CONTACT: Autumn 1966
The enthusiasm and team
spirit shown by the first team at the end of last season has certainly been continued at the beginning of the new season.
Training
sessions began earlier this year with the main aim being centred on team co-ordination and determination. The success of this approach
has been reflected by the first two results to date. An under strength Bank side held Bear FC to a 2-2 draw and in the following
match against Barrage Celtic gave a wonderful display of attacking football, grasping a narrow, but deserved victory by 5 goals to
4.
The second team, who have welcomed several new members to their ranks, have been unlucky not to obtain a point from their
first two matches of the season. Both games have been very close with the Bank finally going down due to defensive errors - 0-2 and
3-4.
Ron Moll
Hon. Sec.
The Annual Staff Match between the Football Team and the Cricket Team was held at the Municipal Sports
Ground, Yardley, on Thursday, 15th September.
The weather was not as good as was hoped, but the spectators who did attend will
agree that the enthusiasm of the two teams more than made up for this.
Several 'old faces' popped up again, although perhaps
the years are at last beginning to take their toll. In flashes we saw that a few years ago Messrs Lovell and Bellmore must have been
a force to be reckoned with! It was nice to see Alan Woodbridge in action once more. He again showed what a fine player the Bank team
lost when he gave up his playing days two seasons ago. Three-goal-hero of the cricket team was David Wilkinson - popping up at the
right spot he proved a menace to the Soccer side's defence.
The final score was 7-5 in favour of the Footballers (their first
ever win in 4 matches) although a last minute penalty when Ray Stanley was brutally floored was wasted. First goalkeeper Dick Atkins
made a fine save, then when the kick was retaken because of an infringement, the ball was blasted over the crossbar.
With sandwiches laid on in the Bar after the match, a very pleasant evening was rounded off in fine style.
CONTACT: Christmas 1966
Unfortunately
the good start to the season has not been continued due mainly to the loss of two strong efficient defenders, Clive Mace and Philip
Willetts. The absence of these two players has unsettled the steady defensive line who have performed very well in the past.
The
1st team's best win of the season came against Redditch Showmen when, after taking an early lead on a very muddy pitch, we found ourselves
1-2 down at half-time. In the second half the Bank pressed hard and after Paul Cartwright had equalised eventually ran out winners
by 4-3, thanks to two late goals by Ian Galloway.
Roger Garner is showing by his consistent efforts at left back that he is a
very useful and capable defender. With the exception of one match when he was away visiting a sick relative, Roger has been an ever-present
this season and in previous years has only missed a handful of games.
The full playing record to date (up to 4th December) for
the 1st team is:
Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Agst.
11 4 3 4 33 42
Leading Goalscorers:
Ian Galloway 9
Ronnie Moll 6
Bob Clinton 5
Billy Walters 3
Paul Cartwright 3
The second team have maintained their all round improvements
mainly due to their determined approach to each game. They have now settled down with a regular side and I feel sure they will soon
improve upon their record so far of two points (both drawn games) from their nine league games. The defence has withstood pressure
on several occasions and for the want of a goal taker in the forward line the side has gone down by the odd goal or two. A striker
is an urgent need in the team. Last season Eddie Yates performed wonders in front of goal, scoring goals with an astonishing regularity,
but, possibly because he lacked the support, Eddie lost his 'touch' .Here's to his finding his shooting boots again.
The major
strength of the side has been the half-back line, with Mike Bourke and John Ordish outstanding. The weakness of the team is reflected
in the fact that the half-back line have scored more goals than the forward line. Roger Bunten has played very well in the forward
line.
Leading goalscorers:
John Ordish 5
Michael Bourke 2
Roger Bunten 2
The two Bank teams met in the first round of the W
Rogers Trophy but what was hoped would be an interesting game, never looked like being a classic as it was apparent to both sides
what the result would be.
The first team scored 6 in the first half and then switched their team around. The second eleven, however,
plugged away and eventually scored what proved to be the only goal of the second half.
Members of both sides would like to thank
all members of the Staff who are supporting the club through the Pontoon which has exceeded all expectations.
R N Moll
Hon. Secretary.
CONTACT:
Spring 1967
The main talking point since the last report is the untimely end of the second team. Support from members of the
Staff, as far as playing, was not sufficient to keep the side going. A chapter of events during February meant that the team was wound
up. However, all Staff members have been absorbed into the first team 'nucleus' which we hope will prove a success.
