ANDY Whing has been surprised how much money talks in Pitching In Southern League Premier Central.

The Banbury United manager has guided his side to a 13-point lead at the top of the table, having reached the Emirates FA Cup first round for the second season in a row.

But the Puritans do not have the biggest playing budget and have lost out on targets to clubs who will pay more.

And Whing admits he thought Banbury’s outstanding form would carry more weight.

“There are a lot of players who go somewhere else for another £50,” he said.

“I want young players who want to better themselves and take us to the next level.

“There are teams at the bottom of the table who pay a lot more money than us.

“We can sell the dream, but certain players are happy to pick up their money on a Saturday.

“It’s a massive learning curve for me.

“It’s been tough in that aspect, but the players we’ve got have been class.”

Banbury and their rivals offer players in the region of a few hundred pounds a week, so relatively small amounts can make a difference.

It has left Whing looking elsewhere as he seeks to continue the club’s incredible season.

He said: “In the next couple of weeks we’ll go down the loan route.

“We’ve tried to get players with a bit of experience in our league, but clubs are offering more money.

“We don’t want a revolving door, we want 15 or 16 constant players and we add a couple on top of that.

“We want to keep our squad as close-knit as we can.”

Banbury will look to continue their sensational away form at tenth-placed Stourbridge tomorrow (1pm).

The Puritans have won their last five matches on their travels and dropped just five points on the road all season.

There is a top-of-the-table clash in Division 1 Central, as North Leigh visit Berkhamsted.

The Millers are fourth in the league, two places below their opponents.

Thame United host Wantage Town in an Oxfordshire derby, while Kidlington visit AFC Dunstable and Didcot Town host basement boys Colney Heath.