27 October 2001
1st XI
Won 1-0, Old Stationers (H) AFA Senior Cup
Team: Cheatham, Taylor's A, M, R, Tilley, Short, Timperley, Allright,
Kirkwood, Thompson, Elliot (1), MacDonaugh
Saturday saw a very strong
and determined performance from the first team boys.
Strong words were said before the game by el gafferinio, heading along
the lines of a no nonsense approach to the game. The lads went out very
fired up and this was taken into the game straight away. We were first
to nearly all loose balls, allowing us to dominate possession and it wasn't
before long that the first chance came, unfortunately Matt's looped header
fell to fifty pence head Thompson, and unfortunately it came off the wrong
edge of his head and over the bar.
Thompson and Crippo were giving the opposition defence a hard time, chasing
lost causes and forcing them into errors. In the middle, Matt and Titch
were bossing things allowing Chris and Andy good possession on the wings.
A good cross would have been nice. 'Chopper' Tilley put in a couple of
massive tackles at the back, nearly sending their players onto the rugby
pitch, such was the unbelievable (yes I couldn't believe it) speed and
power of the tackles.
The second half saw our higher level of fitness increase our domination,
and in all honesty it was only a matter of time before we scored. Thompson's
third highest coin head again let him down, this time contriving to hit
the bar with his header from Crippo's flick or attempt at goal. The inevitable
did happen two minutes from the end when Ole Gunnar Duncan came of the
bench to finish sweetly, placing the ball off the defenders' shin and
into the corner.
Although the scoreline doesn't suggest it, this was a convincing win,
and it is only a matter of time before the firsts beat someone by an avalanche
of goals.
LEO THOMPSON
3rd XI
Won 3-2 v Old Parmiterians (H) League
Team: Norris, Ishaque, Holmes, Lord, Grummett, Miller, Oldridge (Nutman
45), Boothroyd, Tomplins, Kendall, MacNaughton
Scorers: MacNaughton (2) Holmes
The fixture sounded cold,
wet and hard work. It certainly wasn't cold with weather more at place
in a pre season friendly. The opposition, Old Parms beat us to the League
title two years ago, although we did gain revenge in the Cup Final. The
team assembled at 2.15 looking a little worse for wear with Grummett and
Norris looking decidedly hungover. With Miller, Tomplins, and Boothroyd
making their debuts for the 3rd XI, our captain did his usual motivational
number reminiscent of a young Bobby Moore. Inspite of his speech, the
game started badly, with the Bank going 1-0 down after only 10 mins. A
through ball between the defence and the keeper was slotted low into the
corner. Like any great side, the Bank did not lie down, instead hitting
back within 5 mins. A good break and cross down the left by Tomplins fell
to MacNaughton who stabbed in from 10 yards like a predator swooping down
on it's prey. (How's that Grant?) Another 10 mins down the line, the Bank
took the lead following an inspirational shot by MacNaughton from fully
50 yards (Well maybe 20!) that went arrowing straight in the bottom corner.
After a settling down period, half time came and Nutman replaced Oldridge
who had picked up a hamstring injury. With 20 mins to go the game went
to 3-1 after a fantastic corner by Miller led to a great deft near post
header by Holmes for his second goal of the season. Not bad for a centre
back. Following this goal, Old Parms forgot that they were supposed to
kick the football and instead turned their attention to our Bank heroes.
They were lucky to keep 11 men on the pitch and not concede a penalty.
The Bank were pretty comfortable till the last 5 mins when a defensive
lapse led to a goal making it 3-2 and providing a tense ending. However
we held on to provide another victory for the Bank 3rd XI.
ANDREW NORRIS
5th
XI
Lost 0-5, Old Esthamians (H) League
Team Mantle, Wilsher, Vaughan, Burton, Cliffe, Vause, McKeown (sub. by
Penalver at half-time), Mason, Thompson, Mulligan, Moore.
The
pleasure was all in the anticipation. After a long, tense wait, the 5s
finally kicked off their league campaign on Saturday. But in a first half
of few chances, BoE couldn't quite match the opposition's blend of youthful
energy and mature moustaches. Debutant McKeown went close with a net-buster
that could only a large puddle could stop, and Mason fired narrowly wide.
