Month: October 2015

Merton Res 1 Old Finchleians Res 1  (HT 0-0)

An interesting game with a lot of good passing football with the goals coming from two really good strikes. The first half finished goalless with both sides creating opportunities and both keepers being kept busy. The second half continued in that fashion but with about twenty minutes to go OFs failed to clear a corner other than to Darcy 25 yards out who scored with a great strike. There were times when we looked like scoring the important second goal but were prevented twice by unpunished cynical fouls and finally by their keeper felling our player through on goal. The red card he received about five mins from time seemed to galvanise OFs into a late rally. With Merton under the cosh there was some naïve defending and we ultimately conceded a free kick in a bad position. So with only seconds remaining their striker buried the equaliser with a great strike. In fairness a draw was probably a fair result. Old Fs had some good players out there and played some good attractive passing football. They were very vocal and I felt intimidated the referee. Brian West is a ref who likes to let things roll which can be good but this game needed a firmer hand.  It was good to see Rich Moore back in midfield after his bad injury last season.  It would have been a good three points but one is OK. Our defence did well to limit their lively forwards and Marc Wilson and Paul Pearce were outstanding. We need to kick on from this and try and get some consistency and regularity in availability.

Merton 4s vs. Old Lyonians 3s
ISEH Minor Cup, First Round
Saturday 17^th October 2015
by Edward Plaistow

So following last week’s heroics in the AFA Cup, this week we welcomed a young Old Lyonians side to Joseph Hood for and ISEH Cup game that we were hoping would have the same outcome as 7 days prior.

We welcomed Dom, Jake and Arnold back into the starting XI leaving myself and Aaron to warm the bench. Also starting was Elliott Phipps, another friend on the Plumridges who was looking to get back into the game following a serious injury.

Watching from the side-line was frustrating as ever! The visitors were playing with confidence from the off, not what was expected from a side that hadn’t won a single game in a year! They were passing and moving causing confusion to both the midfield and defence. This paid off after 10 minutes when a ball was played over the top to their striker who, with his back to goal, managed to get a shot in that found its way under Sam’s body. 1-0 to the visitors.

We had to make an early sub 15 minutes in. Chris Dodd overstretched while chasing a defending ball meaning Aaron had to replace him. No long after, all of five minutes to be exact, we had to make our second substitution. Glen twisted and ankle while attempting a header. Chris Outred moved into the centre to support John at the back with myself coming on to take up my usual left back position.

After conceding we were chasing every loose ball and letting Old Lyonians know that we were not a push over. This pressure paid off on the half hour mark. Dom hustled the ball down near the touch line, and could have been awarded a number of fouls in the process, to release the ball to Elliott which was lost. A bizarre incident followed. When the ball was lost, the left back attempted a pass back to the keeper when the ball bobbled over the keeper foot and into the back of the net. All credit must go to Dom for that and if I could I would award the goal to him personally however that is not how the game goes. We let him know that it was down to him. 1-1 with 15 minutes to go until the break.

The young blood was still finding ways to cause us problems and this was proved when they were awarded a penalty just before the break. John tripping their number 11 following a mazy run. Fortunately their number 9, who was playing off of the right wing (but left footed), took the penalty and hit it wide.

We were showing grit and determination towards the end of the first period so the team talk at half time was one was more positives than negatives.

The second half (apart from the final 10 minutes) was dreadful from a Merton perspective. Old Lyonians were call, calm and collected on the ball and were playing with more confidence than we were. Quick pass and move plays were causing us all sorts problems. This style of football allowed them to score 3 goals that could have been avoided. It could have been worse had the ref not overturned his original decision or awarding a penalty against John for a handball. John did well to convince him that it actually hit him in the crown jewels and the ref took his words for it and called a drop-ball.

A few late changes had to be made, Chris Dodd came back on to replace Aaron and Glen came back on to replace Jake in the middle. Due to his injury, I felt best to stick Glen up top and drop Elliott back into the middle as the former would have found it hard to track back.

With 10 minutes to go we were piling the pressure on and it was only down to their keeper that we didn’t score sooner than we did. The opposition finally gave in when a ball in by Elliott from the left was parried by the keeper and Dulanie was there to smash in the rebound. We were now full of confidence and our third goal followed no longer than a minute late when Glen volleyed into the top corner after a great cross from yours truly.

