Southbank lined up for the first game under new Manager Mark Holton missing 5 players. Last season this would have spelt trouble for The 'Bank but 2003-04 sees a stronger squad with a better attitude kicking off the new season.

With 5 players missing Holton named his first side in a new look 3-5-2 formation, aimed at countering the pacey Theale attack. Protecting the ever late James Spokes in goal were Dave Rogers and Simon Price as centre backs, with skipper Steve Booth sweeping behind them. In front of them were Paul Towner and Mark Broomfield paired in central midfield with Ben Thurgood and Richard Smalley given the enviable task of playing as wing-backs on a hot September morning. Bryce Bellman was given a 'free role' behind the front two of Player/Manager Holton and new signing from Libya, Nader Gehawi, AKA 'Nads.'

The opening exchanges saw both sides struggle to get the ball under control on the rock hard and bumpy Theale pitch. Southbank were struggling to come to terms with the new system as both wing backs were being penned back by the Theale wingers. This wasn't helped by Southbanks inability to keep possession as Theale edged the early play. Some resolute, if not organised, defending kept Theale at bay before Southbank came back in to the game. Nads and Bryce were swapped over and this seemed to have the desired effect of giving an edge to The Banks football. Nads started to get the ball down and linked up well with Bryce's mazey runs and Holtons link up play, while Broomie and Towner took control in the middle.

Although Southbank had now gained some control of the game, a goal still looked unlikely. Towner delivered one delightful set piece in to the box that was crying out to be put in the back of the net, but still the opening wouldn't come. Simon 'High Tower' Price was then twice bundled over in the box attacking corners. Although they looked like fouls the Ref - who generally handled the game very well - turned down both shouts. After a couple of scares at the back Bryce was sent clear late on in the first half and slotted home to score Southbanks first goal of the new season and put the Hoops in the lead. This gave The Bank something to defend in the second half.

Now defending down the slight slope Southbank needed to hang on and absorb the Theale pressure. Good performances at the back from Dave Rogers and Simon Price looked like keeping Theale out as they seemed content to try to bombard there way through in the air. Southbank meanwhile were content to sit deep and soak up the pressure while Bryce and Nads hit them on the counter attack. The only time Southbank looked in danger was when the ball was allowed to bounce and the quick Theale forwards had a chance to run at the goal. This tactic saw a couple of chance float past Spokes' goal as he rushed out well to narrow the angle and make a telling shot more difficult for the Theale forwards. Finally Theale managed to nick an equaliser as their pressure paid off.

At 1-1 the game was anyone's. Southbank were hitting Theale on the break and a looking dangerous at set pieces, with High Tower a constant threat in the box, while Theales pace on the wings and upfront was always a worry. The second Southbank goal came from the penalty spot. A clever dribble into the box from Nads saw the ball squared to Holton. His first shot was legitimately blocked but his effort from the rebound was stopped by a Theale defenders hand as it headed goalwards. The ref had no hesitation in awarding a penalty which somehow Ben Thurgood scuffed home to retake the lead.

It was now backs to the wall stuff for Southbank as Theale threw an extra man forward. Holton had already subbed himself to bring on debutant Ben Duncan in an attempt to tighten up the midfield and reacted to Theales change by throwing on Andy Hyslop as he reverted to a more familiar flat back four. Southbank now looked a little more comfortable and Thurgood and Bellman got in to the game more safe in the knowledge that they had full backs behind them.

As Theale attempted to throw the kitchen sink at Spokes goal Thurgood and Bellman exploited the gaps down the wings. A Southbank corner was drifted in by Thurgood and Ben Duncan stooped in at the near post to secure the points with a goal on his Southbank debut. The points were wrapped up minutes before full time as the hard working Nads was rewarded with a one-on-one with the keeper and he placed past the keeper from a tight angle to make it 4-1.

A decent enough performance and a great opening day result that proves that the new squad has depth, ability and a desire to do well this season.