The opposition were more more clinical - four chances, four goals. BoE
took control of the second-half, despite (thanks to?) being down to 10
men when Mulligan limped off. Thompson came close with a 25-yarder, only
to be foiled by an inpired save. But a breakaway 5th goal for the opposition
sealed their victory in a rather closer game than suggested by the scoreline.
Cheers JAMIE THOMPSON
20 October 2001
1st
XI
Won 4-0, Old Latymerians (A) League
Team: Cheats, Shorty, The Wookie, Skip, Richie, Timperley, Andy-A, Liggins,
Matty, Crippo, Elliot, Sub: Thompson, MacDonagh
Having earnt a recall
to the Ones along with a couple of my second XI teammates, I was looking
forward to taking on our old adversaries IBIS. Having scored against them
for the previous 2 years, I was after my hattrick.Our first outing on
the huge Records Office pitch was meant to kick start our already indifferent
beginning to the 2001/02 campaign. We started slowly and failed to produce
any clear cut chances against a well organised IBIS side and we reached
halftime scoreless. The half time teamtalk asked of more of the same,
but a bit more urgency and creativity to break the deadlock. Despite being
camped in the oppositions half for most of the second half it was the
referee who decided the outcome of the match. An extermely harsh penalty
was awarded to IBIS for two players jumping for a header. It was coolly
slotted home and despite constant raids into the oppo's half we created
only one chance which was brilliantly saved by their keeper. That's it
and for the second year in a row we've been turned over ,at home , by
IBIS. Shocker !!!!!!
SHORTY (MoM)
2nd
XI
Won 4-1, Ealing Association (H) - AFA Intermediate Cup 2nd round
Team: MacNaughton, Thomson, Hodges, Lewis, Mills, Tomlins, Pisano, Devile,
Campello, Woodward, Sweet.
Scorers: Sweet (4).
It
was a lovely Saturday afternoon. Although it had rained the pitch was
moist but not soaked, just perfect for a convincing win over a side it
seemed would be a pushover. Pre match talk was dominated by words describing
the opposition as ineffective against this week's Bank side that would
be too much of a handful. In fact quite the contrary, Ealing Association
started the game as if they had just been listening to Guns & Roses's
'appetite for destruction'. Their two front players combined strings of
accurate passes, turning outside and in towards goal, showing speed and
agility, troubling the Bank's defense on several occasions. Only valiant
saves from MacNoughton and smart defending from the Bank's back four of
Thomson, Hodges, Lewis and Mills denied them from opening the score.
At the other end, the Bank's striking duo of Woodward and Sweet had to
contend with a defence that seemed to be solid, nonetheless both strikers
had scoring opportunities. Tomlins, Pisano, Deville and Campbello, all
threading well weighted balls to the strikers that were unfortunately
not repaid with ruthlessness in the final strike. The shots were either
hit wide of goal, or blocked by an outstanding centre half. However the
deadlock was finally broken when a chest high ball was thread through
to Sweet, who was able to turn his defender and put the Bank in front.
Bank's advantage was short-lived as, minutes later Ealing Association
leveled the score with a well worked equalizer, just before half time.
As the Bank approached half time, the tempo seemed to step up, with a
much more convincing display from Bank's midfield. The frustration of
Ealing Association reached its climax when one of its midfielders lost
the ball, got into a slanging monologue, and ended up being sent off.
The second half started more convincingly for the Bank, it seemed the
Bank had realized it had underestimated its opponents and had decided
to step up a gear. In addition its opponents numerical inferiority was
starting to show, although Ealing Association battled on as if it had
all its eleven men on the field. Early on, the Bank had several opportunities,that
finally led to a well deserved goal; a through ball to Sweet who fired
past a seemingly static goalkeeper. It seemed at 2-1 Ealing Association
then began to lose a bit of confidence and stamina as the Banks midfield
began to increase its tempo passing with improved accuracy, working in
harmony with its back four to steady the game. Soon after the Bank then
scored its third goal when it seemed a queue of midfielders and strikers
were lining up to bury a ball, instead falling kindly for Sweet to fire
home, thanks to Woodward's unselfish work. Finally, with minutes remaining
before the final whistle, against a tired and depleted Ealing Association,
Sweet struck home Bank's fourth, thanks to a through ball from Campello
and a distracting run from Woodward.