Unfortunately we’re didn’t have enough time to get back into the game but that renewed confidence will be good to take into next week’s reverse league fixture against HSBC 5s.

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 3 – 5 Old Lyonians 3s SCORERS: Own Goa, Dulanie Richards, Glen Porter MOTM: Sam Singer-Ripley

STARTING LINE-UP: Sam Singer-Ripley (GK), Ryan Burchell, John Gridley, Glen Porter (Edward Plaistow), Chris Outred, Chris Dodd (Aaron Ackerman), Jake Hewitt, Arnold Collier, Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge, Elliott Phipps.

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Youth Results Today – |A mixed bag U10s lost 4-1 to Rocks Lane. U11s won 13-2 against Mitcham Park Juniors. U12s won 1-0 against Carshalton Athletic. U13s lost 3-1 aginst Stoneleigh Athletic . Its a familiar story but they dominated the game that they lost. It is all part of growing up. Tell Clappers about it!!!

Today’s news from the Hood. 1s beat Old Sals away 3-2 in cup. (Scorers – Liam Stevens, DQ, Tills). 2s draw at home to Old Finchleians. Great strike from Darcy seemed to have won the game but 10 man OFs rallied after their GK was sent off and scored a last gasp equaliser with great free kick. 3s drew 1-1 with EBOG and missed a pen. 4s lost a Cup match 5-3 to Old Lyons. The 5 lose 3 – 1 away to South Bank Cuaco.  The 6s beat Civil Service 9s 5 – 1 a great team performance, defended well and took the goals well.

Sunday 11th October 2015
Merton FC v Wallington Wanderers
K O 11am Final score 2-3

Shame we lost this week!
First half kicked off with a few nice passes making the first goal ten minutes in to the game, a ball came through from Thomas was picked up by Jamal then onto Harry to score our first well worked goal, W,W passed a few good balls making Oliver then have to work hard to keep those shots out which he did with great confidence , Ariane cleared a great cross made by WW but then soon came the second goal
To make 1-1 then just before half time came another try by Thomas, unlucky!
2nd half kicked off with WW scoring with a great goal … Another nearly came from W,W with a great run down but Oliver making a great save . Then we managed to break through with Jamal scoring another great goal to make 2-2. A free kick was given to WW and once again Oliver saved the day with another great save, but soon after with minutes to the end it became 2-3 with a good goal from WW ,unlucky Oliver !
Motm -Harry ,well done Harry !and also Oliver for keeping us in the game!
Many thanks to the church for feeding us Tea , Coffee and Cake on the line .

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It was a bright and warm autumn day and most of the squad arrived in plenty of time before the start of the game. Some might say that Dan and Darren camped the night there as they were so early, others might say it was to polish off the youth teams BBQ.

Once the team was changed, it was down to the 5 minute quick stretch and warm up routine and we were ready to start.

Smith gave the team talk and told the team to enjoy the game and try to keep it tight for the first half hour.

Starting line-up was as follows: Merton’s number 1, Martin in goal, back 4 of Smithy (Gaffer), Daz, Chappell and the better Locke brother, Colin making his debut. Holding midfielder was Dan and John with Matty and Simon on the wings and up top was Pete and Paul. Impact subs were Beans and Gary.

So now to the game, Merton settled into the game quicker (for once!) and was playing some nice football from the back to the front. Colin and Simon worked well down the right and numerous dangerous crosses were put in the Old Blues box. Then with roughly 20 minutes gone, came Merton’s best chance. A corner came in and Chappell headed the ball against the bar, then Dan headed the rebound against the bar again and with the bouncing a yard before the goal line, Simon then managed to miss an open goal and hit the post. The beans on toast and wine bar were still rattling minutes after and Merton and their 3 supporters were left in shock as to how we were not 1-0 up.

Unfortunately, that was the best chance of the half for Merton barring some long range efforts.

Shortly before the break, disaster struck and the rub of the green definitely was not with Merton. A very dubious free kick was given away, whereby the Old Blues players kicked the boot of Simon and instead of the free kick given to Merton and from no protest of the opposition, the ref gave the free kick to Old Blues. After a brief protest Merton set up the wall and focused on defending. The Old Blues player then struck the free kick which was defended well by the wall, but the ball spun to the only attacking player in the box who then shined in to the only place he could have scored in the bottom corner.

