ANDY Whing says the buzz around Banbury United has been building all week ahead of this evening’s Emirates FA Cup clash with Barrow.

A sell-out crowd of more than 2,000 fans is expected at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium for the first round tie (5.15pm), which is live on ITV4.

The Puritans’ 19-game unbeaten run has boosted attendances in recent weeks, with 1,535 watching the fourth qualifying round win over Bath City on October 16.

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And with Oxford United not playing until tomorrow, Whing knows there is an added interest among fans of his former club.

“The whole town’s buzzing: players, staff and supporters,” the Banbury boss said.

“I’ve had loads of messages from Oxford fans, quite a lot are coming and they’re really looking forward to it.

“It’s a football town, it’s amazing how many people come along when we’re doing well.

“There’s a great atmosphere around the place, when I joined that’s what I wanted to be part of.

"It’s a bit like Oxford United, when I went back for the Micky Lewis game it was like I’d never been away, because I knew everyone at that football club.

"There’s clubs I’ve been to where you don’t see anyone behind the scenes.

"When I was at Oxford, you went into the office to chat to everybody.

“Everyone’s buying into it and hopefully we can continue it on Saturday.”

Banbury have earned £20,625 in prize money on their way to the first round, with another £22,629 if they get through, while they also net a broadcast fee of £50,000 from tonight’s match.

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Whing said: “It has a massive impact, especially after the last 18 months.

“Being a community-based club, we haven’t got one owner putting money in.

“Every bit that comes into the football club massively helps in trying to get up the leagues.

“It’s going to be invested in the whole club and it helps in every department.”