April 5th - Southbank Cuaco (League) (Away) 8th - Kew Association (League) (Away) (K/O 18.00) 12th - Old Esthamians (League) (Away) 19th - Old Esthamians (League) (Home) 26th - Norseman (League) (Home)
Results for Season 2007 - 2008
26th April Merton 2 - 0 Norseman (League) (Home) Scorers: White, Lilley Report: This was a very good win against a very good Norsemen team, who like us have been challenging for promotion to Division1, but on the day were very unlucky not to get something from the game. We were without our two leading goal scorers so we had something of a makeshift look up front. Norsemen started the better and dominated the first half moving the ball about as best you could on a pretty tricky surface. They had the best chances most coming from their incredibly dangerous long throw ins. Our goal had a charmed life with Clappers always dangerous as he flicked them on hitting our bar. We survived till half time. In the second half we got much more into a game that could have gone either way. We took the lead when a free kick from Geordie was headed back across goal by Browner for Lofty to sneak in and flick it home. There were then chances at either end before another cross from Geordie was volleyed home brilliantly from 18yds by Glen. And that was it. We showed enormous commitment and rode our luck. Norsemen were a very good side who have had a very good season but it was not their day today. They will obviously be in the hunt for promotion next season. If we can win our last game on Wednesday against Carshalton we will go above Norsemen and finish 3rd. That would be a good finish in a tough division.
Team.Jeff (GK), Gash, Clappers (Capt), Browner, Cookie, Geordie, Tills, Woody, Lofty (1), Sherbs , Glenn (1) No subs used
19th April Merton 3 - 3 Old Esthamians (League) (Away) Scorers: Lilley, Bosher, Own Goal Report: This was probably one of the most bizarre games we have had for some time. It is a long way to go to Old Es and they were ready and waiting for us and straight out of the blocks. Clappers cleared one off the line and although we got into the game it was Old Es who made all the good chances and failed to capitalise. They went one up on the half hour catching us over committed and that was the score at half time. It could have been a lot worse but for some poor finishing and some close offsides calls. Despite a rallying team talk the second half continued much like the first with Old Es scoring a very good second goal on about 55 mins. It looked a regulation home win for them and would put them in the box seats for promotion (deservedly). Then their No. 10 who had played a blinder got in a strop about a throw in and kicked the ball away for what would be an irritating yellow card for him. But no he had a real go at the Ref walked off and managed to talk it into red. So seeing they were down to 10 men gave us a real lift and we went at them and quite soon we had got back to 2-1. Another stroke of fortune saw one of their defenders manage to get his head on a Woody shot going wide and it looped over their keeper into the net. Soon after, one of our best moves saw Matt B finishing it off for the equaliser. They broke upfield and got a penalty for a bit of a soft hand ball. This was tucked away but we came back at them and Glen struck a great equaliser and we finished the game pressing for the winner which might have been very important. A series of increasingly improbable results means we could still go up but it looks to be between Weiside, Old Es and Norsemen. My Money is on the first two. But we come to the last week and we are still hanging in there. Team: Jeff, Gash, Cookie, Clappers, Sherbs (Barry Hughes), Cam (Lofty 70 mins), Tills, Woody, Glenn (1), Ackers, Matt B. (1)
12th April Merton 4 - 2 Old Esthamians (League) (Home) Scorers: Tilley, Woods, Ackerman, Own Goal Report: After our rather dismal performance at Kew, we bounced back to beat Old Es who are serious contenders for promotion and the Championship. I suspect that this was a considerably weakened Old Es side but we did pretty well, starting brightly and dominating. Having said that, although we missed a fairly easy chance (sitter), by the time we did take the lead, Jeff had made at least one excellent save and Gash had cleared off the line. Ackers opened the scoring latching on to a good through ball and finishing well. But as soon as we went ahead we gave them an equaliser with some very sloppy play and their forwards were the type who punish mistakes with clinical finishing. We went 2-1 somewhat fortuitously when a free kick from Woody reared up and evaded the diving keeper. We pressed hard in the second half to increase our lead but Old Es were always dangerous on the break. A good move and great finish from Tills made it 3-1 and a bit of a bundle ended in an O.G. for 4-1. Clappers let the ball slip under his foot and their striker latched on to it and unleashed a rocket that crashed in via the cross bar. 4-2 being the final result. I was pretty pleased with our all round performance and our bounce back after the defeat at Kew. Promotion looks out of it now but we have 31pts and 3 games left. Who knows what will happen and we play 3 of the sides above us with a key return fixture with Old Es next week. Team: Jeff, Geordie, Pete B, Clappers (Capt.) Gash, Cam (Chris Jones 75 mins), Tills (1), Woody(1), Lofty (Glenn 60 mins), Ackers (1), Matt B (Cookie 82 mins).
