18/08/2026
Hull Athletic 1sts 3-3 AFC Banks
Banks play out a superb end to end draw, with a well drilled side.
Banks hit their rhythm within moments of the game, stamping their authority and dominating the early midfield battle. In the 4th minute, J.Stonehouse picked the ball up in the middle of the park, before beating a man and sliding an intricate ball through to T.Munjeri who coolly converted. Within the next 30 mins, Banks continued to win the battle in the middle of the park, and flashing glimpses of a 2nd goal, however it was Athletic who struck first, with a well taken goal by the striker. Hull Athletic then took the lead through a well worked set piece routine caught the banks defence short, and on the 39th minute, extended their lead after a sluggish shot, took a heavy deflection and burrowed itself inside the post for Banks to go 3-1 down. On the 44th minute, seconds before the half time whistle, Banks halved the deficit, as R.Thomasβ headed flick on from a great K.Zlotos goal kick, found S.Winstanley who beat the offside trap and shot past the opposing defenders to beat the keeper 1v1. HT Banks 2-3 Hull Athletic.
In the 2nd half, the game was very evenly balanced with both teams carving out some great chances, near misses and forcing some great saves from the GKs, with a very level contested middle of the park. As the game began to creep on, Banks began creating the better opportunities, regularly testing the opposition defence and GK. in the 78th min, B.Blyth delivered a long range free kick into the Athletic box, in which L.MacMillan was dragged to the floor, winning Banks a penalty, up stepped D.Gibbs who stepped up and calmly dispatched a magnificently taken penalty to draw the game level going into the closing stages. In the dying embers, K.Zlotos was forced into a superb 1v1 save as the opposition attacker breached the defence and drew 1v1 in which K.Zlotos displayed some great reflexes and parried away a certain goal. Banks sprung a counter of their own concluding with the ball landing at the feet of T.Munjeri who let rip from 30 yards out, his shot whistling past the upright. In the last 2 minutes, Banks launched a barrage of long balls into the Athletic area, where Banks attackers S.Winstanley & R.Thomas routinely met these but was denied by the opposition GK. FT 3-3
MOTM: J.Zlotos
This evenings man of the match is awarded to Jakub Zlotos, who deputised in goal at short notice and played out an amazing display in between the sticks. Kuba made some great reflex and split second saves to keep Banks in the tie throughout the evening, quick off his line to s***f out any danger and an ever present in goal. J.Zlotos distribution was second to none, launching consistent Banks attacks from his feet and even notched up a pre assist, with a magnificent sweeping ball that was nodded on by R.Thomas.
A huge draw for the lads, and an awe-inspiring display from all involved.
Our focus turns to Sunday where we will be facing Matts Legends at Steve Prescott Centre, 2pm KO.
UTB ππ€π€
