OLLIE Stanbridge has been hailed as the perfect example to younger players by Banbury United manager Mike Ford after making his 500th appearance for the club, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

The midfielder reached the outstanding milestone as the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West leaders made it ten successive victories with a 1-0 win at Mangotsfield United on Saturday.

Now in his third spell after making his debut in 2002, Stanbridge has become an integral part of Ford’s young side.

“I didn’t know too much about Ollie before I brought him in,” said Ford.

“But he seemed like the kind of person I wanted to have around and his qualities are really rubbing off on the younger players.

He’s set them a great example.”

Banbury, who visited Taunton Town on Tuesday night, beat Mangotsfield thanks to an own goal.

An excellent low cross from the right by Miles Welch-Hayes in the 39th minute was turned into his own net from five yards out by Scott Brice, who was under pressure from Leam Howards.