8th April Merton 1 - 2 Kew Association (League) Away) Scorer: Tilley Report: I don’t like mid week games. It really is stressful trying to get a team of appropriate strength to a ground for a 6pm Kick off. But with a great effort from all we got there and we ready for the off. We sampled Kews new changing rooms and club house and it was very nice too. Sadly no licence for the bar so no after match drinking. For all the work that has been done on the club house the pitch was very sticky and very difficult and the same for both teams but the home team adapted to it much better and we could never really get going and perhaps were never allowed to. We went one down after about half an hour when at several levels we failed to deal with a long ball upfield and it ended up in the net. We equalised from the spot after about an hour. Tilley converting after Cookie was fouled in the box. We pressed but did not carve out anything too dangerous. They scored the winner with about 20 mins to go from their best move of the game. We failed to get an equalise let alone the winner that we would have needed to keep our promotion hopes alive. The life support system has not been turned off yet. Kew worked very hard and played a game better suited to the conditions but the seemed more eager and passed the ball better. We were at times quite poor. The game was well refereed by Pat Morrissey. Team. Jeff (GK), Gash (Little Jack ???), Browner, Clappers, Cookie (Ivan 65 mins) Lofty, Tills (1), Woody, Glenn , Ackers, MattB,
5th April Merton 5 - 0 Southbank Cuaco (League) (Away) Scorers: Tilley, Ackerman, Bosher 3 Report: It was rather an unsatisfactory game even though we got all 3points and kept a clean sheet. South Bank are a big SAL side with a proud record but obviously having a difficult time at the moment. They faced almost certain relegation back to the third division before this game, having been promoted last year as Champions. Having said that they only fielded ten men, but the ten they fielded did their club proud and worked their socks off to make it very hard for us. We made it very hard for ourselves too with some pretty woeful delivery and finishing. And their keeper made some outstanding saves. Ackers scored the first after half an hour of frustration and Matt got our second just before half time. Matt got his second and then his third (3 hat tricks in 4 games) when he touched in a very good Geordie free kick. Tills added the final touch with the fifth. It could have been and should have been more but the South Bank boys didn’t deserve it to be any worse and you had to admire their spirit. The game was played in a pretty good spirit and well refereed by Dominic Stepford who was firm and consistent; he got a couple of calls wrong but then he is only a bishop not the almighty. This defeat relegated South Bank . They have such good facilities and determination and some outstanding players that they should bounce back. As for Merton it keeps alive our outside chances of promotion. Team: Jeff (GK), Cookie, Clappers, Gash, Geordie ( Chris Jones 75mins), Browner, Tills(1), Woody, Glenn, Ackers(1), Matt B (3) (Lofty 80 mins.) Max Herbert
22nd March Merton 0 - 2 Weirside Rangers (League) (Home) Report: As you would expect with both teams going for promotion and Wearside with a realistic chance of the Championship it was a keenly contested game with no quarter given. With Joseph Hood unplayable the game was switched to Weirside nice ground in Teddington but you couldn’t change the weather and we had it all but the most important factor was the gale force wind blowing down the pitch. We kicked with it ‘helping‘ us. Weirside settled quicker and were obviously a strong well organised team with a bit of pace and enough skill. When we got into the game Woody had a great shot tipped on to the cross bar by their keeper. Spurred on by this we probably had too many attempts from long range although one good move ended with Matt having a good chance but the ball got stuck under his feet. With half an hour gone a bit of sloppy defending and a good finish saw Weirside take a decisive lead and five minutes later they doubled it when a well flighted free kick was misjudgd by a hesitant defence and their forward side footed it home skilfully. Against the wind and two down in the second half we gave it a real good go. We forced them back for a period at the start of the second half but couldn’t score. We created some good chances but just could not put them away with Cam hitting the bar and Bully too. Their keeper made a couple of good saves. In fairness tho their defence did pretty well to keep us at a distance and we didn’t really get after them. They were dangerous at all times up front but we kept them at bay in the second half. We had a last late flurry but lost Bully with a broken nose. This act of sacrilege spurred us on and Cam had to come off with a hammy, and Woody at the call of his in laws, but Weirside held out. This result probably finishes our promotion hopes but Weirside are serious championship contenders, deservedly so, They are the best we have played this season. I felt we gave it our best shot and played as well as we were allowed to. In our other defeats I have always felt we beat ourselves but not today. And I was proud of our effort, attitude and commitment and we looked a good team with some excellent individual performances. But beaten on the day by a very good side who may well win our dvision. No complaints. The game was well controlled by Pat Morrissey and two linos. Thanks to Weirside for allowing us to swap grounds. Max Herbert. Team; Jeff (GK), Geordie, Clappers, Browner, Cookie, Tills, Bully (70 mins, Lofty), Woody (5mins Sherbs) Cam, (75mins Gash), Ackers, Matt B.
