4th April Merton 0 - 9 Old Wilsonians (League) (Home) Report:
28th March Merton 1 - 1 & 3 - 1 Old Finchlians (Double Header) (League) Scorers: Alalade 4 Report:
21st March Merton 0 - 3 West Wickham (League) (Away) Report:
14th March Merton 1 - 2 Old Westminster Citz (League) (Home) Scorer: Report:
7th March Merton 2 - 3 Old Stationers (League) (Home) Scorers: Bester 2 Report:
28th February Merton 0 - 5 Polytechnic (League) (Away) Report:
14th February Merton 2 - 9 Old Stationers (League) (Away) Scorers: Report:
17th January Merton 2 - 1 HSBC (League) (Away) Scorers: Bester, Own Goal Report:
20th December Merton 0 - 1 Polytechnic (League) (Home) Report:
13th December Merton 0 - 5 Crouch End Vampires Report:
6th December Merton 2 - 2 Norseman (League) (Home) Scorers: Report:
15th November Merton 1 - 1 Old Wilsonians (League) (Away) Scorer: Martinez Report:
8th November Merton 3 - 4 Bank of England (SAL Junior Cup) (Away) Scorers: Martinez 2, Alalade Report: Despite the torrential rain before kick off, Merton found themselves warming up on a great pitch at The Bank of England, and were looking forward to a good old fashioned cup tie in Roehampton. Paul Ellis was back in goal with Oaksey moving to right back, and Neil was back in at left back. Tiddy and Mitch completed the back four with Pete and Will on the wings, and Shaun and Zoohair in the middle. Yome and Ian up front completed the team. We started the game well, with Will jinking his way down the right wing before crossing for Shaun whose diving header unfortunately went straight at the keeper. It wasn't long before Will was involved again, as he collected a ball nodded out from a Merton corner 35 yards from goal. Despite appeals for him to cross it back in from Ian and Yome up front, he spotted the keeper off his line and lofted a delightful shot over Bank's keeper to make it 1-0. Despite going a goal up, we were unable to hang onto our lead and it wasn't long before Bank started to get a foothold in the game and equalise through some neati nterplay in the right corner and slotting home from close range. Midway through the first half Zoohair had to go off injured, with Cameron replacing him alongside Shaun in the middle of the park. It wasn't long before Cameron was involved, whiping in a dangerous cross into the box from the left, which bobbled up onto a Bank player's hand. I've seen them given, and this one was, and despite Yome nearly 'doing a Terry' as he slipped on contact with thep enalty, it flew into the top right hand corner making it 2-1 to Merton. Again though, Merton were unable to hang onto their lead and they conceded another to Bank as their striker collected a through ball just in front of the onrushing Paul and slotted home. The game continued to swing back and forth and at half time Merton introduced Tilley and Bully to the fray, at the expense of Neil and Yome, to try and secure their passage to the next round. It was Will that struck the next blow though, with a tidy finish inside the box to make it 3-2, and at this stage it looked like we had finally had the game under control. Maybe it was this over-confidence that led to the over-elaborate play at the back, but either way Merton somehow gifted a third equaliser to Bank. At 3-3 it was anyone's game and both teams were looking for the winner before extra time. As we were pushing for this decisive goal we were caught a bit short at the back and their winger managed to race half the length of the pitch to cross for a headed winner for Bank on 88minutes. It was a cruel end to a game we were winning for long periods, but the fact is we are conceding too many at the moment, and this needs to stop if we are to start getting some positive results. Still, onwards and upwards, and Old Wilsonians next week is another tough game, but a great opportunity to get the ball rolling in the league.