All in all a fine performance from the Bank, although it must be said
the scoreline did not reflect the closeness of the game or the bravery
of its opponents who fought until the final whistle, against the odds.
Special thanks should go to Grant MacNaughton who made some terrific saves
to keep Bank in contention.
SAMUEL SWEET
13 OCTOBER 2001
1st XI
Won 4-0, Old Latymerians (A) League
Team: Cheats, The Wookie, Skip, Richie, Boothroyde, Andy-A, Liggins (1),
Wiltshire, Matty (1), Crippo (1), Elliot (1), Sub: Taylor J, MacDonagh
On a pitch that
had been rolled with a plough and under a hot sun, BOE earned a convincing
4-0 win despite an inconsistent performance. The pitch was not conducive
to good football but nonetheless neither team adapted well to the conditions.
Despite this BOE were 2-0 up midway through the first half with well taken
goals from Crippo and Dunc'. BOE extended their lead just before half-time
with a goal that was to prove the highlight of the game, a thunderous
first time volley, struck by KIM LIGGINS, well outside the box that swerved
and dipped, sneaking under the bar for what may well prove to be GOAL
OF THE SEASON.
Despite continuing dominance in the second half BOE were only able to
score one more goal through Matt Taylor. Old Latymerians did create the
odd opportunity but were denied by some fine goalkeeping by Cheet's. The
only other highlight of note in this game was Tilly yelling at his own
players not to argue with the ref - "just let it go" I believe were his
sage words of advice. The crowd attendance numbers were swelled by the
presence of Dave Hollingdale.
KIM LIGGINS
2nd XI
Won 4-1, Lloyds TSB (H) League
Team: Wilkins, Thomson, Short, Lewis, Mills, Timperley, Pisano, Kirkwood,
Campello, Woodward, Winfield
Scorers: Woodward (2), Winfield, Kirkwood.
Our first game of the
season on Records Office saw us play well against a mediocre Lloyds TSB.
The Bank started the more composed team with some good passing movements
but without a deadly finish in front of goal. Then with one of their few
attacks of the half the Lloyds' centre forward scored with a low shot
from just inside our box. Our heads though did not drop and the centre
midfield duo of Pisano and Titch continued to dominate the game. When
the equaliser came (a virtuoso strike by Titch from all of 25 yards) it
was fully deserved and took away the anxiety that it could be 'one of
those days'. A combination of bad luck and some chances going beckoning
meant Lloyds weren't overran. Thankfully, Woodward's goal (after a dazzling
run from the half way line) just before half time gave the Bank a fully
deserved lead.
The second half started as the first had ended with some great 'keep ball'
throughout the team but without that all important killer third goal.
Nearly all of the game was being played in Lloyds' half but frustrations
were building, especially as the sun continued to beat down. Then from
out of nowhere the opposition hit the woodwork, but this just spurred
the Bank forward. Finally, the third goal came when Woodward struck the
ball in sweetly from outside the box. With the result assured the Bank
played some impressive two touch football and then finished a great move
with the perfect final ball (something that had been missing for most
of the game) for Winfield to coolly slot home.
All in all a very good team performance. Once again the team spirit was
there and on the largest of all pitches we passed the opposition out of
the game. However, they'll be sterner tests than Lloyds this season but
a good win is a good win.
CHRIS LEWIS
3rd
XI
Team: Mills, Ishaque, Holmes, Hodges, Relleen, Redding, Nutman*, Devile,
Grummet, Sweet, McNaughton. Sub* - Hyett Won 4 - 2 (HT 1 - 0) Scorers:
Sweet (3) Holmes
Mid
October and away to Nat West, bound to be cold and wet!! How wrong could
you be? On a day that would not look out of place in an Indian summer
the 3's made the trip across South London to face a Nat West side that
would no longer offer league opposition due to their relegation last season.
The team assembled at 2.15 minus the usual suspects but this week with
one noticeable addition, our illustrious captain. Having been amongst
the last to arrive our skip had obviously taken the opportunity during
the additional journey time to put together a stinging speech that highlighted
our shortfalls from the previous week.