15th March Merton 5 - 1 Southbank Cuaco (League) (Away) Scorers: Bosher 3, Clark 2 Report: Another three points to keep our hopes of promotion alive if a little unrealistic. It is a very nice place to go and play football with an excellent ground and facilities. We started a little nervously and in the first few minutes South Bank’saerial power with flick onsfrom corners and throws seemed to unnerve us. I remember thinking they looked a small side but they seemed to win much more than their fair share in attack and defence. We started to get on top and scored on the half hour when Sherbs cross was headed home by Matt. Five minutes later Matt was set up by a lofty Sherbs interchange and his shot was blocked for a penalty. (Harsh??) Cameron dispatched it. After half time we started to play better and carved out some really good chances. None better than our third goal with a great cross from Cam headed back by Tills for Matt to finish. What should have been game over seldom seems to be the case. South Bank pulled one back and went after us. They narrowly headed wide from a corner and a great defensive header from Geordie preserved our lead. We got back on top and a second penalty for a foul on Matt gave Cam the opportunity to score his second and Matt completed his hat trick after that. I thought the score flattered us and I find it hard to believe this side has done so poorly this season. We play them again in a few weeks. From our perspective it was a good workmanlike performance. Clappers and Tills drove us forward from midfield and Matt picked up another hat trick and was involved in both penalties. So we need to keep going as we now facepromotion contenders in ur next two games. Max Herbert Team; Jeff (GK) Geordie, Clappers, Browner, Sherbs, Cam, (2 pens)Tills, Woody, Lofty (75mins Cooky), Bully (70mins Glen), Matt B (3)
8th March Merton 8 - 2 Old Lyonians (League) (Away) Scorers: Tilley, Bosher 5, Ackerman, Woods Report: We put a lot of effort into our preparation for this game and it paid dividends. Jeff’s cunning plan and a 1½ hour training session as to how it should be implemented proved very fruitful. Old Lyonians are fighting relegation and provided determined opposition for a game that was played on a beautiful pitch. The plan was to attack and we did. I cant give a blow by blow account as it is still a bit of a blur as so much happened. We scored after 5 mins as Sherbs put a bouncing through ball into the heart of their defence and Matt B got on the end to score. A great move from Ackers and Cam saw Matt B finish it off, sliding in at the far post. They pulled one back when their forward finished well from a through ball. We went 3 – 1 up (Woody?) but they scored from a good free kick. Matt got our 4th and Ackers made it 5-2 seeing their keeper off his line and scoring from 35 yards. So it was 6-2 at half time. We added two more in the second half and ran out comfortable winners. OLD Ls battled to the end. Their keeper went off with 10 mins to go and their able striker went in goal and made a couple of outstanding saves. It was a very good day and one of our best performances. Team; Jeff (GK), Geordie, Clappers (Capt) Browner, Sherbs, Cam (Glenn 65mins) Tills (1) Bully, (Cookie 75mins) Woody (1) Ackers (1) Matt (5)
1st March Merton 0 - 1 BB Eagles (League) (Home) Report: It was always going to be a difficult game. Resurgent opposition on a roll, a bouncy pitch with a horrible cross wind. With the wind in the first half we dominated possession but never got to grips with the opposition and created only a few chances. Rudi and Tills shot wide and Ackers lobbed over. In the second half BB Eagles helped by the wind got into the game and scored on the hour slightly against the run of play, as we had just enjoyed a few good moves that lead to nothing. The goal came from one of those wickedly curling crosses that are always difficult to defend (but lads you ought try,) touched in by the forward. After that BB Eagles grew in confidence and had a good spell and threatened to go further ahead. They then fell back to defend their lead which they did. We went close for the equaliser when an Ackers header was cleared off the line but otherwise had little to show from a defence lead by Kieron McSweeney and another ageing maestro that stood resolute. If we are not going to slide down the table we need to listen to what Jeff is telling us and do it. This was very similar to our performance at EBOG. Whilst you felt it had been a bit of a smash and grab raid, we would only be fooling ourselves if we thought performances like that are good enough in this division. We need more creativity and guile to defeat well organised opposition with a number of good players like BB Eagles, who came with a plan and saw it thru. After the game the ref said that after we went one down we didn’t have a plan B. I thought that we didn’t implement plan A. The game was played in good spirit and well refereed by Peter Koscoliek. We didn’t have any bookings for a change. Team. Jeff, Geordie, (82mins Matt B.) Cookie, Clappers (Capt), Sherbs, Cameron, Tills, Rudi, (Lofty 65 mins) Woody, Ackers, Glenn.
