Banbury United draw with Tamworth to win Premier Central title

The Puritans’ 1-1 draw at home to Tamworth, coupled with Coalville Town’s stalemate against Hednesford Town, sealed the title with four games of their season remaining.

It means they will play in the Vanarama National League for the first time in 2022/23, when they will join the north or south division.

Former Oxford United youngster Jack Stevens scored the title-clinching goal in front of 1,835 fans at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.

Shaquille Whittingham had earlier put Tamworth ahead with a sensational strike, but Andy Whing’s men were not to be denied on their big day – despite Giorgio Rasulo having a late penalty saved.

The Puritans knew they would end the afternoon champions if they won, or matched Coalville’s result against Hednesford.

They started the game on the front foot, but Whittingham had other ideas.

The winger put Tamworth ahead in the 13th minute with an incredible half-volley when the ball sat up for him outside the penalty area.

Whittingham clipped the crossbar midway through the half, but the visiting defence and goalkeeper Jas Singh were busiest as Banbury continued to ask questions.

The Tamworth stopper denied Stevens early in the second period, before opposite number Jack Harding was called into action as he saved from Dan Creaney one-on-one.

With Coalville drawing, Banbury knew a goal could make all the difference – and it arrived just after the hour mark.

Stevens has provided several magic moments since arriving earlier in the season and he produced another, calmly beating Singh to put the Puritans on course for the title.

Banbury continued to push as they aimed for the perfect end to a special day, although Harding was again called into action to deny Eoin McKeown and Ryan Beswick.

The hosts thought the crowning moment had arrived when they were awarded a penalty in stoppage-time, but Singh saved from Rasulo to preserve a point for Tamworth. It did little to dampen the celebrations.