Southern League Challenge Cup Preliminary Round
Evesham United 2–3 Banbury United
Evesham faced higher league opponents in the Preliminary Round of the 2021-22 League Challenge Cup on Monday evening. Banbury United play their football in the Southern League Premier Division Central, where they were currently sitting in 2nd place.
The Puritans showed their intent with just 7 minutes on the clock, a long range shot from Morgan Roberts struck the post however, 2 minutes later The Robins took the lead. An excellent corner from Lorcan Sheehan found Callum Clayton at the far post whose header looked goal bound but, Karnell Chambers made 100% certain adding the final touch.
Banbury drew level in the 22nd minute when Samuel Brown sent a hard and low drive into the box, which was met by Ethan Johnston to slot the ball home. The visitors could have taken the lead just a minute later but, were denied by a well-timed block by Evesham Captain Matt Williams.
With both sides playing some entertaining football, neither were able to carve out a real opportunity and it was all level as the game went into half time.
The home side took the lead just 2 minutes into the second half, when a long range shot from Williams deceived the keeper who parried the ball but, was unable to keep it out.
The game was turned on its head following two what looked like very soft penalties were awarded to the visitors in the 63rd and 66th minutes. Both were despatched by Ethan Johnston giving him his hat trick, and Banbury a place in the League Challenge Cup first round.
EUFC MoM: Matt Williams
Attendance: 165
Evesham United: Clayton, Hunt, Johnson, Williams©,Paddock, Clayton (Mace 75), Hayes, Sheehan, Lucas (Brain 75), Miles, Chambers (Judge 69). Sub Not Used: Parry.
