A JUBILANT Mike Ford saluted the achievements of his players after leading his Banbury United side to promotion to the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division yesterday, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

The biggest Spencer Stadium crowd since 1994 turned out to see the Puritans triumph 2-0 at home to Taunton Town in the Division 1 South & West play-off final.

And the Banbury boss believes it is an achievement to be savoured.

“It means a lot to all of us,” said Ford.

“I said to the players on the pitch that promotions don’t come around very often and when they do it should be cherished and enjoyed.

“The players can enjoy this for the next few weeks, but I have to move on and do my job and put things in place for next season.”

Banbury’s return to the top flight presents Ford with a fresh challenge.

But after defying expectations to win promotion this season, the Banbury manager will not sacrifice his side’s attractive style of play in an attempt to survive at a higher level.

He said: “I’m the sort of character that is motivated by people having a dig.

“I was told on the opening day of the season after we’d been beaten by Swindon that you cannot play football in this division.

“We’ve probably won about 30 games since then. If you’ve got the right players of course you can.”