Saturday 20th October
BoE 1st XI 1-2 Hale End 1st XI (AFA Senior Cup Qualifying round)
(Churm)
The first cup game of the season saw us drawn against one of the stronger sides from the Amateur Combination.
After last weeks win against Alexandra Park, confidence was high. However the pre match preparation was hit once
again with changes having to be made to the starting line up on a Friday for the 2nd week running. The Bank started
the game well and put the Hale End back four under pressure from the off. With Steve Black and Sam Miller dominant
in the centre of midfield we created some half chances which were not taken. Hale End came back into the game
and showed what a good side they were by using the wide open spaces of Records Office well. We continued to
put pressure on them and were soon rewarded with the opening goal. Good work by Ritch down the bank left allowed
the Churminator to score from a couple of feet at the back post. 1-0 and we were the better side. We continued to
apply the pressure and could not get the all important 2nd goal. Hale End rode their luck and nicked a equaliser
deep into the first half (1st half lasted 52 minutes) with the bank appealing for offside.
At half time there
was disappointment that we did not let make our domination pay and had allowed Hale End to come into the break
level. It was important that unlike last week we did not drop our level of performance in the 2nd half. We needed
to continue playing the football and take our chances when they come. We were forced into a change as Jamie had to
come off with a tight hamstring and was replaced by PC who really should not have done but we had no choice.
Chunny was struggling with a ankle problem and he had to carry on and hope Matt Taylor turned up. Hale End started
the 2nd half better and they looked the side likely to take the lead. The Bank continued to play the football but
their final ball kept letting them down. Hale End soon took the lead and to be fair it was a poor goal to give
away from a Bank point of view, and we were now up against it. Continued pressure on the Hale End defence brought
about a glorious chance for Steve Black, but his header was inches over the bar. 2-1 it stayed and the end of our
cup run in the Senior Cup.
Not that much of a disappointment as our ultimate goal is league points and eventual promotion. There are lessons
to be learnt however from the performance. It is important that our play in the final 3rd is more clinical and we
kill teams off when we have the chance. There will be games where we it will be tight and the ability to score
the killer goal will be more of an importance. No disgrace losing to a side which were probably the strongest
we have faced this season and will be up there in their league. We could and probably should have got something
out of the game.
Ayyaz Ishaque
BoE 4s 1 - 5 UCL 4s
Another decent performance, with the scoreline perhaps a little flattering for UCL. UCL started at a high tempo,
and we struggled to get close to them. We gradually began to get into the game, but UCL took advantage of the
possession they were getting and were 2-0 up mid way through the first half. We responded well, getting the
ball down and causing UCL problems in the wide positions and through the middle. A measured ball from Collet over
the top of the UCL defence, and a well timed run and cool finish from Yeates got us back into the game. We continued
to press and could have been level at half time, Don hit the bar and Ron had a goal ruled out, so 2-1 down at
half time. We knew that the next goal would be crucial and unfortunately they scored it. As we pressed forward
toward the end UCL picked up another couple on the break, but the scoreline doesn't reflect the effort we put
in. Plenty of positives to take from the game and if we carry this form into the league we should be able to put
a decent run together.
Kenny Turnbull
Boe 5s 3-4 Merton 7s
Merton scored a very late winner to deny the 5s at least a point from this match. And yet the 5s had looked
comfortable for at least half an hour; Palmer had put them ahead, Hickey clipped the cross bar once and had gone
close on at least another occasion, but Merton somehow found themselves 2-1 up though what seemed like their only
two attacks of the game so far. The 5s enjoyed most of the possession in the second half, but every time the
initiative seemed to be swaying the Bank's way Merton found a crucial goal. Muscatelli tapped in a low cross
from Hickey at the end of a good passing move to make it 2-2, but Merton took the lead again with a generously
awarded free kick. A defensive muddle on a set piece allowed Muscatelli to make it 3-3, and at that point it
seemed that the Bank could go on and find a winner in the last ten minutes or so, but it was not to be.