23rd February Merton 1 - 4 Old Salesians (AFA Surrey/Kent Senior Cup Semi Final) (Away) Scorer: Clark Report:This was not the one sided affair that the scoreline might suggest. Old Salesians goals came in a ten minute burst straight after half time when we hit that old Merton self destruct button. We didn’t come out for the second half and were one down in micro seconds. Old Sals added 3 more with little resistance from us, a little help from a linesman with a harsh penalty award and a very good header. This ended the game and they took their foot off the gas. But the first half had been very different. Although Old Sals had the better of the early exchanges when we settled we carved out the best chances and could/should have got our noses in front by half time. Their keeper made an excellent save or two, we hit the post and had a couple of goal line clearances, one from over the line or so we thought. They were dangerous on the break and also hit the post. The second half was very different and although we rallied to get a goal back. Cameron from the penalty spot. We ended up with 9 men as Bully vented his frustration on the ref (bad call the pros kick advertising hoardings – none about OK) and having used our substitutes Gash was carried off with a twisted knee. We carved out a really good scoring chance but fluffed it. But none of this affected the result which was settled in the 10 minutes after half time. Beaten by a stronger side on the day, and it really wasn’t our day. Old Sals had an enormous pitch, were a very strong outfit with some very good players. Their two strikers were quick mobile and always dangerous. They had a bit of strength and class at the back. Hospitality was well received and we drifted off to .....? regroup to reignite our promotion campaign for the home game against BB eagles next week. Team. (4-4-2) Jeff (GK), Geordie (82mins S&H), Clappers, Browner, Gash, Cameron (1pen)(75 mins Matt Bosher, ) James Tilley, Rudi (60mins Glen Lilley) Woody, Ackers , Bully.
26th January Merton 3 - 2 (AET) Sinjuns Grammarians (AFA Surrey/Kent Senior Cup) (Home) Scorers: Ackerman 2, Cook Report: Quarter Final of Surrey/Kent Senior Cup. Merton edged through to the first AFA senior semi final for a number of years against a very strong Sinjuns side. The pitch was tacky and difficult but eminently playable. We started the better and pressed but did not convert any of our chances. Sinjuns were quick and strong on the break and had the ball in the net twice but were disallowed for offside. Half time came with no goals and again we had the better of play and went one up when Cookie forced home after Tills had won a good far post header from a well delivered free kick. Although we pressed and Sherbs went agonisingly close with a volley from the edge of the box we could not get the decisive second goal and paid the price. Failing to clear a corner the equaliser was fired home from close range. Again we failed to convert our chances and the Sinjuns forwards, excellent on the break and well supported, scored what looked the decisive goal with only a few minutes left. This was not one for the faint hearted and with the last kick of normal time Ackers finished off a good move with a well taken life saver. (Terry’s life that is). So extra time and although we thought we were the fittest Sinjuns dominated the first minutes and Ackers scored our winning goal when played through, if anything, slightly against the run of play. We held on for the last 15 minutes missing chances but having enough narrow shaves to keep the heart pounding. It was a very well contested cup tie and one can see how Sinjuns could have felt a little disappointed. We battled throughout with James Tilley and Rudi Doo leading the mid field onslaught. Cooky and Browner were outstanding at the back and Ackers and Bully ran till they dropped but all 14 players were magnificent. So it is the semi final on March 1st and we are away to Old Salesians. West Wickham play Nottsborough in the other semi. And they are currently the top three sides in SAL Div 1. This was a very good performance and I was very proud of every one of the team. Team (4-4-2) Jeff Hawkins (GK) Gash, Cookie, Browner, Sherbs,(Glenn 84 mins) Cameron, Tills (Capt), Rudi, Woody, (Matt B 85mins) Ackers, Bully (Lofty 115 mins)
19th January Merton 1 - 0 BB Eagles (League) (Away) Scorer: Clark Report: The surprise was that we played at all and that the pitch although soft was perfectly playable if a little sticky and difficult. We started well and dominated scoring after 10 minutes when Cameron hit an unstoppable shot from 25yards. Their defender half blocked it and it looped even more unstoppably over their keeper. We had other chances but did no put them away. Their keeper made a point blank save from a Clappers header from a Cameron corner. At half time we were only one up and had not put the game beyond the opposition. Apparently BB Eagles this season don’t turn up for the first half. They didn’t. But they have a team talk at half time home truths and are a different side in the second half. They were. It was a much more even game and though we had more of the play and the better chances it was a close run thing. They were reduced to 10 men (sent off for swearing). Odd because there were some very fruity tackles from both sides that went unpunished. Their keeper made a superb save in the final minutes from a well struck Gash penalty and we held on for the three points. If you want to read an accurate fair report on the game you should visit BB Eagles web site and I would not disagree with anything said there. I can see that they did enough in the second half to nick a point and their description of us as an ‘ordinary’ second division side was not far off the truth on that showing. It was not good enough yesterday and it was another EBOG type showing. We are or can be better than ordinary but we need to 1) Show more commitment to training 2) Improve our fitness levels 3) Listen to what Jeff is saying. I sometimes think that players think he is talking to the rest of the squad and it does not apply to them. However there are some real positives we got three points our spirit and commitment was good and our attitude good. We have a cup game on Saturday at home to a strong AFC side, Sinjun Grammarians, and will need to be at our best if we are to progress to the semis.