As you would expect of any true Bank side we took to the field and immediately
decided to ignore all of the imparted pearls of wisdom and pick up exactly
where we had left off the previous week. The opening exchanges saw Nat
West in control and the Bank struggling to establish a foothold, however
some stout defending (take that as you want) and increasingly fruitful
attacks from our deadly duo up front slowly allowed the ageing midfield
to get a grip of the game.
It was from one of the increasing number of Bank forays forward that Samuel
Sweet, sidekick to the main man McNaughton, poached a goal and proved
that he lacks the necessary qualities to establish himself in the club
(This lad can run, pass and score - we haven't managed that between eleven
of us in the past!!).
So we came in at half time one up and in control, which after the first
15 minutes you wouldn't have believed was possible. Further words of wisdom
were imparted whilst Bruce Nutman tried to cure his lower back pain (you
sure they weren't sympathy pains Nutters) and the usual candidates of
if we don't concede we've got this won, were aired.
It wasn't long into the second half before a mazy run by Messer Sweet
saw our lead extended and a comfortable foothold established. Everything
now seemed rosy in garden Ishaque, a nice sunny afternoon and a forward
that scores goals. Gary Hyett replaced the injured Nutman and we looked
forward to seeing out a comfortable last half an hour. However the afternoon
tranquillity was soon broken by a poor clearance that was returned from
20 yards with interest as the ball screamed in to the top corner. A few
nervy moments ensued as Nat West started to believe that they could get
back in to the game and the Bank battled to re-establish their supremacy.
It was left to the experienced head of Holmes (well believe it or not
actually his left boot) to slot home from all of 4 yards and re-establish
our 2 goal cushion. A further goal from Sweet, after sterling work by
his strike partner, seemed to secure a comfortable victory. This was before
another rasping effort from outside the box by Nat West guaranteed a tense
finish.
Special mention has to go Grant who worked tirelessly up front and carried
his glory seeking partner (will that do Grant?) - Seriously though the
switch to centre forward is not easy and the improvement each week means
that it won't be long before a more mobile Flack has been found!!
GD
6
OCTOBER 2001
1st XI
Won 1-0, Alexandra Park (H) League
Team: Cheats, The Wookie, Skip (1), Richie, Boothroyde, Andy-A, Liggins,
Wiltshire, Matty, Crippo, Woody, Sub: Taylor J, Elliot, MacDonagh
Captain Marvel
Inspires Becks, Cheets Does the Same for Martyn so what Happened with
the Rest of the Numcies.
A rain filled morning meant a swap from the best pitch in the league to
the second best pitch in the league. A performance which eclipsed all
previous competitive encounters this year, saw the team with more structure,
better organisation and above all more ooomph!!
First half performance was good with excellent movement and support, sadly
though the final ball and execution was lacking. The best moment in the
half was a fantastic save from Cheets pushing a ferocious shot onto the
post and away.
The second half was much of the same and with all the pressure it was
only a matter of time. The ball ricochet of a defender from a Boothroyde
effort to the Skipper, who took a touch and let fly with a sweet connection
tucking it snuggly into the top right hand corner via the underside of
the bar - he only wishes he can remember!!!
Hopefully this is the springboard to further success, and subsequent promotion
to Div 2.
ANDY TAYLOR
2nd XI
Draw 0-0, Alexandra Park (H) League
Team: Wilkins, Thomson, Short, Lewis, Mills, Timperley, Pisano, Emanus,
Campello, Sweet, Winfield
The initial signs
did not bode well. The same fixture last year was played in similar conditions,
with a similarly important England fixture to follow. That day the Bank
were well beaten, however with a much changed side and confidence high,
things would almost certainly be different this time out.
Both teams started at a lively pace with some crunching tackles flying
around in midfield. The Bank had most of the possession however, but only
a long range effort from Campello made the home keeper make any kind of
save. The frustrations were showing late in the half with Emanus resorting
to full hand to hand combat with his opposite number.
After an excellent tactical discussion at the interval, the second forty-five
promised much. What followed can only be described as an "Alamo" of massive
proportions. For forty minutes of the half the Bank were camped in the
home side's last third of the field. Ten plus corners produced a string
of close chances but the Bank could not capitalize on the home sides defensive
frailties. The game finished with no score and the team must feel disappointed
at throwing away two points.
