BANWELL MATCH REPORT

BANWELL RESERVES 3-3 DRAYCOTT RESERVES

After a comfortable win last week, Banwell entertained Draycott Reserves in the Weston and District Division 4 fixture and manager Simon Allen had the luxury of having the same starting eleven as he did the previous week.

The first half started as a scrappy affair with neither team getting hold of the game in the first couple of minutes a chance fell to Darrell Capille after a cross from midfield talisman Triffet only for the keeper to save comfortably. As Banwell kept pressing for an opener, they became more vulnerable to a counter attack, Draycott capitalized on that vulnerability, and they took the lead through a simple ball over the top in which their striker latched on to and finished with a collective ease. Banwell players were shell-shocked, it affected the way they played many of pass was astray, and clearing the ball became a difficulty. Draycott slowly grabbed hold of the game winning every 50/50 challenge and played with determination.

An odd passage of play showed Banwell a way back into the game when a Draycott player inexplicable lofted a ball towards his keeper who in turn caught the ball preventing it from going in and therefore the referee had no choice but to blow for an in-direct free kick on the 6-yard box. Draycott lined every man on the goal line but it was no good as Grubb’s powerful low shot beat all eleven players to bring the game level even though Banwell did not deserve to be in the game. Mckeever and Mitchell Capille worked tirelessly on the wings to get Banwell back in the game they were given much freedom due to the fact Wood and Payne worked hard to keep the opposition out. With the first half drawing to a close Banwell had yet to really test the Draycott goalkeeper and now challenges were flying in from every direction and unfortunately Banwell paid for their over enthusiasm as a sliding challenge in the area was deemed by the referee to be a foul even though the replays showed no malice. Draycott must of felt lucky to have such an opportunity and they weren’t going to miss out on taking the lead as the Draycott player put the penalty away with ease.

BANWELL MATCH REPORT

LOCKING VILLA 3-6 BANWELL RESERVES 

With only one game played in the last few weeks, due to bad weather and the Christmas break, this Weston and District Division Four match came to Banwell at a point where players have not had much match practice. Manager Simon Allen had a few absentees hindering his team selection but was able to get a squad of 12 together. 

Considering the poor weather during the week the pitch was in fine form this suited Banwell and their short direct game. Banwell started the game with explosive attacking threat where in the first couple of minutes Ashley Triffet laid on a delightful ball for Mitchell Capille to chase who in turn unleashed a fierce low drive only for the Locking keeper to produce a good near post save. This promising attack was a sign of things to come and with the Banwell defence of Wood, Grubb, Allen, James and Robinson looking solid in the early minutes this gave the Banwell midfield a license to attack.

With 10 minutes, gone Banwell deservedly took the lead through young striker Mason Gardner after good work from Filby and Triffet. Banwell looked dangerous out wide, they used the width to great affect and Mckeever and Capille were giving their opposing fullbacks a torrid time. During one of Banwell’s many corners in the first half they extended their lead with Filby capitalizing on some slack defending to pounce and coolly finish. Banwell were playing with real panache thanks to some disciplined defensive work from Filby and Triffet Banwell kept on attacking at Locking. David Mitchell was being his usual nuisance up front with the Locking defenders bamboozled by the size and strength of the target man. A long kick from the sturdy Robinson lead to Banwell’s next attack falling to Capille’s feet he ran at the full back and planted a cross in the 6-yard box and youngster Gardner accepted his second goal thanks to a keeper blunder.

Banwell were cruising now and the defence hardly looked troubled with the inspirational Grubb dictating the tempo from the back. The first half ended and Banwell were very comfortable but they knew Locking who hadn’t lost yet this season still had some fight in them. Start of the second half Banwell pressed and pressed for another goal. Left-back James recently back from ankle surgery played some delightful passes throughout the half. With good work from Mckeever down the right Banwell found a forth the ball landed at Mitchell’s feet who turned a defender inside out and delightfully finished. Mitchell’s celebration however was less delightful with hands aloft he screamed ‘There is smoke coming from my feet’. At least Mitchell can say he provided some entertainment for the fans.

Fair play to Locking at 4-0 down they still didn’t give up and scored a goal for themselves and then another although the second was a bit dubious with the referee giving a very dodgy penalty for hand ball even though it struck the player outside the area. Banwell responded with discipline and heart and got another goal a great assist from Gardener unleashed Triffet who finished with calm. The game became an end-to-end affair with non-stop action. Locking got another goal, although the ball had seemed to go out of play. Banwell responded again with one of the goals of the season Gardener grabbing his hat trick with a finish that any striker would be proud of. Locking kept pilling balls forward but the aerial prowess of Allen denied them repeatedly Banwell saw out the last ten minutes and claimed all three point becoming the first team to beat Locking Villa this season. Banwell now climb to 5th and even though promotion is out of the question this squad is now building on their performances to gain promotion next year. 