Half time then came and with Merton feeling hard done by, the senior members of the team tried to install confidence again.

The second half did not start to well with Old Blues putting a bit of pressure on and started strongly with Merton helping out by giving silly free kicks away, however Old Blues didn’t really threaten the goal and Martin had little do apart from goal kicks.

Merton did have the ball in the net but Pete may have been slightly offside following in Matt’s effort the penalty spot after some great approach play from Merton.

With Merton pushing for an equaliser, Old Blues struck again with a goal that was out the top drawer. With Martin slightly off his line, the Old Blues player looked up and chipped the ball from all of 30 yards into the back of the net. By the looks of his celebration, he was as stunned as we were!

With the ref stopping the game for every time a player jumped for a header of fell over, the game was very stop start and played into the hands of the Old Blues, even the friendly giant Beans was booked for persistent fouling.

With the minutes ticking by, Merton kept pushing and Colin was making good in roads down the right hand side and teeing up Merton for some late chances.

It was nice to see Merton not giving up and nobodies heads going down, we played to the final whistle with Smithy having the last chance of the from a tight angle.

Final score 2-0 to Old Blues!!

After the game a good post beer was had by everyone and Smithy enjoying the foot long!

Now for man of the match!!

Some very good performances from most, Chappell and Daz had a good game at centre half with the Old Blues creating very little and most threats were dealt with.

Simon, even though he missed an open goal, put some great balls in the box and made some great tackles. And the two new lads Paul and John both contributed well.

This week, though I am going to give it to Colin (not because he was on debut and was my brother) but because he dealt with most that their left winger had to offer. He broke up play well and carried a threat going forward. Let’s hope this is not his first and only game for Merton!

Next week, the real test starts with the first league game of the season, let’s hope for a title challenge!!

Old Tiffinians 3s vs. Merton 4s
AFA Minor Cup, Preliminary Round
Saturday 10^th October 2015
by Mike Todt

After a sluggish start to the league campaign, with just a solitary point to show for our opening four games, it was onto the welcome distraction of the AFA Cup. Old Tiffinians (OT) 3s were the opponents, and given their relatively lowly status in the 8th Division of the Amateur Football Combination, the opportunity for a morale-boosting first win of the season beckoned. 

Nevertheless, Merton were never going to fall foul to complacency, and especially given the absence of key players, we knew a good performance would be the order of the day. Grist’s Memorial Ground in Hampton Court was the setting, and, mercifully, the overcast skies offered mild temperatures – a relief given the searing heat of the previous two weeks. A slight breeze fluttered in from the West, but all in all, perfect conditions set the stage for what turned out to be an enthralling contest.

Sam was back in goal after a wrist injury, while the experienced trio of Steve Burchell, John Gridley and Ed Plaistow headlined the defence. Chris Dodd and Glen were tasked with keeping things tidy in the centre of midfield, while skipper Chris Outred and Burchell junior (Ryan) were to bring pace and guile on the wings. Top scorer Dulanie led the line with Kyle Smith in behind; Kelvin was there to offer fresh legs from the bench too.

And so to the kick-off, and the early exchanges were fairly cagey from both sides. As if to feel each other out, neither side committed many men forward, and chances were few and far between. 10 minutes in, and OT began to venture up the field a bit more, and perhaps looked the more likely. The defence largely had the measure of their attacks, but were ultimately being penned in their half.

The call for composure then came, and suddenly there was a series of moves strung together by the men in yellow. True as bob, the momentum began to shift, and we came into the game. The breakthrough, however, required some inspiration. John received the ball deep in our half, and went on a rampaging run. One, two and then three men in purple were left in his dust, as he surged forward. Having nearly reached the opposing box, he slipped a delightful ball in to Dulanie, who smashed home the finish emphatically. The onion bag was rattled, joy broke out – 1-0 Merton after 20 minutes.

