Good Form Continues

The Bank continued their recent good form with 3-0 victory over Trentonians at Coley Park on Sunday. With Holton able to pick from a squad of 13, he was keen to impress on the players the importance of victory in this fixture.

Although, the Bank sat below their opposition in the table, a victory would propel them up the league into a position where they could strive forward in the final months of the season. With a near same eleven as last week and Holton’s words ringing in their ears, the Bank set about hassling Trentonians out of possession and opportunities in the first half. Defensively the Bank was sound but more importantly it was in attack where Southbank were having the most joy.

With the returning Woodrow and Reno up front, Trentonians struggled to cope and after a number of early scares the Bank took a deserved lead, when good work down the flanks allowed Reno to power the ball into the net from 5 yards out. The Bank continued to push on following the goal and with Towner and Sparky have excellent games in the centre of the park, opportunities continued to come.

However, with the opening goal came a clear shock to Trentonians, who along with a couple of fierce tackles started to create opportunities especially from long throws and a number of corners, one opportunity resulting in one sprawling save from Harvey in goal to keep the Bank ahead. Still the Bank got the second break they required when a corner was swung into the box, over the goalie’s head and in to the net, for what appeared a direct goal. There was some controversy however with goal, Hightower claiming the glory, although we think the dubious goals panel may not agree!!!

The Bank entered the second half clear in their mind that three points were there for the taking but they would need to work hard and score a third to finish the game. Somehow they began to give ground immediately and Trentonians smelt the opportunity of a way back in and pushed with a number of opportunities and pressurized corners which the Bank did well to defend.

However with twenty minutes of the half gone, a long ball over the top saw the defence turned around for a clear sprint between Hightower and their striker, which resulted in a clumsy challenge from HT and a penalty for Trentonians, a way back in perhaps. To make matters worse, Hightower had to be withdrawn with a hamstring injury sustained in the challenge and watch as the penalty was taken.

Somehow, the penalty was missed from 12 yards and allowed the Bank, minus Hightower, replaced by Broomfield to push on and play on the counter looking for the killer goal. Several opportunities came and went for the Bank as the confidence missing for some many months prior to Christmas, came flowing back. Woodrow and Reno had opportunities to finish before a break down the left enabled The Bank to outnumber the defenders and slide in Reno for the killer goal and a well deserved three points.

A clean sheet was in order now and with a couple of half chances and scrambles in the penalty area, the Bank clung on for a clean sheet, a good three points but more importantly a big confidence boost ahead of a big game against Englefield this Sunday.

Good Performance lads, bring on Englefield!!!