The Bristol And West Scaffolding and Mitsubishi Motors Man of the Match was deserved by every player on the pitch and on performance alone no Banwell player could be separated so for getting his first senior hat trick the accolade goes to Mason Gardner . Banwell would like to thank the referee who did a fair job and let the game flow.

BANWELL MATCH REPORT

PORTISHEAD COLTS 2-3 BANWELL RESERVES

Banwell Reserves are struggling lately, in the bottom three and with teams around them all having games in-hand so this Division Four Weston and District encounter and the others leading up are so vital. Banwell traveled up the motorway to Portishead with pretty much a full strength side notable absentees were two youngsters Board and Gardner also the AWOL Pawley. Banwell welcomed back captain Molloy who was away the previous week.

The players gathered on the wrong pitch not the start the team needed but thankfully they found the right pitch and you could see Winter had officially arrived with many players wearing gloves (although to some this seems a weakness). Banwell started nervously and disorganized but after a few minutes captain Molloy, manager Allen sorted out the players and Banwell were soon playing the short direct football they like to play. Portishead looked the most dangerous due to the fact they created and were gifted numerous chances, lucky for Banwell Portishead forgot to bring their shooting boots. The defence of Capille, Appleby, Allen and Wood organized them selves as Banwell looked to do a bit of attacking. Mckeever and Lucas were brilliant outlets for Banwell as they pilled pressure onto the opposing fullbacks. Filby and Molloy grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and carved out Banwell’s first chance. Molloy collected a loose ball just outside the 18 yard and delightfully turned two oncoming players inside out and finished with aplomb into the top corner. Portishead were shell-shocked and Banwell were full of confidence. Triffet and D. Mitchell worked tirelessly up front to cause problems and it was Mckeever who created the next opportunity as he flew down the wing, with an Irish jink and placed an inch perfect cross for Lucas to send in the back of the net. 2-0 Banwell had not started this well all season and they needed to concentrate to keep their lead unfortunately Banwell relaxed a bit too much and gave away a free kick outside the area which created a chance for Portishead and they duly finished. Going into half time Banwell were leading but the game was far from over a change was made injured Capille came off for the returning R. Mitchell.

Banwell started brightly, Mckeever was looking more and more dangerous, and it was he who caused confusion in the defence. A ball broke to D. Mitchell who flicked a ball into the path of Filby and coolly placed the ball in the net. Just what Banwell needed. The second half overall was a scrappy affair and the chances were rare. The oddly ever-lasting second half never seemed to end even though the referee assured players the end was near it never came. This gave Portishead a chance to get a consolation goal. A consolation goal was all it was as the referee finally blew for full-time.

Three precious points for Banwell and now for the much debated Mitsubishi Motors, Bristol and West Scaffolding man of the match and the accolade goes to Captain Simon Molly.

KING ALFRED 3-2 BANWELL RESERVES

On a grey English day, Banwell travelled to Burnham to play King Alfred who like Banwell has had a poor start to the season with both looking to take these vital three points. Unfortunately for Banwell they travelled with a depleted side with Defensive lynch pin Darrell Capille suffering injury as well as other notable absentees Sam Appleby, Mason Gardner, Dale Wood and James Robinson.

So with only eleven fit players at kick-off Banwell looked nervous in anticipation of what was going to become. With ten minutes gone Banwell looked anything but nervous with direct attacking football and the break through looked inevitable when a move started by Board found Capille, who took great ease in passing several players, dispatched a cross in to the 6 yard box for lone striker Mitchell, who put a bit too much weight on a delicate chip to see it over to bar. Banwell oozed confidence for the next 5 minutes but this is where the first half ended for Banwell. Banwell’s demons came to surface with continuous arguing and ill positional discipline. It was King Alfred’s turn to play some direct football and the only difference between the two teams possessions were that King Alfred took there chances when they came. Two great crosses in 5 minutes into the Banwell box were the undoing, now 2-0 down Banwell’s demons grew and grew and luckily for the fans the half-time whistle blew.

After a rousing half-time speech Banwell took the field with grit and determination not to loose this game. Finally Banwell played together for each other putting tackles not giving up on lost causes. For a brief moment it seemed all in vain as Bradley Diver added to his impressive, yet embarrassing statistical nightmare in giving away a penalty (before the game you could of got shorter odds on him giving away a penalty then the man himself scoring.) Diver protested his innocence whilst lying on the floor but the nonchalant ref was having none of it. Youngster Loud was trying to put the penalty taker off with a bombardment of language but the taker stayed focused and put King Alfred 3-0 up.

