Banbury United announced the signing of 19-year-old Birmingham City striker Ben Beresford on loan three days ago, and he has already got on the score sheet for his new side.
The Blues striker completed his first game for the Puritans on Saturday, scoring on his debut against Curzon Ashton in a 4-1 defeat. Beresford scored the second goal in the eventual loss, which is his eighth goal in the National League North this season.
The striker has yet to break into the first team at Birmingham, with this loan his second of the campaign. He spent the first half of the season at Gloucester City, scoring seven goals in 21 appearances for the club.
The 19-year-old will now test himself for Banbury in the same division in the National League North. His new side sit 22nd in the league table, with former club Gloucester currently a place below in 23rd. The attacker could play a role in sending his old team down in the games that remain.
Beresford has made 17 appearances for Birmingham’s under-18 side, scoring four goals last season in competitions like the FA Youth Cup and the U18 Premier League. His best position is center-forward, but he has also played at attacking midfield in the National League North this season.
Fans of Banbury will already know of the player’s ability, having seen him score the winning goal against them for the Tiger’s back in January. He’s coming in to a side that has not won any of their last nine games, including the defeat at the weekend.
The teenager signed his first professional contract at St Andrews last summer, committing to the club for two years with the option of another.
Writer’s View
Beresford is a talented striker, and Birmingham are sending him to some of the toughest places to help aid with his development. A common theme in youth football is to put players in uncomfortable situations to help with their growth, and a relegation fight in the National League North is certainly going to help aid the 19-year-old’s development.
Banbury has an opportunity to stay up, but they will need to start picking up wins fast. They have three games in hand on Darlington in 20th place, and a win in all three of those games would see them draw level on 46 points each. It’s set to be an exciting final 10 games for the Puritans and their new signing, Beresford.