Team; Jeff (GK), Geordie, Browner, Clappers, Gash, Cameron (1), (Chris Jones – 85 mins), Rudi, Lofty (Cooky – 85mins), Matt B (Alex -65 mins), Bully , Ackers.
Congratulations – Simon White (Lofty). In this win at BB Eagles Lofty made his 200th appearance for Merton’s first team. He joined in 1999 and has been at the forefront of the clubs improved performances and our position second place in Division 2 and aspiring to do better. Thanks Lofty for all the work for the club. There will be a small presentation after our game on Saturday 26th.
5th January Merton 1 -2 East Barnet Old Grammerians (League) (Away) Scorer: Bull Report: We started the year with a defeat away from home which was not what was planned. We dominated the game from the start but did not create enough good opportunities and those we did we didn’t take. Denied a clear cut penalty after 15 mins of pressure, the ref played advantage, EBOG took the lead against the run of play with a well taken goal after sloppy defending. A change of plan at half time but EBOG went two up early in the second half when we gave the ball away and did not press the attacker who put in a very good cross and the striker headed a very good goal. With a lead of two goals EBOG fell back on defence. We scrambled one back with 30 mins to go, Bully scoring from close range, and we had chances to equalise but EBOG were determined defenders and held out for a good result for them. It was a difficult pitch and surface to play on, the game was pretty well refereed by John Faithfull and whilst we did not lack commitment we may have been short on quality, particularly with the final ball. It was not our day. Team. Jeff (GK) Geordie, PeteB, Cooky, Gash, Matt B. (Rudi 75mins) Woody, Tills (Capt), Glenn, Ackers, Bully.
15th December Merton 4 - 0 HSBC (League) (Home) Scorers: Lilley 4 Report: This was a great result to set us up for the Christmas break and for 2008. The afternoon did not start too promisingly with two of our players lost on route. Frantic phone calls but they had no idea where they were. It looks like they got lost in Sutton en route to New Beckenham. (A tom tom or an A to Z for Christmas). So we kicked off with a bit of a makeshift side and non ideal preparations. The first half was pretty even with Both sides having chances. We probably had more possession and chances but they had the better of the chances and had aerial supremacy. In the second half we brought on Cameron and Tills, the wanderers, and started to take control. However HSBC had the ball in the net but the goal was disallowed for a foul on our Keeper. After that we quickly went ahead with a 30 yard rocket strike from Glenn Lilley. After this the game opened up and we put together some pretty good moves and Ackers played Glen in for his second and Gash for his third. Glenn rounded off a pretty good day by getting a fourth and getting all the points. The final scoreline probably flattered us and it could have been quite different. HSBC were a strong well organised side and very strong in the air. They have a great pitch and first class facilities so it was a pretty good day for us. But guys we do moan a lot even when we are winning. It is really not necessary and has to stop. We lose focus and it will cost us. Also it is just poor behaviour. So a few ideas for Christmas presents, an A to Z or two. New years resolutions, No dissent, Pitch up an hour before KO and go to training. Pete Brown elected to travel back with Cam and Tills. Hope he gets home for Christmas. That was a pretty good all round performance from all the squad and glad we took 14. So Happy Christmas everyone. Team; Jeff Hawkins, Geordie, Gash, Pete Brown, Clappers Sherbs (Cameron), Rudi (Tills), Woody, Matt Bosher (Lofty), Ackers, Glen Lilley (4).