1st November Merton 1 - 4 HSBC (League) (Home) Scorer: Alalade Report:
25th October Merton 1 - 4 Old Salesians (League) (Home) Scorer: Buchan Report: A poor result leaves the 3's still looking for their first league win. With a strong squad, we felt confident of getting he result. The game started a bit scrappy, although both sides created chances with the keepers making a few decent stops. OS took the lead after about 20 mins, a cross from out wide catching the wind and looping towards the top corner waas clawed out by Paul, only for the forward to react fastest to tap in from 6yrds. We rallied though, and battled well creating some good chances, but their keeper made 2 outstanding saves, and although we had a good 20 spell of sustained pressure, we couldn't get the goal that might have changed the game. This provedc ostly, as early in the 2nd half we went 2 down, and this was quickly followed by a third. Both were poor goals to concede, a result of slack marking, and not enough pressure on the ball. We changed formation, trying to keep our heads up and get some pride - we did ok for a while, and again had some pressure - Luke managed to get us a goal back after a good move, and as we went forward, Lewis also had a chance which was bundled against the post, but just wouldn't drop in. A goal then may have made all the difference, but it wasn't to be, as we continued pudhing forward, we were caught on the break late on, OS getting their 4th. It was a bad result, and we need to startw inning asap if we're going to survive in this division. Desn't get any earier though - top of the table HSBC next up at the Hood. 18th October
Merton 1 - 1 Crouch End Vampires (League) (Home) Scorer: Jordan Report: This game didn't have the best of starts when we lost our referee to the 4's who had a cup match. Both captains decided we would go ahead with the fixture anyway, with their sub reffing the first half, and our sub reffing the second half. Only in the SAL eh?! However, considering the potential problems this situation could have posed, both teams and referees did their best, and were as fair as you could have hoped for in the situation. In terms of the team, it was pretty makeshift with many players doing jobs in unfamiliar positions, so much so that after a committed central midfield perfomance last week, Zoo found himself between the sticks! After a tight opening Pete released Craig down the right wing who raced past the full back to square for Ian to score his third goal in as many games, this time with his left foot. Merton had to battle hard after this to hang onto their lead, a job that was made harder when Kierans uccommbed to a foot injury and had to be replaced by Richie. The pressure finally told when Merton conceded an equaliser from a corner. It was a disappointing goal to give away as the organisation was poor and marking not tight enough. Following a few strong words, Merton steadied the ship and went into half time 1-1. The second half was a close but very open affair with both teams pushing hard for a winner. Merton thought they had a chance when Neil surged forward and went down under a heavy challenge in the box. Both teams had plenty to say about it, but the final decision was no penalty. Kieran also crashed a left foot drive against a post as the game became stretched, and Zoo pulled off two fantastic saves in the second half, so it could have gone either way really, but finished 1-1.
11th October Merton 3 - 0 BB Eagles (SAL Junior Cup) (Home) Scorers: Alalade, C Cosgrove, Jordan Report: BB Eagles were a team Merton beat twice last season, so confidence was hight hat they could record our first win of the season in this cup fixture. Merton started the game brightly, knocking the ball around well, with Zoo and Lewis winning control of the centre of the park. The first goal came mid-way through the first half from a set piece. Kieran swung in a deep ball to the far post which Ian nodded back unselfishly across the face of goal for Yome to scramble over the line. We continued in this vein,l ooking hungrier than the opposition and Ian made it 2-0 before halft ime with a powerful header from another Kieran cross. We knew all we had to do was keep playing and working in the same way. In the second half BB Eagles began to wilt in the blazing sun, but Merton kept their workrate going and were stretching them down the flanks with Pete and Parky regularly beating their opposing full backs and getting some dangerous balls in the box for Yome and Adam. A third goal looked like it was coming. And when it came, it came in style, with a 'goal of the season'c ontender from Lewis who smashed a superb volley into the top corner from 22 yards. BB Eagles grabbed a late consolation with a bit of a mix-up at the back, but this didn't spoil what was a good team performance as Merton entered the hat for the next round.
