Magpies boss Tom Killick says his side are expecting a difficult game as they travel to Oxfordshire to face Banbury United in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.  

Banbury United were relegated from the National League North at the end of last season and compete in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

After five games this season, Banbury United have claimed 10 points and sit in third place. In recent seasons, the Puritans have been a non-league force in the cup, reaching the first round in consecutive seasons between 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Speaking about the draw, Killick said: “It’s not the draw we were hoping for, we would rather have had a home tie.

“Banbury were in the National League North up until recently, and are one of the most powerful sides in this level.

“We know it’s going to be a difficult game, but we have belief in ourselves as a group and we know how important the FA Cup is to everybody.

“The supporters are understandably enthusiastic- everyone knows it’s a big deal.”

The Magpies have kept back-to-back clean sheets from their fixtures over the Bank Holiday weekend including their first win of the campaign (against Gloucester City) as boss Tom Killick returned to the touchline after recovering from sepsis. Speaking on Wednesday’s goalless draw against Winchester City. Speaking on the result, Killick commented: “We didn’t play well, but we didn’t lose the game- we were resolute to get the point.”

Last season, the Magpies crashed out of the cup in a 2-0 defeat to Plymouth Parkway away from home.