24th November Merton 2 -1 Old Lyonians (League) (Home) Scorers: Bull, Tilley Report:
17th November Merton 5 - 1 Kings Old Boys (AFA Surrey/Kent Senior Cup) (Home) Scorers: Bull 2, Tilley, Herbert, Ackerman Report: Bully’s Special prize…Merton entertained old foes Kings Old Boys in the last 16 of cup and emphatically earned themselves a date in the Quarter Finals against Sinjuns in January. Bully opened the scoring midway through the first half turning in from close range and that’s the way it stayed until the break albeit thanks to what seemed like an impossible clearance from Gash on the goaline. The tie was effectively over in the first 15 mins of the second half with Merton overpowering the opposition and scoring 4 goals. Ackers added the second with a clever lob after a Bully flick on, before Alex slotted home at the far post following more good approach play by the front 2. Bully added his second and Merton’s forth with a clever near post header before Tilley rapped it up following Lofty’s far post cross. Merton eased up in the latter stages and conceded a sloppy consolation which on balance kings old boys probably deserved for not letting there heads drop. There was also time for birthday boy Thommo to entertain the crowd with a 15 minute cameo. Merton were finally back to winning ways, happy days… Line up – Hawkins, Fiveash, Cook, Brown, Clapperton, White (Thomas 75 mins), Tilley, Herbert, Jones c, Bull (Bosher 70 mins), Ackerman10th November Merton 0 - 1 Old Wilsonians (AFA Senior Cup) (Home) Report: Another cup defeat less than 48 hours after Ashford. We didn’t have much time to recover and it was insufficient time for Matt and Pete Brown. Still we got on with our task against first division opposition. It was a fairly even first half but they went one up after half an hour. A well flighted corner was headed powerfully home from 6 yards. It did not seem likely to bre the only goal of the game. We suffered a further setback after 40 mins. When Rudi trying to execute some sort of ballet movement, reminiscent of Danny Boy Wells in his hey day landed while still trying to complete the essential ½ twist. This brought Chris Jones into the frame. We dominated the second half and created enough good chances to have got at least one goal. We hit the bar and Lofty, Cameron and Chris Jones went very close. Their keeper made a couple of very good saves in a good all round performance. In fairness also their defence were very good at snuffing us out and getting in the way and generally frustrating us. It was a good competitive game played in a good spirit and well refereed by Derek Horner. We have now lost 3 in a row and not won in five so it is time to buckle down
8th November Merton 1 - 2 Ashford Town (Middlesex) Scorer: White Report: It is always nice to play in this cup which gives us a floodlit mid-week fixture and it would be even nicer to win one one day. Ashford is not the easiest ground to get to, well not from Wimbledon anyway and pretty difficult to assemble the team at 6.45 for the 7.45 KO. But we all got there eventually (Glen). And we kicked off and settled down quickly. We had a spectacular start with Cameron latching on to our diagonal kick off and creating our first chance. Then we perhaps missed our best chance when the ball bobbed round there six yard area. But as is our style we were quickly behind giving away the ball in midfield and we were punished with some sharp passes and a good finish. We then gave as good as we got in a bit of a scrappy half. At half time we could hear their half time talk. We couldnt actually hear what was said but we could get the drift and it was not for the squeamish. We concluded that we might be behind but all was not well with the oppo and we went out to win the game. And that is what we tried to do. We had the best of the early exchanges but we did not take our chances and Ashford started to get on top and had some good chances. Our back four however were magnificent. Glen Lilley’s introduction sparked a revival and we created a very good chance which we missed and soon we were 2-0 down. It was something of a bizarre event with the ball bobbing around in our 6 yard area and I was just wondering how this slow motion drama was going to end when Gash put me out of my misery. He couldn’t get a good head or strike on it but with a touch of athleticism he was able to force it over the line. ( Gash that gives you personal goal difference of -1 even with your 2 pens). Lofty came on and with Cameron hitting a deep corner he scored a trademark backpost header for the goal that we deserved, albeit just a consolation. Still it was a pretty good performance and we created enough chances to have got something from the game. The game was refereed excellently by Adam Wilson and Ashford Town’s hospitality was much appreciated. Team. Jeff Hawkins (GK), Geordie, Pete Brown, Clappers (Capt), Cookie, Cameron, James Tilley, Rudi,(Lofty 85mins) Sherbs,(Glen Lilley 60mins). Ackers Matt Bosher (Gash 65mins). Sub not used Danny Boy Wells.
3rd November Merton 0 - 2 Weirside Rangers (Leage) (Away) Report: Highlighting the major talking points of this game would suggest that Weirside dominated the match, however the story over 90 minutes illustrated a more even game. The team talk before the game centered around improving our defending, but ultimately the goals we conceded were ones that could have been avoided. The game started in a scrappy fashion with a number of fouls given away in midfield, but there were very few chances conceded. The first main chance fell to Rudi and he connected well with the ball but the Peter Schmeichel-esque maneuver blocked his effort. Our passing at times wasn’t up to standard, as we were either looking for the killer ball too often or playing simple balls in the air. Weirside’s first goal came from a clearance down the line which their striker did very well to hit the ball over the on rushing Jeff from 30 yards and a difficult angle. We went in 1-0 down at half time, and despite them nearly scoring immediately after the kick off, we started the second half well with some good sustained pressure in their half, but much to Mr Dray’s annoyance everyone one of his shots was deflected away from their intended target of the top corner. We weren’t getting the rub of the green, and we were not able to sufficiently test their keeper. Soon after this a nomadic player who no one had ever seen before and we thought was playing on the left wing, turned up on the right wing, did some step overs, beat a few players and smashed a great shot past Jeff’s near post. We continued to have some good possession but a badly played ball in midfield resulted Weirside in gaining a penalty. Cookie’s sledging had the desired effect, as the number 6 missed his first ever penalty due to a good save by Jeff, the rebound was missed by their striker (presumably because his legs had stopped working after a previous combative challenge from Clappers. Soon after this, the nomadic left winger started sprinting towards the touchline (there was a supporter there with a pie), Lofty wasn’t having any of this and used all of his guile and experience to scythe him down – no booking though! Glenn and Andy were bought on to create a more attacking line up, and this resulted in more pressure, but ultimately we were still unable to get the goals we needed. The game finished 2-0, and we’ve now got some work to do in achieving the aims that we set for ourselves at the start of the season. Team: Jeff Hawkins, James Fiveash, David Cook, Simon Clapperton, Paul Summers, Rudi Dray, Mike Reed (Glenn Lilley (60 mins), Simon White (Andy Ward 65 mins), Cameron Clark, Chris Wood, Lewis Ackerman.
