Hat trick for Gale

The Bank recorded a comfortable 5-1 victory over Kennet Vale thanks to a hat trick from Ricky Gale, to push their case for the highest possible finish come the end of the season and probably consign the opposition to relegation in the process. 

The first game since the Bank’s disappointing defeat to Englefield 3 weeks ago, things started slowly as both teams tried to come to grips with conditions. The half only came to life in the final 15 minutes when the Bank opened the scoring. A corner drilled in by Ricky Gale found Danny Fitzpatrick at the front post who flicked the ball past the advancing keeper and players on the line for a 1 nil lead. However this lead did not last long as a counter-attack by Vale found Hightower isolated in the left back spot from the centre and after some good work by the Vale striker a good cross found an equally isolated Hyslop out-jumped to shock the Bank and leave the half-time score line equal.

Clearly the Bank weren’t having everything their own way and some encouragement from the ‘gaffer’ at half-time ensured the Bank returned with a positive attitude and approach for the 2^nd half. Immediately the Bank attempted to dictate the play, even though they were playing into the wind and rain. Within 10 minutes of the restart the Bank got due reward as the ‘impressive’ Gale playing in his preferred role of striker converted to give the Bank an early 2-1 lead. By now Galente had replaced the injured ‘Macca’ and along with Woodrow was causing Vale plenty of problems down the left hand side, surely it was only a matter of time surely before a third goal came along!!

However, Vale continued to push the Bank with Harvey required to make one exceptional save with the score at 2-1. The Bank however were now playing their favorite tactics, counter-attack football and it wasn’t long before the Bank went further ahead and then finally secure the game. First Gale buried a penalty after being taken down by the Vale keeper when clean through.

Hightower then got in on the act with a fourth goal, receiving the ball from Mark Broomfield in side the box drove forward before blasting past the keeper at his near post.

Finally with ten minutes left a second penalty was awarded which enabled Gale to complete his hat trick and wrap up the points for the Bank. The win boosts their chances of a top 5 finish come the end of the season with 4 games left to play.

Team