CONTACT: Autumn 1968
At the AGM held at Head Office, it was announced that Ron Moll would be giving up the office of secretary
after a run of two years, mainly because he is now married and setting up home in his new house and time will be short with all the
jobs one can find, getting the garden ship-shape etc. The lads are very grateful to Ron for all the hard work he has put into the
job.
At the meeting it was decided to organise a strict pre-season training schedule which included non-stop running for two
hours each Monday evening. For the first few weeks it was murder!
This year the team has taken advantage of a laundry firm who
collect and return the whole kit each week at a reasonable cost - quite a relief to all the hard-worked mums.
Up to now the side
has enjoyed a fair measure of success. In the league we have won three and lost one which they should have made a draw at least. Including
two friendly matches - one win and a draw - the complete playing record to date is:-
Played 6 Won 4 Drawn 1 Lost 1 Goals for 19, Against 6
Undoubtedly the best win of the season (and the most satisfying)
was against the Royal Insurance. The Bank having suffered defeat at cricket, the lads were determined to avoid the double and set
off at a great pace. It was obvious that the opposition were no strangers to the game although they each played for different teams
every week and only played together for friendlies etc.
The difference in team work worked well in our favour and with a sound
display of non-stop-running we ran out easy winners, 5-1. Nevertheless, Royal had their moments and none better than when a free kick
was awarded on the edge of the penalty-box. Despite a defensive wall thrown up by the Bank defenders, a Royal forward crashed in a
terrific shot which Andy Thompson could only have seen at the last moment. In brilliant style he fisted the ball over the crossbar,
drawing applause from opposition and team mates alike.
Unfortunately we have lost the services of John Boulton for a time. John
had a very troublesome groin injury last season and has run into similar trouble again. It could be near to Christmas before John
is fully operational again and the team will certainly be the poorer for his absence. We are lucky to have found out that cricket
isn't the only game Clive Brown is good at and the loss of John Boulton is offset by introducing Clive at wing half where he is turning
in some great performances. When we can call on them both we should improve on what is already a good defensive record of only six
goals conceded in six games.
Any newcomers to the Staff interested in playing should contact ....................
DEREK
HORNER
Hon. Sec.
Due to the continued success of the Pontoon, the Football Club have been able to purchase a new strip of all-red
shirts, shorts and socks and also a good first-aid box. Due to an increase in pitch charges and referees' fees, additional expense
is being incurred and the benefit of the financial support from the pontoon is greatly appreciated by all the lads who turn out each
week.
As well as the Football Club, other sporting organisations within the Bank receive support from the pontoon, proving what
a boon it has proved to be. Not forgetting that many lucky people have won various amounts ranging from a few pounds to over £50 in
one case.
Bank Football Club versus Cambridge TSB .. .. 10th November 1968
A trip to Cambridge for a fixture against
the local TSB has been arranged as a friendly match and a coach is being hired for the occasion. It is hoped to charge an inclusive
cost of about 12/6d per head. Support will be very welcome and a good time is guaranteed to anyone brave enough to risk the November
weather and the bank footballers (?).
Although billed as a friendly game, the Bank lads are very keen to win this game as they
are undefeated in challenge matches of this sort from outside organisations.
CONTACT: Christmas 1968
BIRMINGHAM MUNICIPAL
BANK FOOTBALL CLUB v CAMBRIDGE TRUSTEE SAVINGS BANK
The unprecedented defeat of Cambridge TSB by the Bank Football team has prompted
me to tell you all about our celebrated success.
After several letters and 'phone calls, a game was arranged for Sunday, 10th November,
to be played at Cambridge. Michael Bourke booked a 52-seater coach for the team and supporters who, together with our guests Mr H
W Powell and Mrs Powell and our faithful supporter Mr Harry Madeley (who is a keener fan than ever since the last pontoon!). We finally
left Wells Green Branch at 09:30 on a mild winter morning, our party numbering 28.
After taking a stop for coffee in the little town
of St Neots, we arrived at Cambridge in time for lunch which had been arranged for us. At 13:45 a short walk around the centre of
Cambridge we were taken to the ground for the more serious side of the trip. We were allowed to inspect the pitch which we found in
excellent condition and of full size.
For the first half the Bank continually attacked and after a quickly taken free kick Kenny Foster
centred for Derek Horner to head a picture goal. Gradually, as both teams got the measure of each other (as well as the pitch), the
game became more even. Just before half-time Cambridge forced home the equaliser after splitting the Bank defence.
The second half
became rather rough as each side fought for the decisive goal and both trainers were kept busy with injured players. The referee,
who might have been stricter, spoke to several players. However, the Bank finally scored the elusive goal. Following a corner, a goalmouth
scramble developed and when the opportunity presented itself young Ken Foster again proved his worth by crashing home a left foot
shot through a crowded goalmouth.
After a shower and changing, the teams sat down to a very nice tea and our guests of honour, and
secretary and captain, were introduced to the Deputy General Manager of Cambridge TSB. An interesting discussion ensued on the similarities
and differences of the Municipal Bank and the TSB.
Following speeches of thanks and good wishes, it was agreed that a return game here
in Birmingham should be played sometime in the New Year. On the way home we called at an Inn just outside Coventry and, as there was
a dance in progress, a little victory celebration was held there and then.
Finally, I would like to express, on behalf of the Club,
our appreciation to our Guests of Honour, our cheerful supporters, Mr Ray Stanley who was kept very busy, as team trainer, in charge
of first aid, and to Dick Atkins who filled in as substitute and came on for the last ten minutes or so after Clive Mace had gone
off with a nasty leg injury. Also our thanks to all those people who took the trouble to congratulate the Club on its victory.