27th October Merton 3 -3 Kew Association (League) (Home) Scorers: Clark 2, Lilley Report: Its never an ordinary afternoon when Kew are the visitors and Saturday was like that. Just as at Carshalton we conceded a very early goal but hit back straight away with a Glen Lilley strike that was deflected past the keeper. Both sides then had opportunities to go ahead before we did so just before half time when Cameron scored with a terrific free kick. The second half started evenly with Kew pressing before we got on top. We missed a couple of chances before Cameron got his second and our third. We spurned opportunities to increase our lead and paid the price when we failed to withstand Kew’s committed late rally eventually equalising in the last moments. It was a touch disappointing but there were some positives. We got a point from Kew which is more than we managed last time. No one in the management team committed suicide. We did not commit any foul throws. Just aswell as I think there would have been a double sending off. I can't see the Gash family taking that with a smile. Specially when you can be booked for saying ‘No way ref’ Particularly if you say it in geordy. S&H was blameless on all goals. And it was nice to see Lee Bolton, Kew’s ‘veteran’ striker come off the bench and score his 200th goal for Kew’s first Team to get the stoppage time equaliser and for it to be celebrated so modestly. (Actually a terrific achievement for Lee – Congratulations). Next week away to Weirside and we need to get back to winning ways.Team; Alex Herbert (GK), Geordie, Clappers, Pete Brown, Gash, Cameron (2), James Tilley, Lofty (Cookie 50mins), Rudi, Ackers, Glen Lilley (1) (Wardy 75 mins).
20th October Merton 4 - 5 Carshalton (League) (Away) Scorers: Ackerman 2, Clapperton, White Report: We went down to our first defeat of the season against Carshalton who maintained their 100% record. It was a disappointing performance with many of our players underperforming and we did not give a good account of ourselves. The scoreline flattered us as we were seldom seen with a chance. Carshalton were quick and competitive and were very effective. They went ahead after only few minutes when their winger took advantage of an offside decision to score. It quickly got worse as a free kick from way out sailed through our defence and was touched home. Ackers got one back after half an hour when he volleyed home from a poor defensive header. They cleared a shot or two off the line when Cameron waltzed through them but just before half time an unchallenged midfielder made it 3-1 when he had time and space to unleash a 35 yard thunderbolt. After half time we got it back to 3-2 when Ackers lobbed their keeper after a poor clearance. We pressed for an equaliser and the game got very stretched, it had been very open. We hit the post and bar but conceded a couple of penalties and 5-2 was too far to come back from. Gash is now 2-2 on penalties this season. Headers from Clappers and Lofty gave us respectability but Carshalton held out for the points. Carshalton shouldbe there or thereabouts forpromotion this season. We have Kew next week who are always difficult so we will need a very good performance and a big improvement. Team. Paul Cardazzone, (GK) Gash, Clappers (1), Pete B, Cookie, (Alex H 75 mins) Cameron, James T. Rudi, (Lofty 75 mins (1)) Woody, Matt B.(Glenn Lilley 70 mins) Ackers (2)
13th October Merton 2 - 1 Norseman (League) (Away) Scorers: Fiveash (pen), Ackerman Report: We continued our good start to the season with a win at Norsemen. It is a pleasure to go to such a nice ground and well organised club. And of course it is even better to win a good competitive game. Most of the team travelled by team bus but a few were making their own way by car. Seldom a good idea and very worrying but miraculously all turned up in good time. We started very well and immediately got on top. We probably played as well as we have done for the first 35 minutes. We failed to make enough good chances from s lot of pressure and we did not do well enough wikth the openings we created and when we did the keeper made some good saves (he did that throughout the game) and we had a couple cleared off the line. Just before half time they broke away quickly when one of our free kicks clattered into their wall and nearly scored against the run of play, their striker arriving fast on the break headed over from close range. It was more difficult than it looked. They continued to be more dangerous from our free kicks than we were. We took the lead just before half time when Ackers broke clear and was brought down for the penalty that Gash put away really well. We perhaps should have been more ahead. In the second half Norsemen got into the game and were lively on the break. We still created and missed some good chances before on about 70 minsthey equalised. It looked likely as they got more and more dangerous. The game could have gone either way at that point but we took all the points with a late goal. Following a defensive slip their keeper saved well with the ball going against the post we then fired it against the bar before Ackers nosed it over the line. All this was done in ultra slow motion. There was still a few moments left and some dangers to survive generated from a very good long throw. I think we just about deserved the win but Norsemen showed what they are capable of in the second half. Clappers and Pete Brown were outstanding again and all the team worked hard for the win. It was a really good effort. The game was well refereed and it was a good day out. Team:Jeff Hakins (GK), Geordie, Clappers, Pete B, Gash, Cameron, Lofty, (Mustard 85 mins), Rudi, Alex H. (Glenn Lilley 75 mins) Ackers, Matt B.