Riding the wave, the good passages of play continued, and there were a couple of half chances. But once again, the hosts wouldn’t go away, and the equaliser was to come 15 minutes before the half time whistle. A good move up the left wing centred around their pacey number 7, and he, in turn, released their left-footed striker. The defence was turned, and from 20 yards out, he unleashed a screamer of a shot. Sam got a glove on it, but there was no stopping the projectile as it snuck into the top-right corner. 1-1 and OT celebrated.

Our heads didn’t drop, but crucially, the goal lifted OT to another level. Wave after wave of attack followed, as the home side passed the ball around at will. We were being pushed deeper and deeper into our own half, and OT began to carve out a series of chances.

Yet while the momentum of the game had well and truly swung, there was to be good chance for the us too. A clearance was well picked up in midfield, and a superb through ball had the opposing keeper at sixes and sevens. Dulanie picked it up, and, one on one with the keeper, looked a sure bet to put it away. Cruelly, though, the ball bobbled at the moment critique, and the shot went agonisingly high and wide.

In truth, it would have been rather against the run of play though, and the remainder of the opening period was all OT. Amid the carnage, they rattled the bar and missed another glorious opportunity themselves to take the lead.

Needless to say, the whistle for half time offered sweet relief, and, knowing the wind would be at their backs for the second stanza, our chat at half time was all positive.

But again, we were unable to assert ourselves on the match when play resumed, and the ball kept coming back into our half. Five minutes in, and OT were presented with yet another gilt-edged chance to go in front, but sent it flying high above the bar.

It was one of numerous lucky escapes we encountered in a 15-minute period where we were under the cosh. A looping header hit the post, and each of their strikers sent close-range efforts high and wide when they ought to have scored.

Our grip on parity was becoming increasingly precarious, and other than a fine effort from Glen which hit the woodwork, we offered little going forward. Hearts skipped a beat too as the mercurial Dulanie limped off the field with 25 to go.

But his welcome return 10 minutes later marked a distinct shift in the game. True, OT continued to boss possession, and had large swathes of territory. But our defence seemed to get the measure of them, and began to snuff out their attacking moves with some authority. Our opponents were getting ball to feet, but looked bereft of options as a tide of yellow began to build.

The talking was better, the introduction of Kelvin offered some vital fresh legs, and Dulanie’s impressive chasing down of long balls upfront gave everyone a lift. Slowly, we began to cause the home side problems of their own. Perhaps conscious of the fact that they’d squandered so many good opportunities earlier, a hint of panic visibly engulfed OT.

As such, there was an air of inevitability about our second goal; albeit in controversial fashion. The referee had earlier blown a tough call for handball on Steve (just outside the box), and, as if to reciprocate, pointed to the spot when an OT defender’s clearance struck the barely-outstretched hand of his teammate with extra time looming.

Protests understandably ensued from the aghast home side. Less understandable though was a truly bizarre three-minute spell where the referee marched up and down the goal line, apparently to measure out where the penalty spot should be. It provided amusement for the bewildered players, but for Doddsy (Chris Dodd), it was an uncalled-for delay ahead of a crucial spot kick. Yet when the time (eventually) came, he made absolutely no mistake, blasting it high into the net with aplomb – the hapless keeper nowhere near it. 10 out of 11 from the spot that makes it for Chris, and 2-1 to Merton it was. Unbridled joy, and with 10 minutes to go, the spectre of extra time, or worse still, defeat, had ebbed away.

Heads were straight back on at the resumption, as we looked to close the game out clinically. The hosts had had the wind taken from their sails, and any pressure they built up was being absorbed by a disciplined Merton side, who were really playing for each other with victory now in sight.

The decisive goal though, was artful. Ryan made a typically determined run up the right wing, and did well to hear the booming call from Scholesy (Ed Plaistow), who’d found himself in acres of space on the other flank. The crossfield ball was right on the money, and Ed took it up the field superbly. The shot that followed was a good one, although the keeper parried it away. However, at the ready to dispatch the rebound was the tireless Kelvin, who poked home from close range – just reward for a fine performance as an impact sub, and one that sent us into raptures. 3-1 it was, with the game now all but done and dusted.

The final whistle followed less than two minutes later, and the mighty 4s marched off the park in an excited buzz. Handshakes, hugs and high fives were traded, everyone to a man thrilled and relieved to have got the first win on the board; especially in light of a performance in which we had genuinely punched above our weight.