Alex Muscatelli
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Saturday 13th October
Boe 1st XI 4-2 Alexandra Park 1st XI
(Cripps 3, Field)
After last weeks reverse at Finchleians, a response was expected from both the team and individials. It was
pleasing to see that we got that from both. AP came to Roehampton on the back of a thumping 5-2 win and their
skipper was full of confidence before the game. OF started the game stronger and used the wide open spaces of
Records Office well. It was they who took the lead in the 12th minute of the game following a long ball into
the bank box. No one seemed to take responsibility in clearing the ball and the AP forward nipped in to make it
1-0. This is the 4th game running we have gone 1-0 down but was it encouraging that apart from last week we
have always come back from it.
This week was no different and we began to play some of our best football of the season with all the players
involved. It was encouraging to see that everyone wanted the ball and there were always options for the man
on the ball. We levelled soon after from a corner which Jezz stabbed home from close range. 1-1 and game on.
We continued to play the better football and after a neat pass from Jezz, Crippo rounded the on rushing AP keeper
to make it 2-1. Chances were created and missed and to be fair we should have been at least 4-1 up at the break.
Half time came and despite being 2-1 up we knew the game was not won and we had to keep the level of performance up.
The 2nd half started with AP coming more into the game and putting the bank back four under pressure. The positive
things we were doing in the first half were not there and it was no surprise when AP equalised from a 20 yard
shot which flew past the returning Cheets in the bank goal. Poor goal to give away as we had opportunities to clear
the ball. Now it was game on and AP pushed for the winner. Another chance came when from a free header Cheets
pushed the ball on to the post and the ball was eventually cleared. This was the turning point and soon after
Crippo made it 3-2 with a superb individual effort. This knocked AP back and it was the bank who now looked like
adding to the score line.
Then came another turning point in the game. A long ball from the back was bouncing into our box, Cheets came to
the edge of our box to clear and clashed with the on rushing AP forward. Both players stayed down and it was
clear something serious happened. Browny rushed on to find Cheets covered in blood and eventually he was taken
off to wait for the ambulance. Churmy went in goal, Jamie Holohan went to right mid and I went up front. With not
long left it was important we kept it tight and not let AP expose Churmy in goal.
The fourth and killer goal came from a Ishaque pass to Jezz whose shot was deflected to Crippo who had the simplest
of headers to complete his hattrick. Cheets later had 12 stitches for his wound, and like a true pro informed me
that he will be fit and available for next week!. An excellent win against a good side. Congrats to Crippo on
his hat-trick which eventually won us the game, however what also pleasing was some of football in the first half
and towards the end of the 2nd half. There are things to improve on which is good.
9 points from the opening 4 league games places us nicely in 3rd place. The ability is there, we just need to keep
the desire and will to win every week and there is no telling what we can achieve this season. It will come down
to how much we want to succeed as a team and as an individual. The buzz is there and team spirit is high,
everyone is encouraging each other and long may that continue.
Ayyaz Ishaque
Weirside Rangers Reserves 0 - 0 Bank of England Reserves
A very determined display by the Bank Reserves against a strong Weirside Rangers side saw us get a hard fought,
but deserved, draw. In fact we probably edged the 2nd half and could have won the game if we had converted one
of a couple of good chances. Well done everyone and excellent team commitment right to the end meant we kept
our first clean sheet of the season. Thanks to Dean for going in goal and clattering all in his way when
he successfully dealt with many quality corners from Weirside. A final mention goes to Pisano jnr and snr for
their first game together in the Reserves. Have a father and son combination ever played together for the Bank's
2nd team before this? A question for Mike Redhouse to answer!!!
Chris Lewis
Polytechnic 3s 4 v 1 BoEAFC 3s
After the first 45 minutes that we put out, I'm still not sure how we lost this one. A lack of discipline meant
that fitness became an overwhelming factor in the second half and, unfortunately we couldn't match Poly. Keeping
the ball is a basic necessity if we are going to win games. However, for the first 45mins, we played some
absolutely outstanding football. Going one down against the run of play (I should have done better in the sticks
and have a forefinger the size a black pudding for my poor efforts), we got back on equal terms with a well
struck free kick from Mackie. Our absolute domination continued and Tony had the ball in the back of the net
but offside was given, much to Tony's dismay. We also hit the bar with a well struck penalty, but its these
margins that win/lose games. We were pumped up for the second half but, as said, some of the performances out
there were pretty bad.
