We take a closer look at this weekend's FA Cup action with a full and in-depth preview of The Bluebirds' trip to Banbury United.
Banbury United v Barrow
Saturday 6th November 2021, 5.15pm
The Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium
Emirates FA Cup First Round
In Opposition
Banbury United have already won four FA Cup ties this season in order to make it through to the First Round Proper and set-up Saturday’s televised clash with The Bluebirds.
Andrew Whing’s impressive side are unbeaten in 19 so far this season. In fact, due to COVID bringing an early conclusion to 2020/21, you have to go back to last year’s FA Cup tie against Canvey Island to find The Puritans’ last defeat.
The Banbury boss was able to make big changes to his side for their cup game against Thame United in midweek, but they still came through unscathed, triumphing 4-2 despite conceding an early goal.
This is the second season in succession that the Oxfordshire outfit have made it to Round One of the FA Cup but they are bidding to reach the Second Round for the first time in their 90-year history.
One To Watch
Kelvin Langmead brings vast experience to the Banbury United backline and will be looking to use all of his knowhow to help them find a way past The Bluebirds this weekend.
The former Preston North End trainee went on to make almost 250 appearances for Shrewsbury Town and over 100 for Northampton Town so could be a key player on Saturday.
Now 36, Langmead scored the winner in The Puritans’ glorious win over Bath City in the last round of the FA Cup last month.
Head To Head
This is the first time that the two sides have ever played each other.
Referee
Rebecca Welch will be on the whistle for Saturday’s evening’s FA Cup tie between Banbury United and Barrow after she was called-up to replace original choice, Robert Madley.
In her first full season on the EFL’s list of referees, Welch last oversaw a Bluebirds game during the 2018/19 National League campaign when she saw us beat Hartlepool United 1-0 and draw with AFC Fylde and Bromley.
Welch’s most recent appointment came at The Peninsula Stadium on Tuesday night when she presided over Salford City’s entertaining 5-3 win over Leeds United Under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.
Tickets
There are now no tickets left for sale to Barrow supporters and those without a ticket are urged not to travel as there will be no availability at Banbury on the day of the game.
Live Television Coverage
This Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on ITV4, with Mark Pougatch presenting coverage which will be on-air from 4.30pm from The Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.
Live Streaming
There will be no live stream of this weekend’s game due to the broadcast rights of the competition.
Live Commentary
We can still provide online commentary in the usual way on iFollow this weekend so if you can’t get there or watch on television then you can join us for live audio coverage.
We will once again link-up with BBC Radio Cumbria so you can listen to expert commentator Adam Johnson who will be joined on Saturday by England C Goalkeeper Coach Mick Payne.
You can purchase an Audio Match Pass for £2.50, an Audio Monthly Pass for £4.49 or sign-up for Audio Season Pass which provides all live commentary and video news for just £45.
Click here now to subscribe to iFollow.
Competition Rules
Each club may select up to nine substitutes for FA Cup ties, of which up to five can be used. However, teams are only permitted up to three opportunities (plus half time) to make substitutions within the 90 minutes.
If Saturday’s game remains all-square at the end of 90 minutes, then a replay will take place back at The Dunes Hotel Stadium to decide who takes up the place in Round Two.
Betting
Barrow have been installed as big 4/9 favourites to win the game in 90 minutes, with Banbury rated a 5/6 shot and a price of 14/5 on it going to be a reply.
Click here now to take a look at a full list of markets ahead of this weekend’s game.