The England fixture that followed really cheered the boys up, but could
not totally hide the frustrations, but as was mentioned in the changing
rooms afterwards the chances are being created and when the time comes
someone is going to get trounced!!
SIMON "CAMPO THE GREAT" WILKINS
3rd XI
Drew 1-1, Alexandra Park (H) League
Team: Mills, Ishaque, Holmes, Hodges, Relleen, Nutman, Kirkwood, Devile
(1) (Kendall), Grummett, Hyett, McNaughton
We lined up for
our second league match of the season reasonably confident, following
our good 3-2 away win at Old Stationers the previous week. We were a little
unsure what to expect from Alexandra Park (AP) however, as they had been
relegated from Div 1 and had won one and lost one so far this season.
AP turned out to be a reasonably young side (they all seem young to me!)
and started quite brightly and were full of running early on. There were
few real chances created for either side however, until AP's coach came
over the first team game and pulled off one of their forwards to play
for their first team. This left their third team with only ten players.
We scored almost immediately when Graham Devile calmly slotted home at
the back post following a good cross from the left by Matt Grummett. We
dominated the rest of the half and could have added to our lead.
AP came out really fired up for the second half and ran their socks off,
shutting us down quickly and not giving us any time on the ball. Having
said that, our passing and movement were below par, and we were making
things difficult for ourselves by trying to force the game rather than
retaining possession and looking to stretch AP and tire them out. Sometimes
it felt like we were a man short, not them. We continued to create the
majority of the chances however, but were unable to finish them off.
At one point it seemed we must score whan a goal-bound shot stuck in a
puddle almost on their line. Two Bank players converged on it but somehow
an AP player got back and blocked it away. Midway through the half an
up and under from an AP defender on the halfway line landed on the only
dry spot in our penalty box and bounced over Adam's head to give AP a
very soft equaliser. A rare and uncharacteristic mistake by Adam, but
everyone else was making errors too. We continued to press but without
really looking like scoring. One breakaway from the opposition saw them
hit the bar, but they didn't really look like scoring either. John Kendall
came on for Graham Devile (ran out off puff on his first game of the season)
and tried to add some composure and finesse to our play but to no avail.
The game ended in what was ultimately a disappointing and frustrating
1-1 draw.
Man-of-the match: John Hodges gets my vote - didn't put a foot wrong in
defence, marshalled his fellow defenders well, and passed the ball out
well from the back.
RON HOLMES
4th XI
Won 4-1, Lloyds TSB Bank (A) League
Team: Norris, Crew, Lord, De Bunsen, Cliffe, Harrington (2), Dickson (1),
Daniels, O'Donoghue, Elie, Heard (1) Sub: Rossi (used)
The 4s continued
their blistering start to the season, following their 4-3 win in the Cup
over Old Grammarians last week, with a 4-1 win away to Lloyds TSB in their
first league game.
Lloyds who were relegated last season from Div 2 were an unknown quantity,
but on a very small pitch and with the wind the Bank soon settled into
their rhythm and made much of the early running with good play by the
midfield and men up front.
The first goal came from Steve Heard, on his debut as captain, following
some good build up play by Elie and Daniels. Further chances fell to the
Bank but to no avail and as the half wound down Lloyds were starting to
come more into the game.
Rossi came on for an injured Cliffe early in the second half after Lloyds
had equalised, and were putting the Bank under considerable pressure.
However relief was at hand from Harrington who slotted in a drive from
the edge of the area to a despairing keepers bottom left. Bank regained
total control soon afterwards when Dickson's shot, which seemed to be
heading for the corner flag, suddenly swerved Zico like into the top left
hand corner of the goal to knock the heart out of Lloyds.
From then on Bank were in complete control and played some good possession
football at the back and linking well through midfield. The scoring was
rounded off by Harrington who struck from the right hand side of the area
with a screamer to the top right hand corner of the goal for the game's
last score.
Although there were suspicions of jug dodging by the game's top scorer
when subsequent hat-trick attempts ballooned wide.
Hopefully this form will continue.
DAVID CLIFFE