ANDY Whing hopes Banbury United can pay tribute to a much-loved fan in fitting fashion tomorrow.

The Puritans can clinch the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central title if they beat Tamworth, on a day they remember supporter Andrew Steele.

The popular fan died suddenly last weekend, aged 36, and there will be a minute’s applause before kick-off at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.

Steele’s son Matt plays for the Puritans’ Under 18 side and the team will form a guard of honour, while other members of his family will be present.

Banbury boss Whing (below) said: “I only saw him about two weeks ago at a friendly against Evesham.

“His lad made his first appearance in the first-team squad.

“36 is so young, which is incredibly sad.

“It must be a really hard time for his family and it would be a fitting tribute to clinch the league on Saturday.”

Banbury could have won the league last weekend, but Coalville Town’s victory at Leiston delayed the celebrations by another week.

The Puritans need two points from their final five games to seal the title, so Whing is feeling relaxed.

He said: “It’s in our hands and we’re really looking forward to hopefully doing it in front of our fans.

“It’ll probably be one of the biggest league attendances of the season.

“The lads know what’s at stake, I don’t have to remind them.”

Almost £6,500 has been raised for Steele’s funeral. You can donate here.