21 games stretching back to Saturday November 26th 2022. However, if you are in a fortunate position and lucky enough to travel to away games then you have been treated to some fine displays so far this season apart from the odd few. Our away form has brought us to look a solid outfit which reflects in the away form table as we sit in 4th place so far this season. Mark Jones has steered the team to 3 away wins on the bounce for the first time in the NLN as Banbury engineered wins away at Boston, Southport and Tamworth which is no mean feat in this unpredictable league. As well as this, we have experienced away wins at Farsley, and Gloucester keeping clean sheets alongside a point against Danny Waldron fc. Tactically we have been strong after the first weekend of September as we have kept 3 clean sheets as well as found a way to dominate possession in large stages of the game away as seen at Southport, the first half at Tamworth and the second half at Boston United.
These away performances show we have what it takes to compete in this league and show we are a very strong outfit on our day. With the less demands of travelling over the next month and creating a rhythm off familiarity by playing at the Spencer stadium can help aid players into a good run off home form. During this run we face 2 teams who are in the relegation zone, one midtable side and two playoff position sides. This shows even if it doesn’t come off straight away, we have got a range of games to put it right however, it all starts on Tuesday as we face the most southern side in the Division Bishop Stortford. Bishop come into the game with 1 away point all season so it is a perfect start for us Puritans to pack out the Townend and make it tough atmosphere for away sides to come. Having an early win and a positive performance can help propel us into good home form so it is our duty to get behind the lads so they can start this run of games with a win.
Attendance Impacts Budgets
22/23 season our average attendance was 904 but this season has dropped to a mere 711 thus showing a -127% drop in attendance figures. With the decrease in numbers on the terraces it can have the impact of creating a domino effect for the club on and off the pitch. Before going into the risks of having low attendance I can sympathise with fans who have had to endure mass searches on entry whereas the away end can bring in as many flairs as possible, but this has been raised and the security team have improved massively compared to last year’s agency.
Anyways back to Attendance impacts budgets. Firstly, a decrease in attendance at the gate will ultimately lead to a reduction in the club's revenue. Non-league clubs heavily depend on gate receipts to cover players' wages, especially since we are a fan-owned club and do not have a wealthy benefactor who can easily contribute funds. A decline in gate attendance not only impacts revenue from ticket sales, but also affects secondary sales such as refreshments, beer, food, and merchandise, further impacting the playing budget. At a recent general meeting, Dave Goulding clarified that despite rumours, our playing budget has not been reduced, but is based on the expectation of an average attendance of 900 at home games. This indicates that we are currently falling short of our projected attendance figures, which directly affects our playing budget and may force the club to either endure financial losses or operate with an even smaller squad to balance the finances. However, with a series of upcoming home games, fans can contribute to creating a strong and inclusive atmosphere that fosters a sense of community. We have previously demonstrated that this town has the potential for unity, atmosphere, and high attendances, and we are capable of rekindling that spirit at the Townend.
Mark Jones has built a squad from the bare bones which has ultimately led us to a rollercoaster start to the season with already so many highs and lows. As mentioned earlier, we have proved we are a strong outfit on our day and currently sat closer to the playoffs than the relegation zone thus exceeding our off season thoughts. But the lead up to Christmas is important on and off the pitch and as a fan-owned club, we all have a responsibility to do our part, whether it's encouraging friends to attend, cheering loudly at the Townend, or volunteering. Our actions can generate positivity that translates onto the pitch, and a positive performance on the pitch can lead to a successful run of home games during this busy fixture schedule.
Conclusion
Overall, the fans and the players have an opportunity to make the Spencer Stadium into a fortress over the next 28 days which can put us in good stead ready for the second half of the season. Therefore, if your fortunate and privileged to be able to get to as many games as possible please do as your support can go a long way on and off the pitch.
❤️WE ARE UNITED.💛
Thank you for reading.
UTP
Spencer Reds❤️💛