27th September Merton 1 - 4 Enfield Old Grammerians (AFA Junior Cup) (Home) Scorer: Jordan Report: A bad day at the office for the 3’s ends our participation in the AFA cup at the first hurdle, and leaves us still looking for that first win. Things didn’t start well, the opposition arriving late meant we were hanging around for a while before k.o. and we obviously lost our focus in the sunshine. When we eventually kicked off, we were behind within a couple of minutes. Their winger managed to evade 3 challenges on our left to cross in, Paul and the centre backs left it for each other letting the forward tap it in. Bad start. We had plenty of time to get back into it, but found ourselves 2 down not long after – Alex M’s headed clearance went infield, straight to their forward allowing him to come through and score. We got away with a few offside decisions, and just before then Alex tracked back well to clear off the line. The oppo always looked dangerous on the break, and we struggled with a few of the long balls. We had a good spell mid way through the half, and created a few chances – Tiddy and Chris battled well in midfield, getting it out wide to Will and Sam where we looked better – Sam unfortunately going off injured mid way through the half allowing Paul Welch to make his final Merton appearance as a free man. We also forced a few corners, but we just couldn’t take the chances. As we pushed forward we were hit on the break – another long ball, again resulting in indecision between GK and centrebacks allowing another easy tap in. 0-3 at HT. We tried to forget that half and get some pride back in the 2nd , which we did. Will played well down the right, and got past their full back most times to get crosses in. Ian went close a couple of times, with their keeper pulling off one particularly good stop. Zoo came on into midfield, and got stuck in – he also had a great header tipped onto the bar by the keeper. We carried on pushing, and nearly got caught out a few times, and eventually Enfield got a 4th, a through ball putting the forward one on one and he went round Paul to score. We got a consolation just before the end, Ian finishing off a good move. We were much better in the 2nd half, but the game was lost in the first 10 mins. No game next week as the gaffer is getting married – all the best Welchy! Our next game is in the SAL cup in a fortnight, I’m sure we can get the first win there.
20th September Merton 1 - 2 Norseman (League) (Away) Scorer: Martinez Report: A new season, a first away trip and a first loss! There are positives in that first statement but we really do need to draw on them. We have moved up a division so there are stiffer challenges and which we have the capability to raise and over come. We played a decent footballing team where a little part of the “Merton way” Steel and determination would have helped us secure a draw at the least, was not there all around the pitch. There club as all clubs do, is trying to settle in to regular squads and again saw the 3’s with another change squad tried fitting a squared pegs into round holes and it was that this was the biggest hurdle we came against. Players toiled but grew frustrated with game which on a good pitch saw many get little back for some positive effort. Chances were few and far between in a tight encounter. With the opposition going ahead first which to the player’s credit didn’t affect confidence or the application when the scores were level. Things did not improve with a calf injury to Nick Jarrett forcing more changes to the line up to a new line up. Players worked but we were unable to create chances that we know our abilities usually produce. This was frustrating as we believed if we could create those chances and pressure we would score. Norsemen were able to shuffle there pack positively and as we became a little disjointed. The game became stretched as we strived to get an equaliser. A well timed run from the fresh substitute allowed him to storm past our tiring defensive shape and finish tidily. Again to our credit heads remained relatively high and we engage in to fray this time achieving are aim by finally the pressure to force back the opposition. Will Martinez sharp and aware of the keepers weakness toe poked the ball home after Alex Morrison’s right wing cross was spilled. That was about as Lucky as we we’re going to get. It is along trip for many but that is part what playing football is about and we could have been a bit more up for it, I feel we were a little bit subdued as we had to travel! As we have been promoted lets show the clubs worth by getting that first win of the season with our first home game!!
13th September Merton 3rd's 1 – Old Westminster Citz 1 (League) (Away) Scorer: Parkinson Report: With the sun beating down and grass growing longer by the minute, Merton's third team began their campaign on the back of mixed results in friendlies. With a constantly changing team sheet in the week long build up and with key men missing, we were apprehensive. Nerves were not helped by a positive start from Old Citz, "these boys can play" was my thought. Old Citz grounds men had obviously been caught napping by the rain and heat as the long grass cleaned our boots. However, there was no napping from the Yellow army. 5 minutes played and James Hunter thrust straight into the pressure cooker of centre-mid collected a ball from Merton's charming, charismatic, witty and rather modest right back and sent a peach of a ball over the heads of the Citz defence. Parky left the centre backs standing and with a cool, calm left footed strike finished the move with a goal. After 20 minutes of pressure from old Citz following our opener, the defence finally cracked. A great one touch move down their left flank led to a cross deep into our box, Kieran East tried to grow a few extra inches but the ball just beat him and their left winger volleyed a ball past Paul Ellis. We went into half time level but feeling that we needed to raise our game. Pre-season frendlies were over, time to show a bit of Merton spirit. The first few tackles of the second half showed the hosts we meant business, brave "all in" defending meant their forwards had less time and created fewer chances. Will and Yome switched and Yome continued to work hard and a good spell ensued with a number of chances going begging, still 1-1. Then it became noticeable that energy levels were dropping, the sun, the first game of the season? Who knows, but Citz came back at us, a nervous last 10 min period began. If energy levels were dropping from the men in Yellow it was not true of our man in green. With Citz centre forward one on one, Paul Ellis pulled off a great instinctive save only to see the ball rebound to their left winger, however with reactions of a cornered cat he threw himself into the path of the wingers shot. Point saved. Solid performances from some old hands and good promising ones from some young players, especially James Hunter in centre mid who must have covered every blade of long lush grass on the pitch at least twenty times. A hard earned away point in the bag to start the season, off to wimbledon village to stitch up wine drinking members of the 2nd team with Will's golf ball.
