Middlesex Over 65's Festival

What a perfect day in every respect. The weather was beautiful especially for Bannisters, as normally it rains and we had two strong teams including for once, two recognised goalkeepers in the squads, which makes a hugh difference.

Our Pale Blue team started with a tough game against a strong Extra Time Welwyn side, especially their striker who was kept well at arms length by the ever dependable Cliff Leat in defence.  We had a fair share of possession without creating too many clear cut chances. 0-0 the final score.  Next up was Vintage Watford and again we had lots of the ball and a well taken free-kick from Cliff Leat to Mike Wood provided the only goal of the game. 1-0 the final score. Meridan were next and they always provide a stiff test and only a shot from Steve Manly, which crossed the goal line, but was disallowed, because the referee didn't see it, denied us a win!!  Where is goal line technology when you need it or the honesty of the keeper?  Nevertheless a 0-0 draw was a worthy result from the lads. Hive Foundation were our final opponents and they always bring a very strong team. Why, I don't know, considering this is a freindly competition. However, a very creditable performance from our lads with Brian Petrie in goal, giving Steve Beament (our regular keeper) a run out ended with a 0-0 draw.

The lads were unbeaten in their four games with one win, three draws and four clean sheets with special mention to Dave Chalkwright and Barry Lustigman for putting in a great shift in each game.

Squad: Steve Beament, Cliff Leat, Steve Manly, Mike Wood, Dave Chalkwright, BrianPetrie, Barry Lustigman.

Our Dark Blue team started the morning with a game against Vintage Watford. We started very strongly with lots of possession and creating chances with Mick Stnabridge hitting the post with the keeper well beaten. The breakthrough came in the second half, when Mick Stanbridge followed up on a well saved shot from Alastair Greene, planting the ball into the roof of the net. 1-0 the final score. Bumble Bees were next up and some excellent saves from John  Durrant kept the score to 0-0.

RIP Muswell Hill were our next opponents and at times it was like watching Brazil. Steve Buckey along with Ken Rose marshalled the defence superbly leaving John Durrant very little to do in goal. Our midfield and forward play was superb with Mick Stanbridge jinking through their defence, after some neat passing to score the opening goal.  With the score at 1-0 Muswell Hill were awarded a penalty for four running offences, which were dubious to say the least, but never fear, our ever dependable keeper John Durrant, made a great save diving to his left. Alastair Greene who had covered virtually every blade of 4G, created a great chance, which was well saved by their keeper, only for Andy Balshaw to follow up and to round the game off, a typical signature 'turn and shot' from Mick Stanbridge made the final score 3-0.

Our final game was against Barnet 75's and once gain our attacking play and movement was superb. With the score at 0-0 Lisa Willocks broke up play in midfield and played a superb ball through to Mick Stanbridge, who selfishly squared the ball to Andy Balshaw who made no mistake with a cool finish. From then on it was all one way traffic, with Andy Balshaw and Mick Stanbridge both scoring two more goals from well worked positions. Unfortunately, just before Mick Stanbridge had what would have been his hatrick disallowed, a mix-up in defence wrong footed our keeper to give them a consolation goal. 5-1 the final score.

Squad: John Durrant, Steve Buckey, Andy Balshaw, Ken Rose, Alastair Greene, Mick Stanbridge, Lisa Willocks, Andy Smith.

So a superb display with both squads going unbeaten, which is probably a first at Bannister's and one which we will endeavour to create again next month.