Still searching for tier first win of the season The 'Bank entered this first round tie brimming with optimism, despite having six regulars missing. The previous weeks encounter (a 4-4 draw) offered plenty of encouragement after Southbank had come from behind to take a well deserved point.

With enforced changes due to missing players Southbank Player/Manager Marc 'Oz' Osborne took up an unacustomed position between the sticks after proving what great hands he posses whilst catching Kangaroo's and Croc's whilst down under.

Also making a welcomed return from his travels was the hard headed and well cautioned Welsh Steve, looking to prove he had found his calming influence in life and avoid having a worst disciplinary record than the whole Arsenal team put together.  He slotted straight back in to the centre of the park to partner Andy Persaud.

Southbank started the game very well, and they enjoyed a half hour spell of domination, with Ian Harvey, Welsh and Persaud dominating the midfield battle.  Upfront Malc and Woodrow were causing all sorts of problems but were unable to take any of the opportunities that came there way.  Meanwhile the defence was looking solid and Oz only had 4 or 5 touches in this impressive opening spell.

Then came the moment that changed the game.  A needless handball conceded by left back Steven Fullbrook, in what can only be described as a moment of madness, left the referee with no option but to point to the spot. The kick was converted before the Neville Southall look a like (waist line only - no porn star style tash here) thudded to the ground.

Southbank picked themselves up and once again went on the attack.  They were rewarded five mins before half time when striker Woodrow converted a through ball to take The 'Bank in at half time with a deserved share of the spoils.

The half time team talk centred around not conceding three early goals as had happened in the previous encounter. This was executed and with both teams looking to press on the game was a more evenly matched contest with both sets of players creating openings. Harvey was outstanding on left hand side and continued to work hard and cause problems for Deportivo.  Meanwhile The 'Banks defence was coming under more and more pressure but Oz was dealing with everything coming his way.  With about 15 minutes to go the tide turned Deportivo's way when centre back Neil Hankinson's back pass was left short and it became a race to the ball between the stricker and big OZ.... arriving a split second late Oz proceeded to kick the sticker into row Z and the second penalty was awarded.  To The 'Bank's relief just a yellow card was flashed the keepers way - it should have been RED! The penalty was again converted to make it 2-1 to Deportivo.

Shortly after an enforced changed was made as Welsh Steve hobbled off with Darren replacing him. The manager made a tactical change and through Guppy upfront and and switched to a 4-3-3 formation.  Although Southbank went on to create a couple of chances they never really looked like getting the equaliser.

The tie was finally ended with another mistake by Steven Fullbrook.  Fully gifted their player the ball and, although Oz saved the original shot, he was unable to get up in time to stop the rebound finding the back of the net. This goal ended any chance of a taking the game into extra time and after an imporved overall performance The 'Bank still failed to get the victory they were looking for.

Team: Osbourne, Fullbrook, Guppy, Tappern, Hankinson, Lobato, Bigham (Rackley), Persaud, Harvey, Woodrow, Everest