ANDY Whing is already relishing the visit of English Football League opposition after a memorable weekend for Banbury United.

The Puritans beat Bath City 1-0 in the Emirates FA Cup fourth qualifying round, earning a home tie against Sky Bet League Two side Barrow in the first round proper next month.

Read the match report here

It is the second time they have reached this stage in as many seasons, yet fans could not watch last year’s defeat to Canvey Island due to lockdown restrictions.

But after welcoming 1,535 supporters to the Spencer Stadium on Saturday – almost 900 more than their previous highest attendance of the campaign – Whing cannot wait for more of the same against Barrow.

“The supporters were fantastic throughout, the clubhouse was rammed and it was a really good atmosphere,” the Banbury boss said.

“We’re delighted with a home draw and even more so that it’s a league club.

“It’s a long way for them to come and a massive opportunity for us.

“It still rankles with us how we went out last year – there were no fans there and it was really flat.”

Kelvin Langmead’s strike just before half-time sealed victory and Whing felt it was deserved, with former Oxford United teammate Ryan Clarke busy in the Bath goal.

The 37-year-old said: “We were nervous for the first 15 minutes, but when we settled down we were miles the better team.

“Clarkey was outstanding and kept them in the game with two world class saves.”

On Langmead, Whing added: “He was one of my first signings and might be one of my best.

"He epitomises what we’re about.

"The goal was a great moment for him, but he was outstanding all game."

Tomorrow, attention turns to the Pitching In Southern League as Banbury attempt to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

The third-placed Puritans are yet to lose in 15 matches, but they will be tested by a visiting Leiston side who are four points and four positions behind.

Whing said: “Tomorrow’s going to be our hardest game of the season so far.

"We don’t want it to be ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show'.

“These are the games that’ll test us, so we might have to make one or two changes.

"Straight after the game (on Saturday) we were talking about what we were going to do on Tuesday.

"We want to be relentless and ruthless.”