Mid season review 2001

Mid Season Report 2000/01 (end January 2001)

Following on from last season's triumphs, the whole Club had success on its minds this time round. To emulate these highs was going to be much harder this year especially in the League for the twos and threes both of which were promoted last season and were now pitting their skills against tougher opposition every week. To make matters worse, the weather has devastated the fixtures week after week, causing a number of Cups to be abandoned during this year's campaign.

The first team, under the new leadership of Andy Taylor, have once again started magnificently in the League and everyone is hoping they can finally achieve that elusive promotion to Div 2. As I write, the team have only dropped 3 points from a possible 27 and goals have been coming thick and fast. Most notably Mark Cripps bagged 6 and Dave Samuels 5 in superb 11-1 and 8-0 victories respectively. Unfortunately, with the LFFA Challenge Cup abandoned and early exits ion both AFA Cups, the lads can concentrate on their League performances, hopefully continuing to pile the pressure on their nearest rivals, namely Old Lyonians and Old Parkonians.

The twos held no elusions as to how difficult their League season would be. Nevertheless, they have rolled up their sleeves and shown great fighting spirit and after 9 games (7 of which have been away) they are in the top half of the table. Most pleasing results came in a 4-0 away victory against Winchmore Hill (who were top at the time) and a 1-1 draw at Old Parmiterians (who had not been beaten so far this season). In the Cups, the twos have faired no better than the ones. The LFFA Challenge Cup has been cancelled and sadly the boys relinquished their hold on the AFA Intermediate Cup but not before knocking out Old Owens who were 2nd in Div One at the time. They have also been eliminated from the AFA Surrey Intermediate Cup. Captain Redding (in what is likely to be his last season as skipper) hopes to maintain a presence in the 2nd Division by the end of the season.

The threes also find themselves with a gruelling League season in the upper echelons of SAL football. A target of 20 points (set by Captain Ishaque) in order to stay up in the 2nd Division is looking a distinct possibility when after 11 games, 13 points have been amassed. Again the weather is taking its toll, although as mother nature causes the abandonment of the SAL Cup, it means that as holders the threes get to keep the trophy for a second year !! Alas, a poor performance in the AFA Cup has ended any other hope of Cup success.

The fours were hoping to once again fight for promotion from Div3, but a loss of key players from the line up has meant that despite some battling performances, the 4s face an uphill struggle. However, having won only one of their first 7 League games including 9-1, 8-4 and 8-0 losses, they did manage to turn things around in December and climbed to mid table with a two victories over Old Lyonians. It is always pleasing to see new faces in the squad and players of note this season are Giles Edwards, Kenny Turnbull and Chris Brayford. Captain Crighton quotes 'I noticed that all my players this week were from either the Bank or the FSA , which can only be healthy for the Club !' (Just don't tell them you support Newcastle, Andy - Ed).

The 5s season has been sporadic. I think this relates to the fact more often than not, the Saturday morning phone call has cancelled yet another game and visits to the windswept playing fields of London have been replaced by shopping trips to B&Q and Bluewater. In the games that have been played, Skipper Rory quotes from the famous Book of Football Cliches 'We've had a solid if unspectacular start to the season and' he went on, 'at least we've kept our first clean sheet since Sir John Houblon was Governor !' (referring to their memorable 2-0 home win against Broomfield). The example of the rest of the Club has been followed in what remained of the Cup competitions, so we now await the strong finish in the League as promised by the Skipper himself.

There have been some notable incidents so far this season and I will go through them in no particular order. Firstly, it was sad to bid farewell to long serving Eamonn Hall. Despite having left the Bank a few years ago, Eamonn has played and more recently 'moved upstairs' into Management to continue his association with the Club. His success of last season with the twos obviously drew in the scouts and now he is managing a more local side. The Soccer Section wish him every success. Unfortunately, Eamonn's departure left a gaping hole, which is currently being ably filled (in more ways than one) by Senior Peachey.

Secondly, the first team fielded 4 brothers in the same game this season. The Taylors have been regular Club members for a while now and this season Andy is Club Captain. It is however a tribute to their skill, fitness and determination that they have all managed to secure a place in the first team. The fact that this was done for the same game is a remarkable feat that I'm sure will never be repeated by another Bank associated family.

A large thank you must be given to all those who donated to the FAs NSPCC Football Full STOP charity last weekend (28/9 October). The section managed to coerce people into parting with their money and raised £80 towards what I'm sure will be a very worthwhile campaign. The soccer section will be rounding this upto £100 and we intend asking the Bank to match these funds.

Sadly, due to increase costs at the Club, the section had to cancel its annual Dinner and Dance. Plans are however in motion to jointly host a Disco at the Club with the Netball Section on Saturday 24th February. The Section will also be sending a tour party to Spain in April, the Veterans are touring Barcelona in early May and also in May, we will be hosting a visit from the Central Bank of Hungary.

Finally, we have recently learnt that Dave Hollingdale, who is in his second spell as Coach with the Club will be moving away from the area due to work commitments. As Dave will be working in the West country, he has decided that he will be unable to coach the team in the future and as such we will be looking for a replacement for next season. I'm sure all Club members, past and present will wish Dave all the very best and I'm sure the Barcelona tour and this years Dinner (at the Club on 18 May) will be made all the more memorable.