6th October Merton 2 - 1 East Barnet Old Grammarians (League) (Away) Scorers: Bosier, Clapperton Report: Another good result at home against a very good side. We chased and harried and , in fairness probably stopped them playing the way they wanted to . They looked likea team that wanted to play football aswell. They were a big strong well organised side as you can expect from a side that has just come down from Division 1. We probably shaded the first half and had a couple of good chances and deserved to be one up. We went ahead just after the half hour when a quickly taken free kick set S&H away who crossed for Matt B to flick on and Clappers to net from close range. Right from the off in the second half EBOG came out in very determined fashion and bossed it spreading the ball well and quickly equalised with a rocket when the ball ran loose from a cross. For the next ten minutes EBOG continued to dominate but we went ahead slightly against the run of play when Ackers played Matt B in who flicked it past the oncoming keeper. We held on for a hard won victory. It was never comfortable. This was our best performance for a long time because the opposition looked very good and probably a little off colour. After their comfortable win they may have expected an easier ride. This division is not easy. The game was very well refereed by Pat Morrissey. This was a very good performance and we need to build on this good start next week away to Norsemen. Team: Jeff Hawkins (GK), Gash, Clappers, Pete B, Cookie, Geordie, James Tilley, Rudi, Alex H. (Chris Jones 85mins) Matt B, Ackers (Sub not used Lofty) Max Herbert
29th September Merton 2 - 0 HSBC (League) (Home) Scorers: Fiveash (pen), Bosier Report: This was a great start to the league campaign with a hard fought win over a very strong and competitive HSBC team. We never achieved the fluency of last week’s performance but this was a different calibre of opposition who beat us twice last season. This is a very tough division and there was always a danger that we might just get out muscled by a very determined side. We went ahead after 20 mins with a Gash penalty after Cameron was upended in the box. The decisive second goal came after 60 mins with a Cameron corner, delivered low and hard, flicked home by Matt Bosher. We missed a few good chances hitting the post twice, and their keeper made some very good saves. Our central defenders and midfield were outstanding but every player made a contribution. Clappers stood in ably as a driving captain while Lofty was away on Father duty. (Congrats to Lofty and Clare on their first born Jessica Rose.) It was not the easiest game to referee but John Hall, on his travels from North London was up to the task. It was a very good start to a long nights drinking, with sightings of Elvis Reported everywhere in the Village, (Even in Tescos buying Hula Hoops – Weird!!). Next week Home to EBOG who won 5-0 away at South Bank. Team; Jeff ‘Elvis’ Hawkins(GK), Gash (pen) Pete Brown, Clappers (Capt), Cookie, Cameron, James Tilley, Rudi ‘Elvis’ Dray (Geordie 65mins) Woody (S&H 75 mins) Matt Bosher (1), Ackers (The King).
22nd September Merton 9 - 1 Shene old Grammerians (AFA Surrey/Kent Senior Cup) (Away) Scorers: Ackerman 3, Clark, Cook, Tilley 2, Wood 2 Report: This was an excellent start to our competitive season. We have had an odd pre season with defeats to top sides where we have played well in patches but even when we have won we have looked unconvincing. But today we raced out of the blocks and never let Shene settle, we were quickly 2 ahead. The home defence found Matt Bosher too hot to handle and Ackers was deadly when Matt set him up. It was a comfortable 6-0 at half time as we dominated all over the park. We faded a bit in last quarter and gave a sloppy goal away. There were two headed goals from James Tilley and one from Cookie, a debut goal from Cameron and 2 from Woody. Ackers marked his return to Merton with a first half hat trick. Shene obviously had an off day but the facilities and hospitality were excellent. So it was a pretty good day out for us. The league starts next week when we are at home to HSBC and can expect a tough game. Jeff Hawkins (GK), Gash, Pete Brown, Clappers, Cookie (1), Cameron Clark (Geordie 65mins), James Tilley(2), Woody (2), Simon White (Rudi Dray 60 mins), Ackers (3), (Alex Herbert 70mins), Matt Bosher
