This was a huge game for the Southbank this weekend as they traveled to top of the table The Sun in what proved to be a very entertaining game of football.

Player/Joint-Manager Marc Osborne was delighted with the build up to the game up as only two players were missing from the squad.  Centre Back Hanky was called to London to deal with potential crowd trouble as Mr David Blaine was released from his box after 44 days surviving on just water.  Of course the record stands actually at around 166 days for doing nothing in a box, this being set by Southbank legend Mark Holton!  Also missing was keeper Jim Thirlaway - as a result of his move to Leicester it looks like he may have played his last game for The ‘Bank.  For the second week in a row Darren took the gloves and bravely positioned himself between the sticks.  There was a welcome return to the squad for Charlie Cook and Dave Rodgers, who had recovered from injury and stress related issues.

After much discussion with the recently returned G Purser the management decided to return to a 4-4-2 formation with Player/Joint-Manager Marc Osborne returning to the starting line up after missing last weeks defeat due to refereeing duties.

Southbank, sporting the new kit and not having to worry about a referee, started the game in excellent fashion.  The midfield were snapping into challenges and looking composed on the ball whilst the front pairing of Harvey and
Everest looked very dangerous and were tormenting The Suns defence.  The Sun were obviously amazed at the quality of Southbanks play as they could be heard shouting "this lot are bottom come on!"  This inspired the league leaders and their long ball game started to cause the Southbank defence a number of problems.  With about 15 mins
gone they got their break through and went 1-0 up.

Southbank didn't let there heads go down and continued to probe and press.  Russ and OZ caused problems down the left while Neo and Karl carved open the right hand side.  It came as no surprise when the Bank equalised through a brilliant individual goal from Man of the Match Ian Harvey.  After collecting the ball he glided past two defenders before drilling home from 25 yards for his first goal of the season.

Southbank continued their momentum with Persaud and Welsh Steve dominating the central midfield.  Chances came and went with Oz hitting the bar from a 25 yard free kick, Russell  having a header from a corner tipped over the bar and Everest and Harvey both forcing saves out of the keeper.  Then, against the run of play The Sun went into the lead after a long throw caused more problems at the back for Southbank.  The deputising Darren misjudged the flight of the ball only to see it nestle in the far corner. 

Once again Southbank heads did not drop.  They continued to be very sharp all over the pitch and for the first time
all season seemed to believe in their ability.  The equaliser came after a corner was kept alive by left back Russ who
nodded the ball back into the danger area to see the sharp Everest convert and edge ever closer to the magic 100 goal mark. 

The centre backs were now looking more comfortable and The Suns forward line were being starved of opportunities as The Bank looked more and more impressive.   Southbank went into the lead for the first time after Everest and Harvey combined up front following  some good work from Welsh Steve.  A great one two opened up the defence and Harvey coolly slot home to give The ‘Bank a well deserved at half time lead.

The second half started in the same manner as the first with some biting tackles and some nice football being played. However, with just 5 mins gone The Sun scored an equaliser.  The defence failed to deal with a straight ball which was drilled home leaving Darren no chance in the sticks.  Once again The ‘Bank continued to work hard and create the better opportunities.  Harvey was once again at the centre of most of Southbanks potent attacks and The Suns defence was resorting to kicking him rather than the ball!  Chances continued to come and it seemed almost a cert that first Harvey and then Everest were going to score as they were put through one on one, but the Suns keeper,  who had already made 3 or 4 outstanding saves, denied them both yet again.

Tiredness was now starting to show in the Southbank midfield as Welsh Steve needed treatment for various injuries.  This enabled Purser to stretch his legs by bringing on the new water bottles.  With about 15 mins to go disaster struck as once again Southbank didn't manage to clear their lines from a long thrown in, and from the second ball The Suns sub drilled the ball in off the underside of the bar in what turned out to be the winner.

Guppy and Charlie were introduced in an attempt to get a deserved point out of the match and both came close to equalising.  First Charlie was denied by the keeper and the post and in the dying seconds Guppy connected with a deep cross only to see the ball beat the keeper but not the out stretched defenders leg, who some how managed to clear it of the line.  As Southbank continued to push , gaps were appearing at the back and the drama was not over as the referee awarded a dubious penalty against Neo who was just standing his ground.  The spot kick was converted but the referee was not happy as 2 Sun players were encroaching .  Justice was done as the second penalty was driven wide.  Dave Rodgers was introduced in the closing stages in attempt to get onto some long balls but unfortunately The Bank stay rooted to the bottom of the league.

Player/Joint-Manager Marc Osborne was delighted with his teams performance, especially the first half.  “The commitment was there and we created the chances.  On another day we could have scored 7 or 8.  We are a focused team who are now getting out a settled side.  If we continue to work hard, win are personal battles and continue to earn the right to play football, there is no reason why we can't climb the table.”  Looking to the future Oz also remaked “I am looking forward to the away trip to Henley where we will be looking to get are first win under are belts.”

Southbank should also take heart that after the game both the referee and the opposition stated we were the best team they have played and couldn't understand how we are bottom!

Poll unavailable at present.

Team: Rackley, Neo, Simove (Cook), Fullbrook, Tappern, Lobato (Rodgers), Bigham, Persaud, Osbourne (Guppy), Harvey, Everest