ALL eyes will be on the Emirates FA Cup first round draw tonight – with three Oxfordshire sides in the hat.

The county have never had more than two representatives still standing at this stage in the same season.

But this time Oxford United will be joined by Oxford City and Banbury United.

Both non-league sides made a little history in doing so.

City’s 3-2 success at Weymouth means they are into the first round proper for the fourth successive campaign, only the second time they have done so since first entering the competition in 1901.

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Banbury have not been in the first round at all since the 1973/74 campaign, but came from behind to beat Bury Town 2-1 at home to book their place.

The side had already made their mark by reaching the final qualifying round for the first time in 40 years.

But Puritans boss Andy Whing is in no mood to stop now.

He said: “We had already made history, but Banbury have never been further than the first round, so we’ll be looking forward to the draw.

“It was a fantastic day for everyone at the club.

Match reports: City and Banbury bag late FA Cup winners

“When the winner went in we couldn’t contain our excitement and a few of us staff ended up on the pitch.

“After the game everyone was buzzing, it’s really captured the imagination of the town.”

David Oldfield was delighted to see his City side come through and pull off an upset to continue their encouraging start to the season.

He said: “It was a really good performance from the boys in a difficult game.

“The FA Cup is important to all clubs in the lower leagues, especially this season in these difficult times.

“The players have worked very hard and shown togetherness as a group.

“We’ve certainly done some good things, but we’re keeping our feet firmly on the ground.

“It feels later than it is, but we’ve only played three league games.”

Normally the non-league clubs in the first round draw are desperate for a big day out at a League One ground.

But with coronavirus restrictions preventing any side above Banbury’s level from allowing supporters, Whing is clear on what he wants.

He said: “There’s no point going to the Kassam Stadium or the Stadium of Light, because they’ll be empty.

“When you look at the atmosphere we had on Saturday, we just want anyone at home.”