CONTACT: Autumn 1964
The 1964-65 season started later than usual thus allowing more time to be devoted to training and team tactics.
The first XI team has been experimenting with various forms of team formations and have elected to begin the season with a 3-3-4 style.
This, it is hoped, will give the defence more steadiness and, in turn, increase the confidence of the half-backs. The forwards have
been polishing up their shooting boots as too many chances were missed in front of goal last year.
There is still more need for practice
amongst the forwards in heading home the high cross from the wing. Last season only two goals were scored from headed balls and one
of these came from the centre-half.
The second XI celebrate their second season with promotion to the Third Division of the Monday
League and a new team manager, Bob Shakespeare. The team has been completely reshuffled, with the emphasis placed on a strong defensive
line-up. The attack shows only positional changes from last season but already in practice games have shown that their marksmanship
has improved, as well as their ability to seize upon the half chance.
Both teams will be wearing the red and white Arsenal colours
this year and the home ground will once again be Swanshurst Park. If any new members of the Staff are interested in playing, they
should contact any Club member or go to one of the matches. Last year, support for the teams was good and was greatly appreciated
by the players. It does help enormously to have someone cheering on the sidelines so would YOU please make the effort and give the
team the benefit of your encouragement.
MPB
Results up to and including October 11th:
Goals
Played W D L For Agst.
First Eleven 5 2 2 1 14 15
Second Eleven 4 - - 4 6 32
CONTACT: Christmas 1964
After a sound start to the
season, 6 pts from five games, the first team lost the next four games, then returned to the form of the beginning of the season,
obtaining 5 pts from three matches. The 3-3-4 formation, which was reported in the last article, has been abandoned, thus giving the
forwards the extra help which has resulted in sixteen goals being scored since the change.
The Club has been honoured by the selection
of centre half and Vice-Captain Ron Moll, to Captain a league representative team in the Birmingham Amateur Football Association's
Featherstone Cup, this being a trophy competed for by teams representing all Junior Football Leagues under the auspices of the Birmingham
County Football Association.
The Second Team are not having a very successful season; even so they are very enthusiastic. The results
are deceptive because in many games the team have held their own for most of the match but have been defeated towards the end because
of a lack of stamina.
Both teams wish to express their gratitude to Michael Bourke who inaugurated the Club and has been its Secretary
for the past two seasons.
Any members of the Staff interested in playing are asked to contact the Secretary at Cotteridge Branch or
any Club Member. Both teams have been well supported this season but it would be greatly appreciated by the players if there were
more supporters on the touchline to cheer them on.
Results up to and including 13th December 1964
P W L D F A
1st XI 13 5 4 4 34 33
2nd
XI 12 - 11 1 13 72
Leading Goalscorers
1st XI Galloway 19 Moll 4
2nd XI Thomas 5 Bennett 4
P Batchelor
Hon. Secretary.
CONTACT: Spring 1965
After the good start to the season by the first team, they have
slipped slightly, losing four out of the eight games since my last report.
Both teams were knocked out of the Cup in the first round
even though the first team had a very good game, losing 5-4 to Aylesford. Galloway scored three goals in this match bringing his total
for the season to thirty-four out of the sixty-six scored.
The Second team are still finding points difficult in the third division.
Even though they have conceded 135 goals, Horner, the Goalkeeper has played some excellent games for them.
Results up to and including
14th March, 1965:
P W D L For Agst
1st Eleven 21 8 5 8 66 53
2nd Eleven 20 0 1 19 16 135
Leading Goalscorers 1st
Team - Galloway 34, Moll 15
2nd Team - Thomas 6, Bennett 4
P Batchelor
CONTACT: Summer 1965
At this time of year, the close season for football, it is a good
opportunity to review the season which has just ended and to weigh the prospects for the coming season.
Both sides enjoyed another
season in the Birmingham Monday League. The 1st team, being the more successful, finished about half-way up the table in Div. 2. Although
the 2nd team finished at the bottom of Div. 3, every side they encountered was full of praise for their efforts and sportsmanship,
and this was recognised by the League when, at the Presentation Dance, Gil Merrick, the ex-Blues 'keeper presented Bob Shakespeare
with the trophy for the most sporting side.