Banwell had to dig deep and the midfield quartet of Filby, Triffet, Pawley and Capille worked tirelessly to get Banwell back into the game. Captain Molloy provided vocal encouragement to the shattered squad and it seemed to work. One constant threat for Banwell was Sam Pawley’s ability to hit dangerous corners time and time again and finally one corner was taken advantage of after Triffet rose like a Samoan fresh out of the Banwell River to direct a bullet header through a crowd of players. Rejoice finally there was hope for Banwell and the travelling support. The goal started a period in which Banwell had a stronghold on the game. Chance after chance followed with no end product. David Mitchell trying to make up for his earlier mess placed a delightful free-kick on to the oppositions’ crossbar so close for Banwell could they come back?

Another dangerous cross into the King Alfred box gave Banwell more hope when Player/Manager Chopper snuck around the back post to finish with elegance. Unfortunately it was little too late for Banwell as the final whistle blew the players realized that their selfish argumentative first-half performance cost them the game. There were a few positives among a negative performance firstly captain Molloy who battled with blood and tears for the Banwell cause, Sam Pawley whose dangerous set pieces caused King Alfred naught but trouble, but the plaudits go to Ash Triffet who put in a brave heart performance capped with a goal in turn this earned him Mitsubishi Motors and Bristol And West Scaffolding Man of the Match.        

BANWELL MATCH REPORT

BANWELL RESERVES 1-0 KVFC RESERVES

With a win under their belt, Banwell reserves went into the fixture with a confidence boost that was so desperately needed. Manager Simon Allen returned from a scouting assignment in the states to take control of the team selection.

Playing the physical David Mitchell as lone striker Banwell looked to win the game in midfield which consisted of Sean Filby, who took over captaincy due to the absence of ever present Simon Molloy, Ashley Triffet and James Lucas with wingers Mitchell Capille and Sam Pawley.

Banwell started with an air of arrogance playing neat one touch football matching KVFC in the physical battle of the game. In doing this Banwell were on top of the game from the start creating a lot of chances. James Lucas was given the freedom to attack and he obliged with numerous of shots, almost surpassing a Frank Lampard tally. The defence of Gardner, Board, Capille and Allen proved resilient through out not giving KVFC’s strikers a sniff at goal relieving youth prospect Mike Loud of any pressure.

Banwell came with attack upon another attack and KVFC were still holding out. Thankfully for Banwell the break they deserved came when the aerodynamic James Lucas broke through the defence and finished one of his numerous shots. That goal had sent the fans into rapture and they soon wanted more goals, responding to the fans cry Banwell still applied pressure and just before half-time the busy James Lucas hit a curling shot from 30 yards only for the keeper to deny him with a finger tip save. Going into the second half Banwell knew they had to eradicate their season’s second half form and concentrate for the full 45 minutes. Under their manager’s guidance Banwell stood firm and unlike the Berlin Wall the defence did not crumble under pressure with the young Loud sweeping up and balls over the top. Banwell adopted a more defensive, aggressive stance in the second-half looking to sit on their 1-0 lead. Chances were very few and far between Mitchell Capille was into glistening form although taking an elbow to the face he rose against the adversaries and bombarded the KVFC box with dangerous crosses. This summed up what was a scrappy second half encounter with neither side really causing any threat. Simon Molloy made it back from international duty in time for the second half and came on for the solid Simon Allen, who now resembles the defensive genius that is Giles Grimandi. Molloy came in and won every aerial battle and gave Banwell the lift they needed to survive the next 20 minutes. Triffet and Filby worked tirelessly to break-up every KVFC attack and they succeeded.

The final whistle blew and the fans blew a sigh of relief as Banwell hung on and got all 3 points. With such a battling team performance it is hard to pick out an individual. Congratulations to Mike Loud who got his first senior clean sheet. Mitchell Capille ran rings around the KVFC defence and James Lucas was an attackive threat through out, but the Mitsubishi and Bristol And West man of the match goes to Mason Gardener who played in an unorthodox position of left back.             

Match Report - 29th September 2007

Wedmore 1-5 Banwell Reserves

Banwell still looking for their first victory of the campaign travelled to the picturesque Wedmore with a strong squad and the confidence to take all three points.

A few changes had been made to the line up, Sweeting and Brooker were brought in to bolster the team whilst Jack Board made his full debut. The physical presence of Dave Mitchell after a few weeks out, as the lone striker.

The game itself started off scrappy as Banwell took time to find their feet but the passionate captain Simon Molloy did his best to grab the game by the scruff of the neck. In doing this he gave Marc Brooker the freedom to do what he does best, causing havoc in the final third of the pitch. Whilst Banwell were working hard to play the game they want and dictate the tempo the defence of Board, Sweeting, Appleby and Lucas were keeping Wedmore out with resilient defending.