DEREK
HORNER
(Except the description of Derek's goal which really was a gem! In his original article as submitted he was far too modest. - Editor).
BIRMINGHAM MUNICIPAL BANK FOOTBALL CLUB
To date the team has played 14 games, winning 10, losing 2 and drawing 2. Goals
for are 42 and against 16. The team top Inter Division One of the Birmingham Monday League and have one of the best defensive records
and one of the highest scoring attacks in the league.
Why the sudden success? Mainly due to the return to form of centre-half Ron Moll
and the confidence instilled into the team by the goalkeeping of Andy Thompson. Both these players and Paul Cartwright have been nominated
by the Club to represent the League. In the attack Paul Cartwright is the schemer and the scoring is left to Horner, Foster and newcomer
John Mace, the team concentrating on a 3 - 4 - 3 formation.
After our win over Cambridge TSB the lads are keen to tackle London TSB
who, we think, are unbeaten amongst TSB's matches, although this would have to be arranged sometime after the return game with Cambridge.
The
lads have been very pleased to see several members of the Staff attending our recent matches; they are indeed a welcome sight and
on behalf of the team I thank you all very much and hope that you enjoyed the games you have seen.
If any new lads to the Staff would
like to turn out for the Bank then please contact me or any player. It is possible that next year we may again run two teams, so dig
out those boots, don your mufflers and start training.
To all members of the Staff and their families I wish you all a Happy Christmas
from the lads in the team.
GOALSCORERS:-
D HORNER 13
K FOSTER 8
I GALLOWAY 7
R MOLL 5
J MACE 4
J ORDISH 4
A POOLE 1
TOTAL 42
D R HORNER
Hon. Secretary.
After the closing date for contributions, the Bank Football team have played their most
important match of the season, one which could decide the championship.
On a cold, rainy day the Bank met Newport Celtic in the 'match
of the day' as far as our league was concerned. The game was played at a private ground at Leaford and the Bank team was:-
THOMPSON,
MITCHELL, GARNER, BROWN, MOLL, BOULTON, FOSTER, CARTWRIGHT, HORNER, MACE (J) AND BURKE.
Newport kicked off and started to press the
Bank back into their own half and in a series of attacks had the Bank under a lot of pressure. However, with Moll and Thompson outstanding,
we held firm. Slowly we came into the game, feeling our way with Foster and Burke making a series of quick raids along the wings where
the going was not so muddy. After a quarter of an hour an attack broke down but was quickly started again after an error in the Newport
defence and John Mace gained possession to score with a fine shot into the corner of the net. Five minutes later in a lightning raid,
Kenny Foster rounded off the move by shooting past the coverless Newport keeper.
Although the Bank had a goal inexplicably disallowed,
Horner soon regained the initiative and gave us a three goal lead which was held until half-time. Within five minutes of the re-start
the score was 3-2 as the Bank found the mud more than they could cope with and were worried into several mistakes. For the next ten
minutes or so the Bank were subjected to unbelievable pressure but once more the defence performed heroics. At the crucial point,
as Newport were losing their impetus after their scoring spell, Horner settled the issue by taking his chance well in a breakaway
raid. This decided the game and although Newport never gave up it was apparent that they were a beaten side - for the first time this
season.
With the exception of one team the Bank has played every other side in the division and beaten them. A similar result in each of the return matches will see the Bank take their first championship honour in seven seasons. Please come along and cheer YOUR team.
CONTACT:
Spring 1969
The Arctic weather conditions that have prevailed since Christmas have upset the whole fixture list for the league
as well as the club. To date, well over 200 league fixtures remain outstanding and all clubs will soon be required to play their games
in the evenings as well as weekends.
The failure to score a goal in two consecutive games has resulted in the Bank being knocked
out of the last eight of the Cup, and losing top place in the League. Both defeats were due to poor marksmanship.
Plans for the
return game with Cambridge TSBFC have been cancelled for the time being because the League Secretary cannot consent to the Bank having
a cancelled fixture, at present, due to outstanding fixtures.
Clive Brown, our brilliant young half back, is out of the team
for the rest of the season due to cartilage trouble.
If any member of the Staff know of any available training facilities please
contact me. If no alternative arrangements can be made, training will be at Swanshurst Park. This will of course be discussed at the
AGM.
Once again I should like to remind you that we intend to run two teams next season. Will any member of the Staff who is
interested please contact the team captain, or the undersigned, so that your name can be added to the sixteen already received.
The
team appreciate the presence of some members of the Staff at our games, it gives us that added UMPH! Many thanks friends.
From
all the team and organisers of the Club - have a nice holiday everyone and remember 1. 2. 3. for the BMB.
DEREK HORNER
Hon.
Sec.
CONTACT: Summer 1969
The season is now over and we look forward to next season. Upon reflection the lads can derive
some comfort from the fact this has been our most successful season - missing promotion by only one point. Promotion next season?
Once
again, I would like to stress that we may run two teams again. If you are interested then phone me now please. Our club continues
to improve. We have match refreshments, a track suit, first-aid kit, three first-class kits and above all a grand bunch of lads. YOUR
club needs YOU.
Our defeats of Cambridge TSB and Newport Celtic were the highlights of our season and the lads who played will
no doubt remember those grand games as will the spectators.
On behalf of all the lads in the club we wish all members of the
Staff and their families a very good summer holiday.
End of season summary:
Games played - 23 Won 15 Lost 5 Drawn 3
Goals scored 64
Goals conceded 29
D R Horner
Hon Secretary
(Small Heath branch)