ANDY Whing is looking forward to what will be an historic fixture for Banbury United at the weekend.

The Puritans welcome Gateshead in the fifth round of the FA Trophy, with a quarter final place the reward for the winner.

Banbury haven’t reached the fifth round since 1974, when they lost a second replay match against Dartford.

If they are to make the last eight, then they will need to knock out Vanarama National League strugglers Gateshead.

The north east side are 21st in the National League, two points inside the relegation zone.

Former Oxford United defender Mike Williamson is in charge at Gateshead and led the club to the National League North title last season.

Williamson spent the 2017/18 season with the U’s, having previously enjoyed six years with Newcastle United.

Despite struggling in the National League this season, Whing is well aware of the threats Gateshead possess.

READ MORE: Former Oxford United boss one game away from becoming a world champion

On what the FA Trophy tie means for the Puritans, Whing said: “It’s a massive game for the football club.

“I know we’ve had the FA Cup games in previous years, which have been brilliant, but this is absolutely more realistic for us.

“It’s going to be a really tough game, I’ve watched a fair bit of them and they’re going to be a really good opponent.”

Gateshead are in decent form as they prepare for the trip to Oxfordshire, having only lost two of their last nine games in all competitions.

Those defeats came against the current top two sides in the National League – Notts County and Wrexham.

Williamson’s side have won their last two matches, away at Wealdstone and Solihull Moors, but may be tempted to rest players with a crunch clash at fellow National League strugglers Oldham Athletic on Tuesday night.

Whing said: “They’ve only lost two of their last nine, and those were against Wrexham and Notts County, so that’s not bad at all.

“They’ve got Oldham on Tuesday, which will be a massive game for them.

“Whether they rest players or not, we know it’ll be a tough game and we’ll have to be at our best.”

Whing will be able to call upon U’s youngster James Golding, whose loan has been extended for another month.

“James has been fantastic for us, like he was last season, but this season he’s grown and filled out,” said Whing.

“He’s training with the Oxford United first team day in, day out, which is benefitting him and we’re delighted to be able to extend his loan.”