Nuneaton Borough future remains in doubt despite FA Trophy win

Former Premier League striker Leroy Lita scored one of Nuneaton's goals at Banbury

Nuneaton Borough owner/manager Jimmy Ginnelly admitted he does not know what the future holds following their upset win over Banbury in the FA Trophy.

Boro reached round three with a 4-2 away win over opponents from a division higher up the football pyramid.

The club have major financial problems and have been served an eviction notice from their ground over rent arrears.

"We don't know where we're going to be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday," Ginnelly told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire.

"The draw will come out on Monday and we could end up with a absolutely fantastic draw with a little bit of luck, Wrexham or Chesterfield away, that sounds crazy doesn't it?

"But will we be around to play in the next round anyway?"

Former Bristol City and Middlesbrough striker Leroy Lita and Alex Lafleur scored as Nuneaton led 2-1 at half-time against Banbury from National League North.

Captain Scott McManus headed the third after the break and, although the home side pulled one back, Owen Oseni, who is on loan from Derby County, sealed the win late on.

"(There were) Probably 300 Nuneaton Borough fans at an away game - I can't thank the fans enough," Ginnelly said.

"It's (about spirit) and community inside the dressing room and the club itself.

"Nuneaton Borough has come to Banbury, a league above, and we've played our hearts out. That changing room has been bouncing for about seven or eight weeks."

Boro had to switch their last Southern League Premier Division Central fixture to Stratford Town because of their ongoing problems.

The club has been behind with rent payments since 2019 but estimates they have lost at least £60,000 in revenue from home games and other events since being locked out by landlords Arden Tigress.

However, money from supporters helped meet the costs of travelling to Banbury and their next scheduled game, away to Mickleover.

"The fans, I've just gone round (to see them) and 95% are saying 'don't let this club die, Jimmy'," Ginnelly added.

"I said to one of the ladies, 'I've got a vice on my neck at the minute, I don't know what else I can do', but I'm certainly giving everything to keep it alive."