Victory! The Bandits’ first win of 2007-2008 finally arrived with this hard-fought triumph over their local rivals (yes, the London Titans are closer than GFC Bournemouth), which put them above the Titans in the GFSN National League table.

Manager Matt Haywood’s game plan was derailed, first by goalkeeper Mark Hyndman’s delayed arrival, which meant handing Paul Smith a start in defence and making Aidie Norman stand-in keeper, and then by an injury to striker Jamie Harper, replaced by Paul Windsor. Undeterred, the Bandits made some great chances, with Michael Scragg and Alan Bannister carving open the Titans’ midfield, but it was the Richmond side that scored first, midway through the first half. The Bandits struggled to clear a Titans counter-attack, and goalkeeper Mark was helpless against an exquisite 25-yard lob.

The Bandits reorganised at half-time, bringing on Mike for his debut at right-back, and took the game to the Titans. Alan missed two good chances before Scraggy’s shot was kept out by a brilliant save – from a Titans defender, who was sent off for handball. Their keeper couldn’t stop Scraggy’s penalty from finding the net, and the Bandits were level. Against ten men, the Bandits dominated. Simon Hawker and Jason Hall won everything in midfield, providing a solid base as the Bandits pushed forward, and the pressure paid off when Alan put the away team 2-1 up with a fine finish.

As Steve Taylor shouted, it was “just like the old days” as the 2006 Champions went for a third. Lively substitute Garry Rickett nearly extended the lead, but late Titans pressure made the final minutes nerve-wracking – some last-ditch tackles and a brilliant save from Mark stopped them levelling and at the final whistle, the Bandits finally proved victorious. The season starts here!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jason Hall. A sterling performance at left-back which combined solid defensive work with some surging runs forward.