Southbank 1st team suffered a surprising and very disappointing defeat at home to County Arms as 2007 started in the worst possible start. Hightower struggled for numbers on the 1st game of 2007 as long running injuries to Mig and Ollie continue to tell and absentees from Donal and Mitra also contributed. 12 players was all he could count on and this included welcoming back Shaz from a few weeks away. More players are required in the squads to add depth and provide options as there remains a long way in the season to go. Despite talking a 2 nil lead which they held onto at half-time, with goals by Bryce Bellman and an O.G, two incidents in the last 1 minute of the 1st half, utilimately laid the seeds for this defeat which transpired in the 2nd half. Firstly with the Bank on top and seemingly in control what appears to be a 'legitimate' goal was not given. A corner by Woodrow sailed straight in and with the County player on the post, at least a foot behind the line the referee and not surprisingly the opposition linesman failed to give it. As the situation developed verbal (non-swearing) accusations were then exchanged which resulted in Jason Wagner being shown a direct red card by Andrew Sharp the referee. His decision was based on the fact that he believed Wagner was directing his accusation at him!! This was not the case but the dye had been cast, the player was off and the team were up against it. Hightower was most disappointed in this decision, particularly considering the build up to the incident and although there is not really any defence for the verbal accusations, they were just that, far worse is said in a school playground!!! Despite a strong half time talk about how to play with 10 men the writing was on the wall early as the team sat deep and got deeper as the game went on. County rattled in 5 second half goals as the formation, energy and discipline evaporated from the team. Individuals continued to battle, Archie, Bellman and Williams can all be proud of their efforts but ultimately this wasn't sufficient. Already depleted through injuries Hightower had little options on the bench today and perhaps they also counted as Archie and Tully picked up injuries during the game, Archie eventually needing to be replaced. County played well to be fair to them throughout the game and provided a good opposition and the 2nd half collapse was surprising but without doubt the incident at the end of the 1st half ultimately helped contribute to this defeat. Would a 3 nil score line at half time with 11 players on the pitch have resulted in the Bank conceding 5 second half goals??   With 10 men the Bank's play become extremely scrappy and the lack of match practice told as the team tired quickly. On a positive note, this defeat leaves the 1st team still in the pack of chasing clubs but a missed opportunity without doubt. Clubs will beat each other this year without doubt, this league is tough and tight but in future Southbank require a little more of the 'rub' of the green as inconsistent refereeing decisions have cost them on a number of occasions this season already.   Team: Howroyd, Gull, Allen, Wagner, Bellman, Tully, Gale, Mckie, Woodrow, Williams, Haimes