Monkey off the back Southbank finally achieved what they’ve failed to do over the past couple of seasons and in the process removed the ‘monkey’ from their back, by beating Englefield in the League Cup on Sunday. The Bank was provided with a massive boost when the game was moved from Englefield’s home pitch to a ‘neutral’ venue of Victoria Park.  However, Victoria Park hasn’t always been a lucky pitch as many of the 1st team played in the infamous drubbing that they received against AFC Victory several years ago in the same competition at the semi-final stage. However, this is a different Bank these days and Sunday was perhaps the day that the potential that exists within the 1st team squad was realised. With a mini injury crisis excluding Mig, Shaz and the suspended Gale, Hightower had to change things around slightly but was still able to choose from a 15 man squad for the match. The orders of the day were trust your team mates, stick together the chances will come and they must be taken. Those words must have been ringing in the eyes of Bryce Bellman as twice during a tight first half he saw one shot cleared off the line and another hit the underside of the bar and bounce out clear. However, the Bank never stopped believing and played some good football during a half which they more than had the upper hand. Englefield however are not a bad team, their strong, sometimes direct but more than anything capable on slicing open teams in an instance with attacking options and a front line led by Ashley Baines who caused the most problems and they too will feel that could have snatched an opening. Twice Luke was required to dive and save the ball, whilst a scramble just inside the box, saw another rocket hit the cross bar and rebound to safety. However, the half ended goal less with Ollie suffering some ‘breathing’ problems caused by too much smoking dealing with Ashley and Jason and Donal, making his first start in the centre of the park dominating the usually strong midfield of Englefield. After some strong words from Hightower and a message to continue to believe the Bank set about looking for the first goal and the game began to open up as the teams seemed to tire. Two chances came and went for Bellman and Jason but it wasn’t long before The Bank opened the scoring. Woodrow who has been playing some of his best football this year and really leading the younger players wriggled free on the left of the penalty box and fired in a low shot which pushed out and the rapid Benji was there to pounce to open the scoring and give the Bank a deservedly lead. The game ebbed and flowed with few chances for the next 10 minutes as it looked like a single goal may be sufficient. However, some sloppy defending from a throw in enabled Englefield to equalize totally against the run of play and leave The Bank wondering how!!! However, in Donal the Bank really has a ‘class’ act who played centre midfield today but in reality can play anywhere and he absolutely bossed it. With the outstanding Jason alongside him they got hold of the game by physically and technically standing shoulder to shoulder with Englefield and allowing what the Bank do best, counter attack and did they counter attack. By this time Raph had replaced Bryce to provide an all out attacking front 4 which had the guile of Woodrow and the sheer pace of Benji, Raph and Tully to produce some excellent performances and allow the Bank to restore their lead. After another fruitless attack from Englefield, Raph raced down the right before switching the ball to the left for Tully and Woodrow. The ball was rolled to Jason who had time to control and bury his goal from the edge of the box to restore the lead. From here there was only going to be one winner, the Bank had come too far to throw this away and again with Englefield pushing forward the front four with Jason and Donal picked off the Englefield backline to great effect. This time a through ball found Benji who drew the defender before rolling to Wayne Tully to round off an excellent display just inside the box and cement his place within the side, obviously providing his subs get sorted and provide the Bank with the breathing space. The onslaught came from Englefield but the back line excellent marshaled by Luke ensured few chances, although Englefield did hit the cross bar again late on from a free-kick but there was no passing for them today. Hightower was well happy post match and hopes that the lads have finally realised they have the potentially to be a good team this season, they just need to remain disciplined defensively and score at the right times.  Next week sees The Bank welcome IBIS to Coley Park and he’ll be expecting the same levels of determination and effort. Once you set the standards you have to live up to them each week. Well done lads Team: Howroyd, Haimes, Saunders, Price, Bradbury, Roughnegn, Wagner, Bellman (Allen), Williams, Tully (Kemp), Woodrow