Southbank Reserves ended the 2004-05 season with a morale boosting 2-0 win over eventual runners up Curzon FC.  This summed up a season of what could've been for Andy Persaud and Ian Harvey's first foray in to management.

A season that started so brightly with convincing wins over The Bull, Barton and Tilehurst YM petered out to mid-table obscurity with a run of poor form in November and December.  The loss of centre forward Malcolm Everest undoubtedly disrupted the managements plans for the season although the emergence of youngsters Miguel Frade, Steve Mahoney and Raph Allen proved to be a real positive.  All three stepped up to the first team and produced encouraging performances and hopefully they will continue their good form in 2005-06.  The season also saw a number of new players welcomed to the club with the likes of Jeff "Big Gay Al" / "The Devil" Evans, Adam Wilson, Chris Sigsworth, Paul Wallace and Rob Lindsey also having a big impact on the season.

A final position of 5th in the league is probably a fair reflection of the Reserves season.  Constant chopping and changing of the side through player unavailability certainly contributed to the inconsistent form.  Some excellent displays and victories, such as those early season wins, the defeat of Curzon, a hard fought point against champions Burghfield and the battling defeats of No Limits have shown the promise and potential in Persaud/Harvey's side.  The defeats to a strong Tilehurst YM side, AFC Tilehurst and The Bull however show the other side.  Missing key players in key positions hindered things no end and this is the most disappointing thing for the Reserves this year.

Next season could see a serious push for promotion for the Reserves.  The addition of a solid centre back pairing is of paramount importance as this seemed to be a weakness that led to the winters poor results.  With the news that Barton Reserves have been elevated and No Limits have folded the division looks to be there for the taking for the likes of Southbank and Tilehurst YM next season, especially if Persaud/Harvey can get their strongest side out on a more regular basis.

Season Highlights:  Beating Barton 4-2 away

                                     Taking 6 points from No Limits

                                     The success of the new players and youngsters

                                     End of Season Tour

Season Lowlights:  Inconsistent form/team availability

                                    Last minute defeat to Barton

                                    Costly results in November/December

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