Bankers fall to a narrow defeat

The first half saw a couple of chances go begging for Bankers. Kingstone’s keeper nudged James Fletcher’s penalty onto the crossbar; after Scott Dinnigan was fouled. Fletcher looked to have been wiped out when chasing in the rebound but another penalty was denied.

Bankers showed some good play in the first half and exposed Kingstone down the right hand side in particular. Both Rob Jerrison (captain for the day) and Lewis attacked their full back well. One of Lewis’ runs forward resulted in a toe poke effort from the edge of the area which was saved by the keeper. Bankers got in behind their full back once more and a cut back to Jack Joyce created an opening but the ball was hit over the crossbar.

Kingstone United had a good chance after the ball pin-balled in the Bankers area, but the Bankers defence superbly blocked all efforts on goal. Keeper Simmo also made a few good stops throughout the match.

The first half finished at 0-0. There was some disappointment that Bankers were not ahead but also positives in the team’s play and organisation.

The second half saw Kingstone take control of the game a bit more and they created had a number of chances in the second half. Their striker began to find more space and looked to take advantage of the large pitch by running in behind the defence. Kingstone took the lead midway through the second half.

In the last 10 minutes Bankers began to apply pressure in search for the equalising goal. Scott Dinnigan was making a nuisance of himself and Rob was still trying to make those runs towards the right hand side.

Bankers looked to have pulled a goal back at the death but it was disallowed. Sami Eric floated in a free kick to the far post; the ball was headed back across goal and then back again before the Kingstone’s defender headed it into his own net. Bankers began to celebrate, however, Kingstone’s linesman waived offside and the ref disallowed the goal.

The match finished 1-0 to Kingstone. A game of two halves really for Bankers.

Manager’s and Captain’s Man of the Match: Mike Elliott – showed great composure throughout the game and organised the defence well. Won a lot of aerial battles and did not panic when on the ball, playing it out to the midfield time and time again. He has been a great addition to the team this season.

Bankers face Ecclesfield Red Rose in their penultimate game of the season on Saturday.

UTB.