MATCH REPORTS 2007 - 2008
10th May Merton 8 - 0 Old Lyonians (League) (Home) Scorers: Tilley 2, Ackerman, Jordan, Jones, Clark, Benn, Haswell D Report: Last game of season and it needed to be a win. With Old Lyonians cancelling a couple of games, we were unsure whether we would be up against the same team that we drew against 4 - 4 at beginning of season. We fielded our strongest team and from the off we dominated the field putting lots of pressure on their keeper. By half time we were 3 goals up with goals coming from Dyl, Ian and Tilley. The second half again we continued to be on top and carried to put the goals away. Paul Ellis keeping another clean sheet and not having much to do on the last game of season. With the final score 8 - 0 the 3's gained promotion after finishing level points with Ibis but having a better goal different.
26th April Merton 4 - 0 Old Latymerians (League) (Home) Scorers: Martinez 3, Jennings Report:
19th April Merton 1 - 2 Alexandra Park (League) (Home) Scorer: Jordan Report:
5th April Merton 2 -2 Old Parkonians (League) (Home) Scorers: Report:
29th March Merton 1 - 1 Alexandra Park Scorer: Haswell D Report: The 3’s made the long trip to AP looking to get back to winning ways, and stay in the hunt to win the league. The conditions weren’t good – torrential rain greeted us for the warm up, and playing uphill and into the wind in the first half made things difficult. The pitch was practically a mud bath, making it difficult to pass the ball around, and contributed to a few late challenges from both sides. As expected AP started well, getting the ball forward quickly, although Paul was able to smother most of their through balls. Their main danger came from their left winger, who gave Toddy a hard time in the first half, and a few corners and free kicks which Paul and the defence dealt with. We tried to keep it on the deck, Luke getting out wide and putting in a few good crosses, and he also went close with a great overhead kick from the edge of the box which their keeper managed to palm away. We took the lead after quick thinking from Ian, taking a throw in quickly to Dylan who finished well. The lead only lasted about 10 mins, as AP continued to apply the pressure Zou was harshly adjudged to have fouled their winger – the free kick reached their unmarked forward at the back post to head in, making it 1-1 at the break. We thought the hard work was done, and playing down hill and with the wind we wanted to push on for a winner. We didn’t manage to do that, and struggled to get any meaningful shots on goal, the best one being Dylan shooting at the keeper, and there were also a few harsh offsides against Ian. AP we’re still dangerous, forcing Paul into a few good saves as the half wore on, and braking quickly. It was a good battling effort from everyone, for what could turn out to be an important point – the lump on Mitch’s shin was also particularly impressive! We play them again in a couple of weeks, and are more than capable of taking the three points.