Dean McShane
BoE 4s 2-1 Old Lats 4s
Another win despite a large number of changes to the team. Well done in
particular to those who came in and played for us for the first time
this season. We started better than in previous weeks and edged the
early encounters without creating too much. Gradually Smith and Collett
took a stranglehold in the midfield, and their forward runs were causing
the Lats defence all sorts of problems. But the opening goal came from
a long ball (goal kick from Will I think) which was headed backward by a
Lats defender, and Hewes used his pace to good effect, nipping in ahead
of the keeper before slotting home. Minutes later it should have been
2-0, a good ball down the left channel was sliced by the Lats right back
- leaving Turnbull with a clean run on goal, unfortunately composure was
lacking and the resulting shot flew high and wide - a real let off for
Lats.
Into the second half and the midfield quartet of Barrett, Smith,
Devall and Collett continued to create chances (more chances were wasted
by Turnbull!). Mid way through the second half a neat ball from Smith
was turned into the path of Hewes who again rounded the keeper to make
it 2-0. Shortly afterward Turnbull was dragged to the ground in the box
after a quick throw from Thompson. Hewes keen to complete his hat-trick
stepped up, but the keeper touched the pen onto the bar. Lats started
to push forward more, and had a decent shout for a penalty turned down,
but moments later they pulled one back, a well struck shot on the turn
from their striker. But Lats couldn't really build up any sustained
pressure and the game finished 2-1. Probably more comfortable than the
score suggests, with better finishing the game would have been sealed
earlier.
Again a decent team performance, solid at the back (thanks to Will for
filling in in goal), Smith and Collett competing well and distributing
the ball intelligently in midfield and composed finishing from Hewes up front.
Kenny Turnbull
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Saturday 6th October
Old Finchleians 1s 1-0 BoE 1s
Another away game, another chance to extend our unbeaten run. The build up and warm up was good before the game
and we were confident of getting a result. OF lost their opening game of the season 0-5 and if we thought we
would be facing a team low on confidence we were very much mistaken. OF were quicker off the mark then us and
we never really recovered. Saying that we created the first chance of the game, Churmy shooting wide after a left
wing cross. After that they were quicker to the ball and used the small pitch better than us. They used
their possession well in key areas and it was no surprise that they went 1-0 up from an unmarked back post
header. A disappointing goal to concede and to be fair we were lucky not to concede more, and we were thankful to
Mike Hayes in the bank goal. We did not seem to string together any kind of possession and we looked a shadow of
the side that were 6 games unbeaten.
Halftime meant some tactical changes and these seemed to give the team a 2nd wind. However we continued to give
the ball away ball away cheaply and play the long ball too often. A couple of long range efforts from PC, one
hitting our own player and Jez hitting the crossbar after a mix up by the OF keeper were the sum of our efforts.
I can't think of the opposition keeper having to make a save.
Ayyaz Ishaque
Old Finchleians 3s 3-0 BoEAFC 3s
Not the best of performances on Saturday, although we were up against a very good Finchleians side. Our inability
to keep the ball killed us. So many five yard passes went astray or hit and hope balls. We should take a look at
the oppo and see how we should play. They never gave us time on the ball and they played some good, sweeping
football - always keeping the ball moving and not being caught in possession.
Saying that, we had two clear cut opportunities that we didn't convert and a penalty appeal turned down, so we
could have got something. And, taking into account their possession, I think we battled hard to keep it to just the
one goal for 80 minutes.
Dean McShane
BoE 4s 4-2 Old Actonians 8s
For the second week running we started slowly, and it was Actonians who had the majority of the early possession.
We were finding it difficult to clear our lines effectively at the back and the midfield and front line were
struggling to hold onto possession to relieve the pressure. Following a set piece Actonians won the second ball
and worked it across the pitch about 20 yards out before there central midfield player connected well and struck
a firm shot past stand in keeper Tom Smith. Although we improved a bit thereafter, working the ball better in
the wide positions, we didn't manage to create any clear chances and Actonians looked the more likely team to
score in the remainder of the first half. At half time we were perhaps a little fortunate to be only 1-0 down,
but we went out confident that we could improve.
