CONTACT: Autumn 1963
The "Probables" and the "Possibles" met in a trial match on September 1st at Swanshurst Park. There was some good
mid-field play but the power of the "Probables" forward line proved to be the deciding factor. Michael Taylor and Peter Aston, the
respective goal-keepers, had a busy afternoon and both gave first-class displays. The defences emerged with a great deal of credit
but in the main the game was dominated by the forwards. It proved an interesting match from which all the players should derive some
benefit.
The Club would like to express its sincere appreciation for the support of the Vice-Presidents. However, it would be most encouraging to the players if more people were at the matches to support them. The home pitch for both teams is at Foxhollies Park this season, but as usual the away matches will be played in different parts of the city. So when either team is in your area please go along and cheer them on.
CONTACT: Christmas 1963
Season 1963-64 has produced some completely unpredictable results for
both teams. The first XI stormed away at the beginning by registering an impressive 12-0 win at the expense of EBT & L. This was
a personal triumph for John Ordish who scored five goals - a Bank record. This run of success extended for six unbeaten games, claiming
ten points from a possible twelve. This ensured the team top place in the Monday League's Second Division. Since then a change has
taken place, only one point being secured from the last six games resulting in a slide to seventh place in the table. Skipper Ian
Galloway is top scorer with eight goals, closely followed by centre forward John Ordish with seven. The attack, in general, has moved
with precision but rely to a great extent on the ability of their inside forwards, Keith Gibbons and Ian Galloway, to create chances.
The defence has, in the main, been very steady with goalkeeper Michael Taylor giving several outstanding performances that must surely
be recognised with a place in the League representative team. Centre-half Ron Moll is also a steadying influence on the defence
but before the team can be on the winning trail again more attacking ideas must come from the wing-half position.
The second XI have
not enjoyed the best of success in this, their first season in the Monday League's Fourth Division. Injuries and first team calls
have not been conducive to a settled team. Despite the fact that they are still looking for their first win they are gradually improving
in fitness and team tactics. Goalkeeper Peter Aston has been the mainstay of the defence with centre-half Paul Batchelor giving good
support. Left-winger David Parkes (4 goals) and Derek Horner (6 goals) have been the driving force behind the attack. As with the
first XI, the second team will do much better when the wing-halves take control of the middle of the field and create openings for
their forwards.
Both teams would like to express their appreciation to the supporters who turn up for the game. It gives the players
tremendous encouragement to know that there is someone cheering them on and this is often the difference between defeat and a win.
The home ground has been changed to Swanshurst Park for both teams. Do not forget they represent YOU so why not go along and cheer
them on?
CONTACT: Spring 1964
In the second half of the season the first XI have recovered some of their poise. The foundation
of this recovery has centred on the powerful half back line of John Ordish, Ron Moll and Alan Woodbridge. Their prompting has encouraged
the forwards to such an extent that five points have been taken from three games. Michael Taylor's excellent form in goal has continued
and left-back Roger Garner has progressed with several encouraging displays. Another feature of the season has been the ability of
the first XI to maintain a record of being unbeaten by the same team twice. In addition to this they completed the first "double"
in the Club's history with a 3-2 win over EBT & L. One of the most exciting games of the season was that against Moorfield Colts
at Glebe Farm Recreation Ground, The single, deciding, goal was scored by Ron Moll with the last kick of the match, after a brilliant
40 yard run down the right wing by Keith Gibbons. The Club Captain, Ian Galloway, is still the leading scorer with twelve goals to
his credit.
The second team is still looking for its first win but their recent performances have shown that this cannot be long delayed.
The forward line has shown that it is capable of scoring goals and with more concentration on defence, winning results must come.
The half-back line of Roger Bunten, David Parkes and Malcolm Gilbert have steadied the team and has created the basis for improvement.
Derek Horner and right wing Bob Shakespeare have proved a handful for many opposing defences, Derek Horner in particular with a personal
tally of twelve goals this season. The last result to date, a 6-11 defeat by Short Heath, has proved the necessity for better organised
defensive play to compliment the improved forwards. This point is made even clearer when it is noted that the half time result was
5-5. Ray Stanley and Peter Collins at full-back have shown steady improvement and with the welcome return of Dick Atkins after injury,
the prospects for the second XI appear considerably brighter.
CONTACT: Summer 1964
The past season has been a disappointing
one for both teams, especially the 1st XI, who, after a bright beginning being unbeaten for their first six league games, finished
seventh in the Second Division of the Monday League. The experiment of playing two teams has been a success in so far as the second
eleven fulfilled all the fixtures required of them. The results, however, have been far from encouraging, the team finishing the season
at the bottom of the Fourth Division. The season's top scorer was Ian Galloway who scored thirteen goals. John Ordish was the top
scorer in any one game with five goals in the match against EBT & L. The second XI achieved their first and only win of the season
in a most spectacular manner by beating the division's leaders 'Taverners' 4-1 in the final match.
The latter matches of the season
were victims of the weather. Only two games were played by each team. The first XI beat Gilbertstone 2-1, Ian Galloway scoring both
goals with accurately taken free-kicks. The second match against Casuals proved to be a very hard game, the opposition scoring three
goals in the last eight minutes to win 4-1. The second XI had an uphill fight against Billesley Spartaks, a third division club, only
excellent goal-keeping by Peter Aston kept the score to 4-0. The second game was, of course, the win against Taverners.
The Club will once again be running two teams next year so there will be plenty of scope for new members. Anyone interested should contact the Secretary or any Club Member.