Southbank continued they’re impressive start to the season with another hard fought victory against Mortimer West End. As Manager Mark Holton looked to build on the opening day victory over Theale he reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation.  Danny Fitzpatrick was recalled in favour of Dave Rogers at the back, while Ben Duncan replaced inspirational club captain Budda, who was unavailable due to attending a swingers evening in Oxford, at right back. Allan Kemp filled in on the left of midfield after a mystery flu bug kept Bryce Bellman out of action.

The match started slowly as both teams tried to get to terms with a rock hard playing surface. It was Southbank that took the early initiative when Holton fired in from short range after a long hoof from Fitzpatrick.

This seemed to wake Mortimer up and they then applied good pressure on the Southbank goal.  Mortimers big centre forward, Mellers, was proving a more than the physical match for Hightower and he twice managed to got the better of him using strength alone.  Luckily for the Bank his finishing let him down.

On the stroke of half time the Southbank scored the vital goal of the match.  Libian striker Nader Gehawi notched his second goal in two games when he struck a sweet left foot volley into the far corner after latching onto a pass from strike partner Holton.

1-0 at half time and Holton made a switch at the back.  New signing Paul Latch was given his debut when he replaced the injured Richard Smalley at left back as Holton looked to further strengthen the back four in anticipation of the Mortimer onslaught. The onslaught never came as Southbank grew in confidence and took control of the game.  Paul Towner twice sent the impressive Nader Gehawi through on goal but he couldn’t find the finishing touch that’s served him so well this season. Alongside Towner both Mark Broomfield and Allan Kemp were outstanding in the midfield as Southbank started to dominate.  However, on the right side of midfield Ben Thurgood looked a bit off the pace after picking up a mysterious stomach bug whilst out drinking all night in Reading! No room for that in this new look Southbank squad – just ask Brown!

In search of the third goal Holton threw on Andy Hyslop and the stroppy Steve Brown who was still sulking after being left out of the starting eleven. Brown nearly proved to his manager he deserved a starting place but was unlucky to be ruled offside when one on one with the keeper.

Then with 15 minutes left Southbank opened the door for Mortimer. Paul Towner was caught in possession on the right, the cross wasn’t cleared and the ball was fired in low from outside the box.

This could sent panic through the Southbank side, but this year a new found confidence has set in and calmly they once again took control.  The third goal finally came when the two Paul’s exchanged 4 passes with each other and released Allan down the inside left position. He in turn threaded a ball through to Nader Gehawi who beat his man and then unselfishly crossed for manager Mark Holton to fire in. 3-1.

Southbank then sat back trying to play out the remaining seconds when Spoksie decided to make it interesting by somehow letting in a 30 yard punt, even though it was probably head high when he parried it into the roof of the net. Comparisons between the Southbank keeper and David Seaman are now being made as both seem to have trouble with high, looping shots.

This was another good win which pleased Player/Manager Holton who is rightly pleased with his sides start to the season.  After the game he commented that “this seasons squad is a strong as ever and with Ricky Gale due to return from holiday there’s even more competition for places. But we have a squad of 18 this season and everyone will play a big part over the whole season if not at the moment.”

Team: Spokes, Duncan (Hyslop), Smalley (Latch), Price, Fitzpatrick, Thurgood, Towner, Broomfield (Brown), Kemp, Holton, Gehwali