SHILDON manager Danny Moore is hoping that his team’s excellent away form will carry them to more FA Cup glory when they face Banbury United in Oxfordshire in the third qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup.

The Railwaymen have yet to drop a point in six away Northern League games this season, and that has formed a major part of their unbeaten start to the season in league and cup, which is now 14 matches after the 1-1 draw with Ashington in midweek.

“We want to keep our winning away record going,” said Moore. “We have played very well this season, particularly away from home. To win six away games in the Northern League, and another two in the FA Cup at Guisborough and Bottesford, isn’t bad going by any standards.

“There’ll be no pressure on us, which was the same in the last round against Altrincham. We believe that we’ll have nothing to lose, because they play two levels higher than us and are expected to win.”

The team set off on Friday afternoon for Oxfordshire, with two busloads of supporters following them on Saturday morning.

“There’s no way that we could have done the journey on Saturday morning,” said Moore. “We might be without Anthony Peacock, who could be working on Saturday morning – there’s no way that he’ll be able to get to Banbury if that is the case.

“Because of the distance involved, I haven’t had a chance to go and see Banbury play, but I’ve received a report about them.

“I’m not sure if they’ve watched us, so maybe both clubs are in the dark about each other! We’ll worry about ourselves, and we’ll respect them for being two divisions higher than us, but as soon as we’re on the pitch, then it’s down to us.

“They play at the same level as Altrincham whom we beat in the last round. We’ve heard that they’re a good footballing side, that tries to play the ball about a bit.

“They use the same formation that Ashington used against us in midweek, so our players will be used to it and hopefully they’ll be able to exploit it in the right places.

“Our fans can play a big part in this game; their encouragement can make a big difference. If we can come back with a win or a draw, then we’ll be delighted.”

Banbury are currently seventh in the Southern League, having won two and lost two of their home games so far. They have beaten Thatcham and Tiverton so far in the competition. They include Jefferson Louis, a much travelled striker who once had a brief spell with Darlington, in their squad.

Another Northern League club, Newcastle Benfield, are also in FA cup action at home to National League North club Kidderminster, while FA Vase holders South Shields could pull off another big shock against FA Trophy winners York City.