With Richard Bartimote dropping out on the day of the match with a mysterious virus; manager Risho was able to avoid the sub dilemma that was approaching him and named a squad of 14 rather than 15.

The team announcement was as followed:

GK: Scott Dinnigan (wheyyy)
Def: Lewis Robinson (wheyyy), Mike Elliott (wheyyy), Joe Jerrison (wheyyy), Jo Robinson (boooooo)
Mid: Robert Jerrison (wheyyy), Mikey Russell (C) (wheyyy), Jack Joyce (wheyyy), Jack Roe (wheyyy)
CF: Sami Eric (wheyyy), James Fletcher (Fletch Fletch Fletch Fletch!)

Subs: Matt Taylor, Sam Dean, James Nield-Smith
Management team: Ryan ‘Risho’ Griffiths, Jason Paine
Spectators: Sam Blackburn, Dave Raw, Lauren Broomhead

Bankers started the match in a lively fashion and took the lead early on. James Fletcher and Robert Jerrison were finding spaces and causing problems for the Rotherham defence; and it was Robert Jerrison’s menacing run down the right that lead to the first goal after he won a corner, providing an assisted assist. Sami Eric looped the corner into the box and Joe Jerrison volleyed the ball in to the corner of the net. 1-0 to Bankers.

Bankers continued to press in the early stages; with the Rotherham defence struggling to cope with Fletcher’s quick feet and mazy runs. The Rotherham bench could be heard screaming to their defence ‘don’t let him turn’; but we all know that is easier said than done. Fletch was able to turn once again and slipped a through ball to Robert Jerrison who found himself one-on-one with the keeper and slotted it cooly to the keepers right and into the back of the net. A Bankers and Jerrison double; pandemonium! 2-0 to Bankers.

Fletcher had a chance to make it 3-0 after one of his trademark runs from the left of the area saw him weave in-between 2 or 3 players; but the keeper made himself big and pulled off a good save. Rotherham began to find their feet after the second goal and started to get more possession of the ball; but they rarely troubled the Bankers’ defence. Anything that went behind the defence was mopped up by keeper Scott Dinnigan; who showed class composure and distribution throughout the game. The first half finished 2-0 to Bankers.

Manager Risho liked what he saw in the first half and wanted more of the same in the second; with added composure to go along with it.

Rotherham continued to have a fair share of possession in the second half but without threatening the Bankers goal. Sam Dean replaced Jack Joyce in centre midfield just before the hour mark. With the next goal being a crucial one; Bankers were glad to see that they were the fortunate ones in this case as Jack ‘Rolo’ Roe scored a third for Bankers. Picking the ball up on the left wing, he skinned his marker and, when everyone thought he was looking for the cross, he fooled everyone by producing a left footed chip over the unsuspecting keeper’s head and into the far corner of the net. For those wondering whether he meant it… of course he did! 3-0 to Bankers.

Rotherham made some changes and began to exert pressure as Bankers began to sit back. Matt Taylor replaced James Fletcher, slotting into centre mid whilst Sam Dean moved up front. A few challenges started to be thrown about from both teams and the atmosphere got tenser as the game went on. With approximately 15 minutes to go, a free kick was conceded around 30 yards away from Bankers goal. A curling ball was struck into the area and the ball flicked off the top of a Bankers’ player’s head towards the far post; Scott Dinnigan showed great reflexes to make the save. However, a Rotherham player was in the right place at the right time; and the parry away from Scott bounced off the player’s shin and into the net. 3-1 and game on.

James Nield-Smith replaced Sami Eric and moved over to the right side of midfield; with Robert Jerrison partnering Sam Dean up front for the closing stages of the match. Bankers had an opportunity to score a fourth when Mikey Russell’s volley from outside the area steered the ball to Rolo on the far post; but he narrowly missed with his effort.

The last ten minutes of the game was an experience; the weather turned in an instant and a snow/hale blizzard came down in full force; covering the pitch with white powder. Luckily though, Captain Mike Russell had supplied the team with two brand spanking new orange balls in preparation for an event like this. The ball was slippy and hard to control in the conditions; which led to a scrappy ending to the match, with more tackles than passes taking place. Bankers were able to see out the game unscathed and were delighted in their victory.

This was a very established performance from the team. There is not one player that didn’t contribute to the win and with two positive performances in a row; Bankers can go into the next game with confidence.

Manager’s Man of the Match: Mike Elliott
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Robert Jerrison

The next game see Bankers First team travel to Millmoor Juniors this Saturday.

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