8th March Merton 1 - 2 Old Wilsonians (League) (Home) Scorer: Jordan Report: Merton 3’s had a tough game ahead of them, knowing that if Old Wilsonians win they close the gap for the title race.Merton started well and pressured OW’s with us having a few chances and a goal from Dylan disallowed due to being off side.Old Wilsonians had a few chances and their goal came from a throw on the left hand side which, got flicked on and then head home.We continued to try and scored but went in at half time 1 – 0 down.Second half started and while making a tea for me and Paul, Ian scored to put us level. Everyone played the socks off to get a result. OW’s then got a free kick in our half.A well taken set piece the ball getting laid off to their striker, hitting it from 30 yards out, going over Paul to put them a head.Everyone thought and battled to get level again but the ball just wouldn’t go in.Changing formation to 3 - 4 – 3, to put more pressure on OW’s didn’t help us to get a goal back.Another good performance from everyone. No game for two weeks due to fixtures and Easter break.We wait to see how OW’s get on with their games in hand and hopefully the results will be benefiting for us.We still have a chance to bring another league trophy to the Hood!!! Matt Haswell
1st March Merton 5 - 0 Southbank Cuaco (League) (Home) Scorers: Benn 2, Gladkow I, Gladkow A, Own Goal Report: The three’s get back to winning ways. The gaffer called all players to turn up early before kick off for a team talk about previous week performances and to get players motivated. The talk must have done something because every player played excellent and there was some good football played. We went one nil up from a goal from Ritchie Benn, who chipped the ball over on coming keeper. Our second came from Ivan, Tim’s free kick found the head of Ivan who managed to place ball over keeper and in the back of the net. Good link up player from our forwards Ian and Ritchie saw our third with Ian chasing after a ball into the left corner, squared the ball for Ritchie to get his second. Our fourth came from Ivan’s brother who made his debut and scored a peach of a goal. Before game Ivan mentioned that they normally both score and prove that right. We went in at half time 4 – 0 up and now playing with the wind against us so knew it was going to be different. We played well, with Southbank playing some good football in the second half and testing our keeper a few times. The defence played well and helped Paul to keep his second clean sheet of the season. Our fifth goal came from one of their defenders, scoring a ‘Rene Higuita’ sort of goal, probably the best of the match. This was a very good result and keeps them 7 points clear at the top. A tough game next week see them play second place Old Wilsonians who could close down the points if the win. So this game is important and everyone must play like this week and be focuses. A win will see them 10 points clear and a good chance of glory.
23rd February Merton 1 - 3 Ibis (League) (Home) Scorer: Welch Report: A bad day for the 3's, they lost their first league game of the season. With a bit of confusion at beginning of game as to who should go in goal, with the two's taking our chosen goalkeeper of the day. Zoohair stepping in to help out having played in goal before. We started badly once again and the oppo going 1 - 0 up from a weak goal. After that we stepped up a gear and started to play some good football. Our goal came from a corner put in by Dylan, little bit of scamble in box before ball falling to Paul Welch, who with great technique, scored a beautiful over head kick to put us level. We created a few other chances, Dylan having a go, and Ivan hitting the cross bar. Second half we started slowly, not clearing and not playing the correct ball. Ibis took chances well and score two more, Toddy coming off with sore calfs, we had to change player positions. Paul Welch then went in for a tackle and came off worst, breaking his arm, now out for six weeks. Wish him a speady recovery. We then got given a penalty, which Chris Jones stepped up to take. Their keeper who had pulled off some good saves in the game done it again, saving Chris's penalty. With time running out we knew that our unbeaten record was about to be broken. We are now seven points ahead, the pass two weeks we have not played well and need to step things up if we are to win the league. Home game this week against Southbank, a must win game.
16th February Merton 2 - 1 Old Parkonians (League) (Away) Scorers: Jordan, Jennings Report: Not the best game we’ve played this season to say the least, but as we have done a few times recently, we played badly and still took the 3 points. We had to do a bit of re-organising at the back with Tilley and Chris Jones coming in, but we started ok, putting some early pressure on OP. It was a big, wide pitch, but we struggled to get any passing going, and started to go long a few times. We looked dangerous from set pieces, with Dylan putting some outstanding corners into the box in the 1st half. We took the lead from one of these, their keeper only managing to parry the ball, and Ian followed up to head home an early goal. We then took our foot off the gas, and OP came forward forcing Paul into some good saves – getting a strong hand on a shot and then tipping another effort over the bar. OP got the equaliser after some poor defending allowing their forward to place a low shot past Paul. Both keepers pulled out more good saves, as Tim and Dylan went close with goal bound efforts. The 2nd half was scrappy and we had to battle for everything we got. Matt was forced off with a knee injury, which unfortunately looks like keeping him out for a while. We got the winner towards the end after good work from Luke and Chris, putting Pete through to finish at the 2nd attempt to give us the points. Credit to the team again this week for battling on to get the points despite not playing well, and with all but 1 of our remaining games at home, we’re in a strong position.
