Banbury vs Barrow Predictions

• Barrow have scored and conceded in each of their last six games.
• The visitors have lost just one of their last five games away from home.
• Banbury United have never advanced past this round.

Banbury eyeing an upset

If ever there was an occasion to reach the FA Cup 2nd round for the first time, this would probably be it for Banbury with the TV cameras down at Spencer Stadium.

The Puritans are on a 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions after a 4-2 win in the FA Challenge Cup over Thame United and they have made it to the FA Cup 1st round for the second year running.

Andy Whing’s men came through four rounds of qualifying just to reach this stage but at the sixth time of asking can they go one better?

A 2-1 defeat to Canvey Island last season destroyed their hopes but a terrific start to this campaign will have filled the players with confidence. Banbury are yet to lose and are currently 3rd in the Southern League Premier Division.

Barrow to prove too strong

That leaves three divisions between these two teams with Barrow currently plying their trade in League Two. Mark Cooper’s men are 15th and without a win in six so they are vulnerable and I do expect them to concede here.

However, Barrow have made it to the 3rd round three times since 2008, they have been there and done it. Away from home, they have lost just one of their last five, scoring eight goals in that time.

The Bluebirds have never faced Banbury but they are familiar with some of the sides currently in their hosts’ division.

During their run to the 2014/15 National League North title Barrow beat Tamworth, Lowestoft and Hednesford so that does give us some context with Barrow moving up two levels since.

Gap is telling

Whing will no doubt have his Banbury charges fired up for this one and they will threaten a Barrow defence low on confidence. However, Barrow have had no problem in front of goal this season and you would expect their quality in attacking areas to shine through.

Banbury’s best-ever finish is 6th in a league three tiers lower than Barrow so jump on our 3-1 prediction.