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Winning end to 2006
Southbank closed out 2006
with 3 points and a professional display against
Theale Reserves at Coley Park. Despite the pitch
not being at its best due to tyre marks and the
recent weather, the Bank were able to record the
three points with a 5 nil victory.
The result leaves the Bank
in a respectable league position amongst the
chasing pack going into 2007, with plenty of
games to come and plenty to play for during the
rest of the season.
Despite missing a total of
6 players, Hightower was still able to call upon
a strong team, despite Bryce misplacing his kit
prior to kickoff!! The team started well with a
clear goal, play football and stamp their
authority on their opposition early on and they
tried to do this during the first 20 minutes.
Again the front pairing of
Benji and Archie worked tirelessly and they were
rewarded with four of the five goals. Woodrow
again provided an excellent outlet on the left,
playing out of his natural position for the team
which is appreciated.
Several chances came and
went before Archie opened his account and the
Bank’s first when he was the quickest to react
to the keeper’s save after a fine driving run
and shot by Donal. Archie stooping to head home
and give the platform to build on. Despite
Theale’s league results they still provided a
good opposition and throughout the 90 minutes
worked hard to make it as difficult as possible
for Southbank.
Chances came and went as
the Bank continued to influence the game, the
returning Gale and the ever impressive Donal
pulling the strings from the central midfield
areas, with Jason strutting his stuff at centre
back alongside Hightower.
Benji then got in the act
to grab his first and Southbank’s second as the
floodgates threatened to open, but Southbank
would only gain a third goal during the first
half. The third coming after the impressive
Benji was alive to divert a Wagner free-kick
back across goal for Archie to tap in and gain
his second of the game.
The half-time team talk was
about enjoying the game and adding to the goals
tally as the Bank look to improve their goal
difference. By this time Bellman, kit available
had returned and replaced the injured
Hightower. Chances came and went with Southbank
during the second half and made hard work of
their opposition.
However it was Theale who
nearly got the next goal. A penalty awarded by
the referee for a foul in the box, allowed
Theale’s keeper to put one past ours, Charlie
Cook. However, like last week where Charlie made
an excellent 1st team debut, Charlie
saved the penalty and also had the presence of
mind to clear the rebound. Charlie deserved his
clean sheet for his efforts in the 90 minutes
and now provides Hightower with serious
selection dilemma in the New Year. Regardless of
this decision Charlie as provided without doubt
that providing he maintains his composure, he
has the technique and temperament to perform in
the 1st team. Luke needs to be aware
there’s a serious challenger to his number 1
jersey.
This incident perhaps
provided the shake the Bank required as the team
and Archie in particular rounded off a competent
performance with his hat trick. Ricky Haimes now
established as the team’s right back provided
some excellent runs during the game and
delivered a great cross for Archie to head home
and grab his first Southbank hat trick and put
the game to bed.
Several opportunities came
and went, the clearest for Tully who following
great work by Benji hit the bar from 12 yards
out when it did seem easier to score, but that’s
football I guess. Certainly Tully went away
think how I missed that one!! However, Wayne
again provided the energy and running down the
right and is becoming an essential outlet to the
team and attacking threat every time he’s on the
ball. He just needs to work out where the back
of the net is.
In the last 10 minutes a
corner was excellently finished by Ricky Haimes,
swooping in to gain his first goal of the season
and seal a very impressive personal performance
from a man with a supposed hangover!!!
So despite defeats to
Cholsey and Video during 2006, Southbank are in
a good position ready for the Christmas break
and the push in 2007. The club and the team have
come a long way since the summer and must look
forward to 2007 and realize the potential that
exists within this group of players.
See you in 2007.
Team:
Cook, Haimes, Allen,
Wagner, Price (Bellman), Tully, Gale, Roughnean,
Woodrow, Williams, Archer
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