BANBURY United manager Mike Ford said he is confident his young side are capable of stepping up to a higher level, writes Matthew Bruce.

Ford has kept faith with the bulk of the side who won promotion to Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division.

And is hopeful his loyalty will be rewarded when they open their campaign with a trip to Basingstoke Town on Saturday.

Ford said: “I had a good chat with the team at the weekend and I asked them why they thought I’d made very few changes to the squad.

“It’s because I have faith in this group of players.

“We’ve got lots of talented young players who I believe can take this club forward for a long time to come – as long as we can keep hold of them.”

Midfielder Ollie Stanbridge is the only significant departure, leaving the Puritans after making 500 appearances over two spells at the club.

While Saturday’s side is likely to look familiar to fans who saw last season’s success, Ford has bolstered his squad with a handful of experienced additions – most notably 20-goal striker Mark Janes from Didcot Town.

Midfielder Jack Self has also made the step up from Didcot, Declan Benjamin returns from Oxford City, while former Oxford United left-back David Lynn has signed from Thame United.

PLAYERS IN

Declan Benjamin (Oxford City), Jack Self (Didcot Tn), Mark Janes (Didcot Tn), David Lynn (Thame Utd).

PLAYERS OUT

Ollie Stanbridge (Aylesbury Utd), Louis Joyce (Kidlington), Richard Platt (North Leigh).