ANDY Whing says his Banbury United side are doing things differently this weekend as they prepare for a long trip on the road.

The Puritans are away at Vanarama National League North strugglers Blyth Spartans, who sit 21st in the table and haven’t won in five league matches.

The Northumberland side appointed Graham Fenton as manager in August, and despite sitting 19 places above them in the league, Whing warned it would not be an easy fixture – especially with the lengthy journey north.

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“They’ve got a new manager so we know it’ll be a tough place to go,” said Whing.

“We’re know we’re in for a tough game and we won’t be taking it lightly.

“It’s a long trip as well, the vast majority of us will go up on the Friday night, it’s probably the first time the club has done that.

“It’s all around people’s work, it’s a bit different to a professional team going up together but we’re doing the best we can for the majority of the team.

“We went to Darlington and won 1-0 so there’s no excuses.”

Bicester Advertiser: Banbury United boss Andy Whing. Picture: Julie HawkinsBanbury United boss Andy Whing. Picture: Julie Hawkins

The Puritans beat Berkhamsted last time out, to safely made it through to the fourth qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Second half goals from Josh Dugmore and Henry Landers got the Puritans through in a 2-0 win at Spencer Stadium.

Dugmore netted his first goal for the club on 51 minutes when he tapped in after being fed by Alex Babos.

Landers then grabbed his first goal of the season with 66 minutes played.

On the cup win, Whing said: “The performance wasn’t great and I thought we were miles off it in the first half but it was a professional performance in the second half with two good goals.”

That win has set up an away tie at Bracknell Town.

Whing said: “They’ve got a decent budget so it’ll be a tough away game.

“It’s not too far from Banbury and we’re looking forward to it.

“It’s going to be a massive game for us, as it always is in this competition.”

Oxford City, 11th in National League South, face a trip to 10th-placed Tonbridge Angels this weekend.

The Hoops came from behind to win in extra-time, in their FA Cup replay at Plymouth Parkway in midweek.

Speaking after the victory, head coach Ross Jenkins said: “We dominated the ball and wanted to keep passing it. The last little bits of quality at the end shone through.

“I think it was a really good game to watch if you was a neutral, but the main thing is we go back on the road with the win.”