With manager Risho pigging out somewhere, Assistant Gaffer Jason Paine took charge. There was some initial confusion as to who was going to play centre half and also whether James Fletcher would arrive in time on his trip back from Liverpool. However, all confusion and worry was quickly removed by that man Paine.

The pre-match warm up started in the gym, with Robert Jerrison providing the laughs, as always, by getting himself stuck under a barbell. Luckily, Matt Taylor was on hand to lift the barbell (with one finger I may add) and save Rob from being benched. Another sub may have left him there.

Jason named his team, with a couple of absentees the line-up was as followed:

GK: Sam Blackburn
Def: Richard Bartimote, Mike Elliott, Jo Robinson, Philip Sharpe
Mid: Robert Jerrison, Mikey Russell (C), Chris Tunstall, Jack Roe
CF: Sami Eric, James Fletcher

Subs: Matt Taylor, Sam Dean, Jack Joyce
Management Team: Jason Paine

A minute silence was held at the start of the match to pay respect to the loss of someone close to Thorpe Hesley FC. Bankers send their condolences to Thorpe Hesley and the family involved.

The game started at a relatively tentative pace, with both teams looking to find their feet in the game. Bankers showed some glimpses of nice one touch passing in triangles whilst Thorpe Hesley looked to use their physicality up front to good effect; but neither side had created any clear cut chances in the opening 15 minutes.

Thorpe Hesley took the lead around halfway through the first half. A long ball over the top was met by Thorpe Hesley’s number 10 and he drove the ball past keeper Sam into the Bankers net. 1-0 to Thorpe Hesley.

The goal was a wake-up call for Bankers, and the team started to get control of the ball a lot more. Mikey Russell and Chris Tunstall had begun to pull the strings and Sami Eric’s tireless pressing was placing unwanted pressure on Thorpe Hesley’s defence.

Bankers did pull a goal back before half time through a well worked free kick. Sami Eric, stood around 40 yards out towards the left hand side, floated a nice ball to the back post which was met by Mikey Russell. Mikey headed the ball back across goal and Robert Jerrison was on hand to smash the ball in from close range. Rob’s second goal in as many games for Bankers.

The first half finished 1-1. Jason Paine gave his team talk and views on the match so far, before Club Secretary Andy T stuck his oar in to give his views on the performance. All of it was positive with a considerable improvement in early season performances and quality being the main praise for the team.

The second half was largely dominated by Bankers, with keeper Sam rarely being troubled or called upon. This is great credit to the hard work put in throughout the whole team, from the defence to the strikers.

Around 10 minutes in, Sami Eric was replaced by Jack Joyce, with Robert Jerrison pushing up top from right midfield. Not long after Sam Dean replaced Rob up front.

Bankers pressed for a goal and could sense an opportunity to take the lead. The strikers and wingers were starting to find a lot more space in front and behind the Thorpe Hesley defence. Sam Dean found himself in a shooting position but unfortunately could not convert.

James Fletcher had a chance to score with around 15 minutes to go. With the ball on the left of the 6 yard area, he cut back inside and was tripped by the defender. However, Fletch stayed on his feet and got the shot away, but unfortunately dragged it wide. He also looked to have hurt himself in the process. Fletch carried on though and got his rewards soon after. Sam Dean slotted Fletch through on goal and he coolly drove the ball high into Thorpe Hesley’s net. 2-1 to Bankers.

Matt Taylor replaced Rolo on the left win with just under 10 minutes to go. Thorpe Hesley began to pile on some more pressure, but Bankers looked comfortable throughout. Richard Bartimote, who had a great game, began to organise a slight re-shuffle in the defence to make it more solid plus Jo Robinson and Mike Elliott made some important clearances.

The match finished and a well-earned win was the reward for Bankers. Bankers now move up to 9th in the table and Jason’s unbeaten run when placed in temporary charge continues.

This was a very good team performance from everyone involved. Everyone played their part really well; but notable contributions go to captain Mikey Russell and the Yorkshire Terrier Richard Bartimote. Both had great games.

Andy T also had high praise for the team after the match, describing Chris Tunstall as immense in central midfield and Mikey Russell as ‘God like’ (compliments like that will still not convince Mikey to go to the Over 35’s team for the considerable future however. We know what Andy’s up to!).

Manager’s Man of the Match: Richard Bartimote – thoroughly deserved
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Mikey Russell – God like

Next week Bankers are at home to AFC Dronfield.

UTB.

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