Weekend Preview

It's going to be a big weekend for...

Banter Central

Who has a semi? Well, we all do. Now the wonderful statistic that Banter have never lost a cup semi-final is very well true, with just one previous attempt and against different opposition two years later, it really is just that – a statistic. A pretty meaningless one. But warm all the same.

More the important is the unbeaten run which Banter are currently enjoying. Having not been beaten in the last 8 games, including 6 wins, it represents the club’s best run in three seasons since starting out. The draw against this weekend’s opponents – Maple Tree – this Sunday just gone also leaves everything very nicely poised.

But if we are to look to experience, how many of the semi-final winners from two years ago still play? Well, there’s Wuker, Cling, Doc, Tino and Boma making up the back five from that day. Then we’ve got Wommy, Fintan, Baird and Legend Dancer from across 2008’s midfield. Left wing that day was Euro, who can’t really be considered to be in the class of 2010, whilst Andy Bitmead came in and played as a lone front man, doing us a good job as a one off that day. Substitute Hore has also not featured this season.

Meaning that J-Dot, Ridders, Hughes, Wilkes, Vidic, Brownie and Adkins – who missed the last one through injury – will all hope to be added to the club. Quite a few additions, too. In short, it represents a far stronger squad than two years ago. More depth than anything else. Two years ago we had only one real substitute to call upon and even he was not fully fit yet, returning from injury and of course, an egg chaser at heart.

Trophies are difficult to come by, whilst disappointments are a lot more habitual. It’s just the way it is. None more so than last year’s Leonard Vase first round match, which was also the last game of the season for Banter. Lose and it was game over. Banter did lose, by a hefty 4-0 score line to a very capable Phoenix Athletic side. A loss on Sunday and it will be so many questions of what “could’ve been” instead of what has been built and improved upon this season. Those unfortunately are the fine lines of football, so let me be the first to say that 2009/10 has been terrific for us no matter what the outcome.

Banter should respect their opposition. But fear, panic and apprehension should not ever come into it. It's a big game this, no pressure.

Maple Tree

Maple Tree are a strong side, it goes without saying based on Bantr's results against them so far this season. They have no weak links and they play the game as it should be played, that being: properly and without resorting to cheap shots or arguments every two minutes.

Their draw with Banter this past Sunday gave them enough to believe that the league title is in their own hands. They go away to Real Madras in their final fixture, whilst Carlton play host to promotion hopefuls Portland. Goal difference may come into it, with Carlton currently leading the battle by a difference of one. Lets hope unlike Sovereign in 2008, that everybody has their maths straight and don’t look bemused when told their hammering was one goal short of the required result, eh?

They have four players that have scored 10 or more goals this term, but they've been beaten. Just four times all season, but neverthless against Carlton and Portland, who are admittedly difficult opposition.

A double is on the cards for everyone’s favourite Sunday league Tree (do the Treehouse have a team?), step one is this Sunday. But can Banter crash the party?

Portland

First the worse, second the best, third the one with the hairy chest.

What was forth? I don’t remember. I suspect nothing. Banter currently lie 3rd in Division 2 with Portland breathing up their collective backsides. They will play twice this weekend, a double header with Kurdish Utd on the Purley Way. Six points will take them beyond Banter with two remaining and a cheeky date with one another at the end of the month. Portland's league title hopes would be in their own hands though if they can win every game and score the required amount of goals.

There is nothing Banter can do about the games in hand except sit and wait. But it would be one disastrous weekend for BCFC if a cup semi-final loss was followed by the news of a double Portland win via Arrow Ball. With Kurdish’s lack of height, you’d have to say that the Racehorse should have a pretty good chance at gathering up to a couple of hat tricks in assists through the use of his hands.

Any points dropped however, leaves everything in Banter’s hands. Whilst third won’t gain you promotion, it seems like being the best of the rest would be a nice claim and also signify good progress for either of the teams that finished 6th and 7th last season.

Woodmansterne Hyde & Crown FC

It's a 'loser leaves town' match. Well, exits to Division 3, anyway.

Lloyd

Even with a flag in his hand he's still capable of awarding two penalties and dishing out five yellow cards. Probably.

Golden Shower Reserves

Because they too have a semi-final this weekend. Having lost one already this season, they face AFC Thornton in the Charles Kirsch Cup. We do wish them all the luck in the World. Break a leg.