Fans expecting more dividends

20 Sep 2016 By David Watters

Banbury United supporters are looking forward to seeing their Spencer Villa Fund paying more dividends on Saturday when they host Kings Langley in the EVO-STIK League Southern’s top flight.

Named after the club’s original name when it first entered competitive football in the local Banbury & District Junior League back in 1933, the 12th man scheme for fans to boost the playing budget paid off at the weekend when it funded the signing of new striker Conor McDonagh and he scored in their 6-1 Emirates FA Cup demolition of Cirencester Town.

Puritans manager Mike Ford was able to tap into the fund to snap up the 23-year-old following his recent release from Oxford City after Felipe Barcelos announced his intentions to leave the EVO-STIK League Southern Premier Division club's Spencer Stadium for university.

Ford said: “I’m very pleased to bring in a proven striker such as Conor who has scored goals at every club he’s played for and I’m sure this will continue with us. He has plenty of experience playing at a higher level as well and I’m delighted to get him into the club.”

Before scoring on his debut and setting up another goal, McDonagh told the club’s fans: “I’m buzzing to get started to be honest. Banbury’s a club on the up and the chance to play in front of the fans here was a big lure for me. It’s a professional set-up with a good manager and I’m sure I can help the team build on last season’s success.”

United’s commercial director Mark Allitt added: “It’s been a great shame to lose Felipe but obviously this opened up the funds to move for Conor. I can only thank the Spencer Villa Fund contributors again for their fantastic support.”

Pictured signing alongside Ford and chairman Ronnie Johnson, the forward kicked off his career with Oxford United before joining Oxford City and going on to play for City Nomads, Witney Town, North Leigh, Thames United and Northern Premier League side Ossett Albion.

On his return to Oxfordshire McDonagh joined Didcot Town at the start of the 2015-16 season before moving up two levels to return to Oxford City in September 2015 and making 34 first team appearances for the National League South outfit last term.

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1

Where next?

Exiles face four more away days EVO-STIK League Southern Hayes & Yeading United will be hoping for a change in fortunes after agreeing a new four game deal to play at Beaconsfield SYCOB.

First round proper just got closer ... The EVO-STIK League Southern's clubs have the first round proper of the Emirates FA Cup in their sights after Monday's draw for the competition's third qualifying round.