So far the
team has experienced a fair measure of success and all games have been fought out until the final whistle. Although we have suffered
some heavy defeats, the players have refused to allow these to unsettle their morale. The highlight of this second half of the season
has been the win over Bear FC who are second in the league and had only been beaten once. Bear took an early lead with an excellent
goal only to give away a penalty from which we equalised. Just on half-time the Bear increased their lead following a corner. The
second half opened with an amazing goal from the Bank. Straight from the kick-off, a three man move deposited the ball in the back
of the Bear's net without a single opponent having touched the ball. This seemed to give heart to an already determined Bank team
who, shortly afterwards, increased their lead. The issue was resolved beyond all doubt when Paul Cartwright was scythed down in the
penalty area, the resultant spot-kick being easily converted.
The first team 'pool' now comprises:
Derek Horner - who took over in goal last year has shown tremendous agility and must be one of the best keepers in the league. Completely fearless in diving at opponents' feet, and collecting a few knocks in the process;
Mike Bourke - recently promoted to the first team has settled in
very well and gives a lead to younger members with his determined approach to each game;
Roger Garner - 'Mr Reliable' himself.
Roger rarely misses a match and you're in no doubt that you have been tackled when he challenges you;
Robert Mutchell - One of
the outsiders who has played since the start of this season. Hard tackler. Talks incessantly throughout the game (mostly to himself);
Ronnie
Moll - The man who holds the defence together. Ron is the most experienced player in defence, yet is only 20. Easily the best centre-half
in the league;
Carl Tudor - Another outsider who has shown considerable promise. Carl is the attacking wing-half who has scored
several vital goals for the side;
Paul Cartwright - Recently moved on to the wing with great success. Very tenacious and can
score from any position. Hates losing and never gives up trying;
Billy Walters - Bill who works at Sparkhill Post Office is the
ball artist of the side. Has had trials with Aston Villa. Loves to take on his man every time;
Ian Galloway - Centre forward
and captain. Not as good a season as last year. Scored 16 goals this season;
John Ordish - Another promoted second team player
who is a great asset to the side. John is one of the mid-field grafters who link up the defence with the attack. Most success on the
Pontoon!!
Eddie Yates - a very useful and enthusiastic player who loves his soccer. Last year scored a hatful of goals. Top scorer
for the second time.
Playing record to date:
Played 17 Won 7 Drawn 4 Lost 6 Goals for 53 Against 58
Leading goalscorers:
Ian Galloway 16
Ronnie Moll 9
Paul Cartwright 7
Billy Walters 7
Carl Tudor 3
The team would
like to thank all members of the Staff who have supported them through the Pontoon and by attending matches. A welcome is extended
to everyone to come along to Swanshurst Park and give the lads a cheer.
CONTACT: Summer 1967
The satisfactory progress of
the first team during the previous season has been maintained, due to the support from the second team players, whose team unfortunately
had to be disbanded. This step had to be taken finally when lack of support meant the team turning out short each week.
Probably
the worst feature of the season was the number of goals recorded against - 70, whilst goals for were - 54. This is in no way a reflection
on the defence as the main fault lay in the ability of the forwards to relieve pressure on the defence by attacking. However, thanks
to some goals being scored, the side appeared half-way up (or down) the league table at the end of the season. The full playing record
was:
Played 18 Won 7 Lost 7 Drawn 4 Total points 18
Goalscorers:
Ian Galloway 18
Ron Moll 10
Bill Waters 7
Bob Clinton 5
Paul Cartwright 5
John Gorton 3
Carl Tudor 3
Bob Armstrong 2
Robert Mutchell 1
It is pleasing to report that once again the Bank teams were commended on their sportsmanship. During the season
(when the Bank teams took part in 30 matches) not once did any player have his name taken or receive a caution. This record is intact
since the inception of the Bank team and altogether covers over 150 matches. A very fine achievement.
In my opinion the player
of the year was Derek Horner who, despite severe pressure and several heavy defeats, always maintained a very high standard in his
goalkeeping.
Details of training for next season will be announced in due course and it is hoped that the team will continue
to enjoy the support of the Staff at the matches.
Finally, on behalf of the team, I should like to thank all members who have
supported the Pontoon which resulted in a substantial profit. It is hoped to put some of the money to good use in time for the start
of next season.
R N Moll
Hon. Secretary.