9th February Merton 4 - 1 Southgate Olympic (League) (Away) Scorers: Tilley 2, Jordan 2 Report:
2nd February Merton 11 - 1 Old Latymerians (League) (Away) Scorers: Bull 3, Jordan 2, Haswell M 2, Haswell D 2, Tilley 2 Report: 11-1… what can you say… We had expected a tough game after a tight 3-1 victory earlier in the season, but due to injuries, and discipline problems in their reserves (hmmm…), they we left struggling for numbers and fielded a team that was shadow of that we previously faced. It was over as a contest pretty much when, at 2-0 up, when their keeper went off injured and then shortly after, at 4-0 up their striker was injured. We entered half-time at 6-1 (lets not talk about the 1), and by that time it had became a training run. To be fair to us though, you can only beat what is put in front of you, and to our credit, we worked hard to the final whistle, using the match a good workout. Well done all for not coasting into the final whistle. Goal scorers – Bully (3), Tilley (2), Matt (2), Dylan (2), Ian (2). Special mention to Paul Ellis for some fantastic late saves when he could have been forgiven for being a little sleepy! And a final mention to Paul Welch for some delicious half time oranges!!! Big Game next Week.
26th January Merton 1 - 1 Lloyds TSB (League) (Away) Scorer: Jones Report:
The 3’s took a point from a pretty poor performance by recent standards.Playing into the wind in the first half, with a few last minute changes to the team, we struggled to get the ball down and pass, and with the continuous long balls coming over the top we found it difficult to clear our lines.Having survived one scare when Lloyds forward got on the end of a long ball and when 1 on 1 with Paul hit his shot against the bar, we soon found ourselves 1 down, as another long punt up field caused confusion, the forward getting in between Tim and Paul, for an easy finish.We had a couple of chances as well, their keeper making a couple of good stops mid way through the half.The rest of the half was pretty poor from our side, with far too much complaining at each other going on. We improved in the 2nd half, and passed the ball much better.We created a few more chances, though again their keeper kept us out.He had no chance with the equaliser though, as Chris Jones controlled on the edge of the box, and curled a lovely shot into the top corner.We kept the pressure on, and nearly took the lead, Dylan breaking down the flank squaring for Chris again, but his shot rattled the crossbar.Lloyds also looked dangerous, and could have nicked it themselves with the last kick of the game, when Chris covering on the line flicked a goal-bound shot onto the crossbar in the last minute.Overall not the best game or performance, but we remain unbeaten in the league, and can be happy to take a point from the game.
5th January Merton 6 - 0 BB Eagles (League) (Away) Scorers: Jordan 3, Haswell D, Jennings, Russell Report: We started the new year with a comprehensive victory over BB Eagles, and to be fair it could have been a lot worse for them.Having struggled for goals lately, it was good to get a load here but also pleasing to keep a clean sheet for the first time this season!We started very brightly, moving the ball around well on a small pitch, and created plenty of chances.The opening goal came about 10 mins in, Ian unmarked, heading in from a corner.We carried on pressing, and were pretty comfortable, Ivan playing his first game for us was impressive, and smashed a long range shot against the bar.BB E’s did have some possession, but never troubled Paul in goal.1-0 is always a bit dodgy, so it was a relief when we got a 2nd – a carbon copy of the first, Ian heading in his 2nd, and we could see BB E’s heads drop.We effectively killed the game off just before half time when Dylan finishing with a volley over the keeper from the edge of the box to put us 3 up. The 2nd half was more of the same, as we created chance after chance.Ian got his hat-trick, showing good skill in the box and a nice finish into the far corner.Richie came on and caused more problems, with him, Ian, Matt and Dylan all having efforts go close, but with so many players lining up to score, we sometimes tried one pass too many.Tom got the 5th, after Tim’s shot was blocked, he chested it down and volleyed another one in from outside the box.The 6th was a deserved goal for Pete, after a sweeping move across the pitch, Matt crossing for him to tap it in at the far post.There was still time for Paul Welch to make a return to the team, his main contribution being to run into Richie and force him off with a split lip, leaving us with 10 men for the closing stages!This was a quality performance right across the team, with a few MoM candidates, but it goes to Ian for a great hat-trick - more of the same next week will do nicely.
