The FA Carlsberg Trophy
Third Round Qualifying
Monday 27 November 2006
Winning Clubs receive £3,000

Banbury United's FA Trophy Third Qualifying round match at home to Lewes on Tuesday is the Oxfordshire club's biggest for over 30 years according United secretary Barry Worsley.

United take on the Conference North side knowing a victory will set up a First Round clash with near neighbors Oxford United. And Puritans Worsley admits he is struggling to ignore the dream of a lucrative rendezvous with the Conference leaders.

"Some of us have thought about it but I'm trying not too," he explained. "We have to concentrate on getting through tonight first.

"I think tonight's game is potentially our biggest for 30 years because of who we would face next. If it had been played Saturday it wouldn't have been because the draw hadn't been made.

"However because we know it will be a local derby with a few thousand people there the financial implication makes tonight a massive affair - and a bit spicier. It's a huge game for both teams."

And it's not just the proximity of Banbury and Oxford that could make it one of the ties of the next round. The two clubs have shared a number of players and staff over the years to.

Worsley added: "There is a lot of history with the current Banbury team and Oxford. Their manager Jim Smith coached our present boss Kevin Brock at the Manor Ground while Alan Rudge and Les Robinson have also represented both clubs.

"However I hope the best team wins tonight and it isn't decided by something that shouldn't have been. It'd be nice if whoever wins deserves to win. It makes defeat a bit easier to take.

"Lewes are a league above us and we know it'll be a very tough game."