And so it turned out, like the game against Wilsonians we
controlled the second half, but this week we created far more in the last third. About 15 mins into the
second half the ball was well worked across the midfield to Thompson, who whipped in a deep cross that cut out
both of the Actonians central defenders the ball fell to Turnbull who volleyed across the keeper into the net.
Within minutes we were 2-1 up. Chris Smith won the ball in midfield before nodding it on beyond the Actonian
defence. Joao Alvellos making his debut raced away from the defender before slotting home. Actonians
rarely threatened but following a deep cross their left midfield player cut across Lord inside the box, there
was little contact but the referee judged it a foul and the resulting penalty was firmly struck past Tom.
Parity didn't last long though, as Chris Smith picked up the ball on the right and cut into the box, passed two
defenders before prodding the ball to Alvellos who calmly slotted it into the bottom corner. With minutes
left Turnbull and Alvellos tussled with the Actonian central defenders and the ball fell to Alvellos, who again
eased away from the defence and completed his hatrick via the post.
After a disappointing first half we improved significantly. With the back four of Lord, de Bunsen, Holmes and
Thomson outstanding, Chris Smith was dynamic in midfield, and Alvellos provided good hold up play and assured
finishing to the front line. But all round a very good team performance in the second half.
Kenny Turnbull
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Saturday 29th September
OWCs 1s 1-2 BoE 1s
Another week, another away game. This time away to Old Westminster Citzs who finished 3rd in this division
last season and were one of the strongest sides and by all accounts unlucky not to get promoted.
Most people made their way to the ground without much hassle apart from 3 players who have varied difficulties
in making the 2pm meet.
Heron and Camers were delayed in their journey to the ground due to problems with Camer's Irish sat nav! Jez
decided that he liked the sports club so much that he would wish the 2nd team well before starting his journey to
OWC. Apparently he thought it was a home game! A cab journey later he arrived after kick off and proceeded to get
the kit for the 2nd time this season. He later informed us that he left home with a warning from his girlfriend to
not to bring the kit home!. It would have been interesting to hear his explanation!
To the game which started off with both sides struggling to string passes together. Both sides were guilty of
conceding possession easily. It was evident from the start that OWC were intending to get the ball forward as
soon as possible and getting their quick forwards into the game quickly. However what is pleasing is that we have
been solid at the back so far this season which meant that the defence marshalled superbly by Martin Coward
stuck manfully to the task and limited OWC to very few chances.
The deadlock was however broken by the oppo 20 minutes into the game when following a free kick midway in the
bank half, the ball was despatched directly into the top corner with everyone else including Mikes Hayes expecting
a cross into the box. 1-0 to OWC and the bank could count themselves a bit unlucky. This was a test for the bank,
and we stepped up our effort and pressure was put on the OWC back four and goalkeeper. Chances came and went and
we came into the half time break 1-0 down. We all knew the first half had not been perfect and we needed to step it
up in the 2nd if we were to get anything out of the game.
PC came off 5 minutes into the 2nd half to be replaced by Jez, and we went to 4-4-2. Jez galvanised the team and
the pressure was now on the OWC goal. Constant pressure was put on which needed a series of sharp saves from the
OWC keeper. Our efforts were soon rewarded, when from a right wing cross Steve Black rose highest to head in the
Bank's equaliser, despite the efforts of their keeper and defender. 1-1 and game on! Now it was going to come down
to which side wanted it more. We kept the pressure on and it was pleasing that the commitment and encouragement
throughout the team was there to be seen. Time was running out and I was thinking that a point was going to be a
good when from a breakaway Chris Heron was put through and as he was challenged by the OWC defender the ball
deflected to Jamie Holohan whose left foot shot was despatched into the bottom corner past the keeper. Goal time
87 minutes!
We survived the last 3 or 4 minutes to pick up another win. That is now 6 games unbeaten this season, and despite
not playing as well as we can we are picking up results. A good habit to be in and long may it continue. There is
room for improvement and there is a good buzz in the side which is good to see.
Winning the game like we did will only help the confidence of the side and we should go into every game looking
to win the game.
