CONTACT: Autumn 1965
With the new season only four
weeks old, neither of the Bank teams have really settled down. The first team has had two very good matches, with the whole team working
very well together. Each time they ran out eventual winners. Their other two games, however, showed the flaws of not enough 'team
co-ordination' through lack of enough training as a team.
The second team has continued to play with determination and great spirit,
but despite this have still failed to produce that much needed win. Compared with last year, the team has played a much better game,
on this showing success should soon come their way.
The Club is pleased to welcome two new members to the ranks, Peter Radcliffe and
Ian Wright, both of whom promise to be regular team members. Should any other new members of Staff wish to join the Club do not hesitate
to contact me, there is always a place for anyone who enjoys his football.
First XI Played 4 Won 2 Lost 2 Goals, for 15. Against 12
Second XI Played 3 Won 0 Drawn 0 Lost 3 Goals, for 2. Against 22
Bob Shakespeare
CONTACT: Christmas 1965
After a good start the first team has
recently hit a 'bad patch', failing to produce the team work necessary to produce wins. However, things are now appearing more settled
and the period after Christmas should see a marked improvement in overall play, bringing those vital points.
Likewise, the second team
are playing with more harmony and their recent wins have given them an added incentive to achieve greater things.
RESULTS P W D L For Agst Pts
1st XI 8 3 - 5 21 32 6
2nd XI 8 2 - 6 13 63 4
The beginning of this season saw the 1st team on the receiving end of some heavy defeats mainly due to
uncertainty in the defence which unsettled the whole side. The return to the side of three key men has resolved most of the problems
and now we have had several good wins to our credit - only to be hit by the bad weather. The three whose addition has meant so much
to the team are Clive Mace, Ron Moll and Derek Horner.
Clive Mace played several games at outside-left last season but he has proved
a real find as a right-back since the departure of Paul Batchelor. Clive's strong tackle and his determined approach have brought
a steadying influence to the side which has been further strengthened by the inclusion of Derek Horner in goal. Derek is a big lad
yet very agile and there is no doubt that once the rest of the team felt they had a 'keeper' they could rely on, their play was helped
to great extent. Last but not least Ronnie Moll is back after a long lay-off with a chipped ankle bone. Ron, a very strong player,
has rounded off many attacks himself through his ability to cover so much ground. The attack has played its part, scoring goals more
easily now they have the backing from the defence that was missing in the early part of the season.
Highlights have been the two wins
achieved recently over Small Heath Young Socialists and Royale. Both these sides had beaten the Bank earlier in the season, Royale
by 6-0. Against Small Heath the Bank really clicked for the first time this season. The defence held out in spite of severe pressure
from Small Heath, with Phil Willetts outstanding, then late in the second half two goals from Ian Galloway clinched the issue. In
face of some rough tackling the Bank kept their heads and at the end were well in control. Against Royale, who were second in the
league and pushing hard for promotion, the Bank played their best football to date. On a very muddy pitch and with rain falling throughout
the game, the Bank pressed hard with a 'nothing to lose' attitude. Inside ten minutes with goals from Paul Cartwright and Ian Galloway
we were 2-0 up. At this point the Bank realised that Royale were far from invincible and set about them like tigers. Once again seeing
two valuable points slipping away the opposition started to play rough but by refusing to be provoked and getting on with the job
of scoring goals we ran out easy winners 8-3; a wonderful display!
Record to date: Played 14 Won 6 Lost 7 Drawn 1 For 45 Against 57 Points 13
Goalscorers:
Ian Galloway 14
Paul Cartwright 6
Bob Clinton 5
Bill Waters 5
Ron Moll 4
The second eleven have again found the going a bit hard. However, with team spirit as high as ever there has been a steady
improvement in the side and the results. There have been many close games with the Bank going down after a hard struggle and on two
occasions we have won. These have been satisfying results and a credit to the lads who go out each week against sides who are quite
often too strong for them. Highspots have been the return of John Ordish to the side. John, who was married last year was a first
teamer who decided that he would prefer to play with the seconds as he wasn't certain to play every week. He has turned in some very
good displays. Secondly, the goalscoring feats of Ed Yates. Eddie, who played several games in the first team earlier in the year,
was unlucky to lose his place, and he has proved his worth by scoring in almost every match in the last few weeks - reports say that
they have been real 'gems'. Well done Eddie! No first team forward can feel complacent.
Goalscorers: Eddie Yates 6.
Both
sides have been knocked out of the various cups except for the League Subsiduary Cup which is being played for in the last weeks of
the season. The first team was unlucky to lose to Greyhound Rangers 2-3 after extra time. Bank players were unanimous in their opinion
that two of Greyhound's goals were off-side. Unfortunately the referee did not agree although he admitted he was not always able to
keep up with play as there was so much mud on the pitch. Such is your luck when you are struggling.
R Shakespeare
Hon. Secretary.
CONTACT:
Summer 1966
Training sessions are to be arranged in preparation for next season, when it is hoped that the most encouraging results
of the latter half of last season will be continued. Second XI members are urged to attend as competition will be keen for places.
It is also hoped to arrange a Staff Match early in September at the Municipal Sports Ground.
R Shakespeare
Hon. Secretary.