After twenty minutes Banwell settled and the deserved break through came after great build up play by Board and Molloy, Brooker found himself in acres of space 20 yards out and he coolly yet powerfully finished. This gave Banwell the confidence boost they needed and for the next 25 minutes Banwell keeper James Robinson, who wishes he had brought his crossword book, had nothing to do. Ash Triffit and Si Molloy broke up every oncoming attack this gave the Capille brothers the license to attack down the width. The second goal came from the width after Mitchell Capille burst through the back line to cross to Dave Mitchell, whose shot was too powerful for the keeper to hold & Brooker tidied up and finished for his second of the game.

Banwell were in cruise control now with Brooker providing great passes to either flank. Mitchell Capille was giving the right back a torrid time and his efforts paid off when he broke through and went on a solo run all of 40 yards and neatly finished at the near post. 3-0 Banwell had never had such a luxury of a lead at half time and they deserved it.

Second half Banwell surprisingly started off well Darrell Capille beat his man and laid on a perfect cross for the agile David Mitchell who finished well. With all this attacking going on the Banwell defence had to stay focused and they kept out every Wedmore attack. A few changes were made the influential Brooker came off for Sean Filby and top goal scorer David Mitchell came off for Sam Pawley.

To their credit Wedmore did not give up and battled hard and turned the game into the way they wanted to play it with physical tackles and long balls. Banwell struggled to adapt to this style of play and unfortunately a clean sheet was taken from the hands of James Robinson and his defence when Wedmore’s efforts were rewarded with a goal. The second half became a scrappy affair with neither team getting a hold of the game it didn’t look like either team would score again in this encounter but the solid left back James Lucas supplied a sublime free kick and the hard working Ash Triffet finished with an acute header.

Banwell Reserves v Nailsea Utd - 08th September 2007

Banwell Res  1    v    Nailsea Utd   2

Banwell hosted Nailsea Utd in their first home fixture of the season and it turned out to be another frustrating afternoon for the home side.
A well balanced and organised Nailsea Utd side started the stronger of the two teams, and Banwell struggled to assert themselves in all areas of the park, the home side were finding it difficult to complete any passes and gave away possesion cheaply. It was the unforced errors in the Banwell defencive line that led to the away side taking the lead midway through the first half. Banwell's frustration was increased as they squandered possesion directly from their kick off allowing the Nailsea striker a clean shot on goal and putting them 2-0 within the space of a minute.
The half time break was a welcomed reprieve for the home side and a few stern words from Captain Si Molloy seemed to rally the troops, Banwell came back from the break with purpose and began to dominate in all areas of the park. Passes were beginning to find there intended targets and Banwells midfield of Capille, Filby, Appleby & Molloy interlinked well supplying the front two of Mitchell & Triffet with alot more service. Fletcher led Banwells back line of Wood Allan & James with a faultless display. Manager Allan introduced the fresh legs of Pawley, Board & Gardener with half an hour to go and these changes allowed Banwell to maintain the pressure on Nailsea's defence and get back into the game. Filby delivered an excellent cross which Mitchell dispatched with a looping header over the keeper. Still chasing the game Banwell were throwing everything at the Nailsea side and efforts from Pawley and Capille came close to levelling the game. Time unfortunately ran out for the home side and Banwell left the field unlucky not to take a share of the spoils. There were some excellent displays from Mitchell, Capille, Wood & skipper Molloy and a promising performance from debutant keeper Loud.

Match Report – Cheddar 3 v Banwell 1 – 01st September 2007

Banwell faced a tricky season opener with a trip to local rivals cheddar, and it turned out to be a frustrating and disappointing afternoon for the visitors.
The away side took control from the first whistle, with midfield quartet of James, Appleby, Filby & Fletcher asserting themselves early on, with some slick crisp passing and good movement Banwell utilised every inch of the park and for the large periods of the half the cheddar players were chasing shadows. The front two of Mitchell and Capille made it difficult for Cheddars back line as they combined well with good interlinked play, but a fine display from the home keeper frustrated the pair all afternoon. Midway through the half Banwell broke the deadlock when Capille got the wrong side of a stretched Cheddar defence, and he calmy dispatched it past the keeper with a neat finish.

Cheddars first half attempts at the Banwell goal were virtually non existent as the back line of Wood, Diver, Allan & Loud restricted Cheddars attacks to a minimum and when called upon Robinson made some good saves, the half time whistle turned out to be a welcomed reprieve for the home side.

Cheddar started the 2nd half well and a lapse in concentration in the Banwell defence gifted them with the equalising goal, from that moment Banwell struggled to assert themselves in the game and found it difficult to string passes together. Cheddar were then awarded a questionable penalty that was calmly converted and it was this decision that deflated the away side. A frustrating afternoon for the visitors was made worse when the home side extended their lead and made the score 3-1. Banwell were grateful of the final whistle and left the field disappointed as they contributed to their own downfall with squandered clear cut chances in front of goal and a very poor second half performance combined with some questionable decisions by the match official.

The Mitsubishi & Bristol & West Scaffolding Man of the Match went to Banwell's Sam Appleby.