Next up is Old Lyonians in the ISEH Cup, and the team will have every reason to feel confident that this result can be a springboard to a good season.

FINAL SCORE: Old Tiffinians 3s 1 – 3 Merton 4s
SCORERS: Dulanie Richards, Chris Dodd (pen), Kelvin Aboidyn
MOTM: Chris Dodd

STARTING LINE-UP: Sam Singer-Ripley(GK), John Gridley, Mike Todt, Steve Burchell, Edward Plaistow, Chris Dodd, Ryan Burchell, Glen Porter, Chris Outred, Kyle Smith (Kelvin Aboidyn), Dulanie Richards.

Great Day for Youth section on a big Cup day. U10s lost 3-2 to Wallington Wanderers. U11s won 6-1 against Raynes Park Vale. U13s drew 2-2 with top of the table Motspur Park. In the Cups. U12s won 10-3 against Cheam Sports. U14s with the performance of the day beat Met Police Reds 3-1. Well done to all the lads and especially for Nick and the U14s with a great performance and result to kick start their season.

Saturday 10th October results

The first team hosted Polytechnic in the AFA Senior Cup, they are 2nd in the 1st Division so was always going to be a tough game.  They managed to hold them to 1 – 1 draw and take them all the way to penalties drawing 3 – 3 after extra time.  Unfortunately lost to Poly in the penalty shot out 5 – 3.

The 2s where also in a cup away to South Bank Cuaco in the ISEH Intermediate Cup.  South Bank who are a league below managed to get to the next round beating the 2s 5 – 3.

The 3s played South bank Cuaco 3s at home beating them 4 – 0, a good win and a clean sheet for a Merton keeper.

The 4s were also in a cup game who played Old Tiffinians 3s away in the AFA Minor Cup.  Goals from Dulaine, penalty from Dodds and final goal from Kelvin beat them 3 -1 and a place in the next round.

The 5s lost away to Civil Service 6s, 8 – 1 after going down to 10 men after 2 minutes into the first half.

The 6s played Old Blues 4s away, losing 2 – 0 in the Junior Novets Cup.

Starting 11
Dharmesh – GK
Matt Haswell – RB
Martin Quinlann – LB
Mark Chappell – CB
Darren Avey – CB
George Hall – RM
Ram – LM
Marvin Redmond – CM
Dave – CM
Kyle Smith – CF
Pete – CF

Subs
John Katandika
Paul Onomor

After some shuffling about of players between the 5’s and 6’s we finally managed to agree a last minute switch of Marvin Redmond from the 5’s to the 6’s to start with 11 and two subs on the way stuck in traffic.  It was also new guy Pete’s first game against his old club.

After neither teams really taking a grip of the game, it was fairly open without there being any clear cut opportunities.  Dharmesh made a couple of saves and tipped a shot bound for the top corner over the post.  Matt Haswell’s early freekick cleared the wall but didn’t drop quick enough to be a threat and Kyle Smith’s shot from distance was tipped round the post by the keeper.  About half hour into the first half one of the Civil Serivce players went down with suspected knee ligament causing a delay of about 5-10 mins.  Shortly after the restart we were caught napping and a quick one-two left the striker one on one with Dharmesh and slotted the ball into the net.

At half time new players John and Paul replaced George and Kyle giving us a much needed boost of energy.  Paul created well down the right causing the Civil Service right back a lot of problems.  Merton pressed well creating a few good chances, most notably Martin Quinlann bombing down the left hitting a well struck volley, which was equally well saved by the keeper.  With about 15 Merton were caught on the break again resulting in us going 2-0 down.  After a quick restart we got a freekick in a promising position just outside the box.  Up steps Mark Chappell, the ball went up and over the wall, missing Dave’s head by mere millimeters and bounced in the bottom corner untouched by anyone.  2-1 with 10 to go, game on.

As Merton pressed for the equaliser Civil countered on the break again, Dharmesh got a good hand to the ball as Mark chased the striker down, sliding in to prevent the goal, unfortunately missing and to add unsult to injur he collided with the post.  The post came away unscathed, but left Mark with a good sized hole in his shin.

MOM – Mark Chappell