ANDY Whing is looking to create another slice of Banbury United history as his side look to make the first round of the Emirates FA Cup for the third year in a row.

The Puritans were beaten at home by Canvey Island in 2020, before suffering another first round exit on home soil, at the hands of Barrow last year.

The Canvey Island defeat was the first time Banbury reached the competition proper for 47 years.

Previewing the Puritans’ trip to Bracknell Town in the fourth qualifying round, manager Whing said: “If you look at the last couple of years, there’s been a lot of excitement about this stage.

“This year, I don’t know whether it’s because we’re up a league, there’s not that same level of excitement.

“But for me, it’s a massive game for the football club.

“There’s some massive teams in that next round.”

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Following promotion after winning the Southern League Premier Central title by 23 points last season, the Puritans have continued to excel in Vanarama National League North.

Whing’s side are currently third, and three points behind league leaders King’s Lynn Town.

However, after successive draws with Gloucester City and Blyth Spartans, Whing is still looking for more from his players.

“Coming off a long trip to Blyth Spartans, it’s quite nice to have a local-ish game,” he said.

“We know it’ll be a tough game but we’ll go in full of confidence.

“We should’ve taken two wins from the last two games, so we’ve got a bit of a point to prove.”

The Puritans will be without 20-year-old forward Harry Parsons for the FA Cup tie though.

Swindon Town have recalled Parsons, who was due to remain at Banbury until January.

He scored two goals in six appearances for the Puritans, who made the fourth qualifying round thanks to a 2-0 win at home to Berkhamsted.

Josh Dugmore netted his first goal for the club on 51 minutes, with Henry Landers grabbing his first goal of the season with 66 minutes played.

Oxford City also face an away tie in the FA Cup, with a trip to Hornchurch.

The Hoops required a replay to get past Plymouth Parkway, coming from behind in that game.

Ross Jenkins’ side needed a last minute header from Canice Carroll to earn the replay and again left it late to win the tie.

After falling behind in the first half, Josh Parker equalised in the 90th minute.

Klaidi Lolos gave City the lead four minutes into extra-time, before Parker grabbed his brace with eight minutes to go.