Ayyaz Ishaque
Ally Park 4 v 4 BoEAFC 3XI (AP win 3-2 on pens)
Difficult to accept that Ally Park beat us despite not having a shot on target and us saving two pens. Despite
being camped almost in AP's six-yard box for 44 minutes of the first half, AP broke the deadlock with a back-stick
header that we talked about preventing before we kicked off. Note to Selves: Must not let this happen this week!
However, Ethie drew us level with his own bullet header from a free kick around their box (I would have been screaming
if I was their skipper!). After the break, we kicked down the hill, or should I say down the mountain? Tony hit
the net again before AP drew level with a pen. We then had a penalty shout turned down against Jerry and a goal
disallowed by Tony, before a penalty was awarded to us, which Frosty converted. Back in front, we allowed AP to
take the game into extra-time when their second corner provided another back-stick header. Note to Selves: Must
not let this happen this week! I thought we had sealed the game when Ronnie finished at the second attempt. But
then we conceded what can only be described as a freak goal, which we shouldn't dwell on. The penalty shootout
got off to a good start with AP missing their first penalty and Tony and Mark scoring ours. Missing the next
three didn't help our cause - I'm sure I remember Jonny Wilkinson putting one of them into neighbouring New
Southgate. Ah well!
I only want to take the positives from Saturday - and they far outweighed the negatives. We played some really
good football and were menacing all day. Lets take these positives and build on them this Saturday.
Dean McShane
BoE 4s 1 - 3 Old Wilsonians 6s
Wilsonians were the brighter team in the opening exchanges, as we struggled to get our passing game started.
Within the half hour they were two goals up and controlling the game. Only then did we really start to play,
and gradually we started to move the ball better and take advantage of the width provided by Tom and Jamie. It
was from a wide position we got back into the game with a good ball in from the right that found Tom Smith
completely unmarked in front of goal, Tom felt it was best to toy with Wilsonians a little, and gave them hope
by swinging and missing the ball, but at the second attempt he made no mistake, firing home from a yard. We
dominated the remainder of the half but were unable to draw level.
We controlled much of the possession in the second half and reigned crossed in on Wilsonians, while
comfortably limiting their attacking threat. Some neat passing on the right led to Russell breaking through
the Wilsonians back line before unselfishly squaring the ball to Tom Smith who slid it home - only then did the
referee give offside (apparently he later admitted he got that wrong). We kept pushing forward, but just couldn't
create the clear chance we needed. With about 5 mins to go the 'big lad' up front for Wilsonians picked the ball
up about 35 yards out, had a look up, and fired a looping shot into the top corner.
Kenny Turnbull
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Saturday 22nd September
BoE 1st XI 3 (0) v OS 1st XI (0)
Scorers: Coward P, Miller J, Churm
Team: Hayes, Waldron, Taylor R, Bunn, Coward M, Miller J, Cameron, Coward P, Woodward, Holohan, Churm
An opening day away trip to deepest North London is not an ideal start to the league campaign back in the
bottom division of the SAL. Engineering works on the Northern Line meant that most of the team met up at
East Finchley to get a cab to the ground. Those you of you that have played in the SAL for a few years will
remember the opposition's previous grounds. This latest one is a marked improvement. One would think that the
opening league game of the season would mean players will be chomping at the bit for a game. How wrong can you be?
A total of 27 players unavailable/injured meant that all sides struggled with selection. That said, the club
got five sides out and the opening line up for the 1st team was still a strong one.
Old Stationers lost their opening game of the season 6-0 and have had an influx of young players into the club.
Both teams started the game well on a hard pitch. It was evident from the start that the OS back four were not the
best and the Ist XI started finding space behind them and started to create chances. Unfortunately they were not
taken, with various parts of the opposition's keepers body deflecting the ball away. It has to be said that
poor finishing played a part as well. Worrying signs as we were on top and the only threat from OS coming from
their tricky number 7.
0-0 at half time and all the half time talk was of making sure we start taking our chances as if OS score first
will make for a uncomfortable 2nd half. True to form OS took the lead 5 minutes from the restart, following a
quick break down the bank right. 1-0 down, and now the team needed to show it character. How much did they want it?
