Finally the 09-10 season has drawn to a close with the final league games of the season being played on the 23rd May, at least 3 or 4 weeks later than planned because of the harsh winter and the number of games lost due to rain, snow and frost.

This has undoubtedly been one of the hardest seasons to get through as week to week nobody really knew if games would be played.  Despite this, and the lack of a winners medal for either team, it's arguably been Southbank's most successful season.  Not only did both the 1st team and Reserves compete at the top end of the highest divisions they've played in but 1st team captain Jason Wagner became the clubs first skipper to lead his side out in a cup final.  To top it off that final was at Reading FCs Madejski Stadium!

The 1st Team made the jump up to the Senior Division on the back of a hard fought runners up spot to Wrightchoice in the Premier Division.  Hightower added depth and experience to his squad with crucial signings such as keeper Stephen Marshall, winger Johnny Adey and forwards Dion Denny and Neil Healy.  Defensive reinforcements in the shape of Will Graham, Will Strang and Alex Cooper set the side up for a solid season.

Above all expectations Southbank took the division by storm and ended the season in an excellent 4th spot behind champions Dee Road, Whitely Tavern and again just piped by Wrightchoice for 3rd, all after a sticky start of 4 defeats and 1 draw.

The character of the side to bounce back and finish 7 points clear of 5th placed Southside bodes well for the future.

Meanwhile the Reserves mounted a serious challenge of their own for promotion out of Division 2 Central, ultimately finishing 3rd by virtue of an inferior goal difference of just 3 and seeing Bethel United pip them for a medal.

A fine start to the season saw them set the pace alongside eventual league winners Kennet Vale and early hopefuls, the free scoring Celtic Rangers,.  However, once well positioned a Spring blip saw disappointing defeats to Bethel, The Mod, YMCA United and then Kennet Vale dent the promotion bid and cost the Reserves a second medal in two seasons.  It shows the importance of winning the games against the mid table sides (costly defeats to YMCA and The Mod) and winning well against the bottom teams when you miss out by such small margins.

Despite falling at the final hurdle this was another sterling effort by Budda's Reserves who only 2 years ago were staring in the face of relegation to Division 4.

 Congratulations to all those involved with the club on yet another successful season, thank you for your commitment and patience throughout the year, and lets now look forward to further success next season.

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