Southbank stormed to the top of Division 1 West
with a two goals from the impressive Steve Woodrow
and another from the hard working Ricky Gale.
Player/Manager
Mark Holton had an almost full squad to choose from for the long trip to
Bishopswood Sports, and made only one change to the starting line-up following
the 1-1 draw with AFC Victory, with Andy Hyslop slotting in at left back to
replace the unavailable Ben Duncan. Southbanks strength in depth was again
proven by the quality on the bench with Steve Brown, Bryce Bellman and the now
'fit' Paul Latch all having to make do with a place on the bench.
Due to the
overnight frost the kick off was delayed until 11.00 o'clock and the game moved
from one pitch to another - which Hightower wasn't too impressed with - but
this didn't disrupt a determined Southbank. As Bishopswood gathered in their
pre-match huddle, Holton gave a rousing team talk and emphasized the importance
of winning these games against the good mid-table sides. After the slip ups
against Mortimer West End and Associated Asphalt this was another difficult
game against a good side that will cause problems for the top 3.
This was
certainly the case in the first half as a tight opening saw few chances for
either side. Bishopswood had a good chance with a towering header from an
early corner while Southbank crafted a couple of half chances for Woodrow and
Mark Broomfield - who again caused problems down the left. Southbank grew
stronger though as the half went on. Gale and Towner took control in the
midfield and with Woodrow and Thurgood linking up well on the right wing the
'Bank started to threaten the Bishopswood goal. Further chances fell to both
Woodrow and Broomie but some last ditch defending from Bishopswood somehow kept
the ball out of the net. Bishopswood still threatened on the break though and
it took a goal line clearance from Danny Fitzpatrick to prevent the 'Bank from
going in at half time 1-0 down.
The second half
saw Southbank come flying out of the blocks and they were soon rewarded when
Ricky Gale capped an energetic performance with a goal through the keepers legs
after good work down the right from Ben Thurgood. Steve Woodrow then sealed
the win with the second after a clearance from Danny eluded the Bishopswood
defence and left Woody to round the keeper and slot home. As Southbank dug in
to protect their lead Broomie went on a run down the left and delivered a
cross that Steve Woodrow tucked away with ease at the far post to give the game
a slightly flattering scoreline.
With a 3 goal
lead, but with still 25 minutes left, the game was well and truly dead.
Southbanks ever tight defence was not going to be breached despite Bishopswood
continually claiming it was weak - 13 goals against in 11 games and the best
defensive record in the league can't bad!. The closest they came to claiming a
consolation goal was a weak far post header and a couple of wayward long range
efforts that never troubled Luke in the Southbank goal.
With Video Res
being soundly beaten by Theale (7-2) and Victory playing in the cup this result
moved Southbank top of the league by 2 points and 4 points clear of 3rd.
.
Team:
Flowroyd,
Booth, Hyslop (Latch), Fitzpatrick,
Price, Thurgood (Bellman), Towner, Gale,
Broomfield, Woodrow, Holton (Brown)