Are we going to make our dominance pay? Pleasingly both questions were answered and without panicking and keeping
our shape we let our football do the talking. We continued to create and spurn chances until PC got our
deserved equaliser with a snap shot from 20 yards. This knocked the stuffing out of the young OS side and soon we went
2-1 up with Joe Miller netting with a dipping volley from 18 yards. Churmy made it 3-1 with about 10 minutes to
go and that's how it stayed.
Ayyaz Ishaque
BoE 4s 3 - 4 Carshalton 7s
An encouraging but ultimately disappointing result on Saturday. We started very brightly, playing some neat
passing football, getting stuck into the tackles. And indeed the first half hour was ours as Roger De Bunsen's
opener (the result of a 'lightning quick' run through from midfield and cool finish) was added to by Gary and
Jamie - all the goals the result of good movement and smart passing. However, despite this the oppo continued
to look good going forward and remained committed. They quickly got two back - a close range header from a
free-kick and a lob after their right wing found space. 3-2 at half-time.
We emerged from the break feeling that if we scored the next goal, the game would be ours. We didn't - the oppo
scored from a headed corner shortly after the restart. The game then went into a long phase of tight play and
few chances. With 20 minutes to go, Gary did his hamstring and, with no subs available, he manfully donned the
gloves. Sadly, I hadn't realised how immobile he had become and the oppo subsequently scored a soft goal. We
reverted back to the previous formation (minus Gary) after that but didn't look like getting the equaliser.
Giles Edwards
Alleyn Old Boys 6s 4 - 3 BoE 5s
On a hard pitch and under an unseasonably hot sun. The Fives came close to at least getting a share of the points
with another encouraging performance. Already handicapped by the loss of players higher up the Club, and no
recognised goalie (for which Muscat and the Skipper alternately stood up to the duty), the Fives also had to kick
off with 9 men with both central defenders struggling to get changed pitch side, or find shin pads. The game had
been going 5 minutes before we were up to 11, but that was all it took for Alleyns to score the first of a
succession of soft goals. Alleyns were having the majority of territorial possession without being allowed to
threaten much, until Alex elected to punch a harmless cross and the home side had a tap-in for 2-0. No blame to
Alex; having volunteered he also made other good interventions to make up for it. At this stage and with
several newcomers to the team, who all played very well, we struggled to pick up our normal rhythm, but to the
immense credit of the Fives’ character we came back into the game, and were rewarded when another dangerous free
kick from Stevie H was won by Jack for Sean to easily poke home. The first of Sean’s excellent hattrick and must
be the first for the Bank this season. As Alleyns confidence seemed to falter for the first time, so ours grew,
and our equaliser was a peach from one end to the other, a dangerous Alleyns attack was broken up with a last
ditch tackle on the edge of our box, and with an interchange of passes, the ball was moved up to midfield,
they again let the ball do the work without a red shirt getting near it, until the time came for the telling
through ball that picked out Sean for his cool finish. Unfortunately we immediately let Alleyns off the rack
with another long bouncing ball situation that noone gripped, and they had their third easy tap-in just before
half time.
Things got worse in the second half when a goal kick went straight to one of their forwards for 4-2. They now
seemed to be finding much more space from the halfway line, and numerous tactical permutations were discussed
both during the game as the Fives persevered to get back into the game, and certainly in the bar afterwards. Of
course no Fives Game would be the same without a rant from Jack, and we loved this one. The ball had gone out
for an Alleyns throw, but over a high chain link fence. Their player crawled though a hole into the car park,
where the ball had bounced about 50 yards away amongst the cars. Jack yelled for someone to mark the man coming
on. When it was pointed out the oppo player was hunting around underneath cars, Jack just said "Well get out into
the car park, then!" Pure dedication! Anyway just as before, and in tiring conditions, the Fives fought back against
a 2 goal deficit. And Sean completed his hattrick with a great cross shot low into the far left corner. With the
home side now holding on and the Bank throwing more men forward, we could even have clinched a deserved point
if Raoul’s late header had been on target. There were plenty of positives, as they say, to take from the
performance in difficult conditions and circumstances, mainly that the team spirit is still there, and we are
still trying to play our football.
Raoul DeBunsen
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