15th December Merton 1 - 1 Lloyds TSB (League) (Home) Scorer: Buchan Report: The 3’s managed to finish the year unbeaten and top of the league with a battling draw against a good Lloyds side. We could see from the warm up, and the celebrations for their goal that Lloyds were well up for this and would be hard to beat. We made a good start and were quick out of the blocks moving the ball around nicely down the flanks, but were pegged back a few times as Lloyds got into the game and put us under a lot of pressure, looking dangerous from long throws and corners. Despite having lots of possession they didn’t have many shots on target, the only one coming early on that Paul saved with his legs. We created some good chances ourselves, Will was always a threat with his pace, and was supported well by Dylan and Ian – a quick passing move involving these ended with Ian having a good shot which unfortunately went straight at the keeper. Another move from the left this time, ended with a shot coming off the bar, but Dylan somehow managed to put the rebound wide from close range! The 2nd half started much the same way. Both sides going forward looking for the goal, and Lloyds took the lead not long after. Their big CF was allowed a lot of space and he miss-hit a shot that lobbed over Paul into the net – their celebrations said it all! We carried on battling and piled the pressure on – Matt had a great shot from the edge of the box well saved, and we looked very dangerous from corners and out wide. The equaliser came, after a throw in - Ian laid the ball back to Mitch out on the right, and his cross (which was not going in!) was met by Luke at the far post for his first of the season for the 3’s. The last 15 was a really good, open game as both sides went for the winner, but a draw was probably fair. Everybody played well, and put the effort in, in what was a challenging and physical match. The fact that we were very disappointed not to get the win, and the way Lloyds celebrated the draw in their changing room said a lot about how well we have played this season – we need to carry this on in the new year and push on to win the league.
24th November Merton 2 - 1 Southgate Olympic (League) (Home) Scorers: O'Reily, Milford Report: On cold and wet Nov afternoon, the 3’s kicked off looking to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 6 games. After a spluttering start which saw both teams fairly evenly matched, we started to get on top of a battling Southgate 11. We started to hold possession, finding feet, and playing good balls into the channels which were cause havoc in the opposing backline. This good play resulted in Mo getting on the end of a good cross from Matt Haswell to go 1-0 up. With few minutes left in the first half, Tim guided in a Dylan corner to make up for his previous weeks indiscretions and to put us up 2-0. The second half saw us create chances that on a better day would of seen us ease away to 5-0 win, but we made hard work it by conceding possession far too easily in the middle third and getting caught off-side far too often. An error at the back let Southgate back into the game but we able to hang on due to some good keeping from Paul, and some poor shooting from Southgate. Strong performances from Dylan, Mo and Tim who scored his first foreign goal today. Somehow, we felt down after the game, mainly because we know we can play a lot better than we did, and we need not put ourselves under pressure in the way we did. All up though, another win, and the 3’s roll on…
17th November Merton 4 - 3 Old Wilsonians (League) (Away) Scorers: Benn, Bradshaw, James, Russell Report: A good win for us this week, although we made hard work of it near the end.On a difficult and uneven pitch, we started well, and even though OW started with 10 men for a little while, we played some really nice stuff.Having survived a scare in the first couple of minutes as an OW shot flashed across the goal, we went 1-0 up soon after, Ritchie running on to a through ball taking round the on-coming keeper and finishing from a tight angle.After a period of pressure we went 2-0 up, after a good corner by Dylan, Mitch rose like a salmon to head home at the far post, and we were comfortable.OW did press forward, but our defence held firm and played well.About 10 mins before the break, Dylan made a great run through the middle of the defence and although he slightly delayed his shot as the ball came through he was brought down by the defender, for a penalty which Adam converted confidently into the top corner.As has become a habit recently, OW got a corner and we just switched off, allowing a free header at the far post for them to pull one back, 3-1 at the break.
Playing uphill and against the wind made it difficult in the 2nd half.We still played well though and created a lot of chances, and could have had a few more goals.We went 4-1 up after a corner, Tom managing to get on the end of a loose ball in the box to blast it in.That should have been it, but we made a nervous end to the game as OW got 2 back – firstly Tim was adjudged to have tripped their forward in the box, and the resulting penalty was put away, and then soon after a free kick was curled low into the far corner just beyond Paul’s reach.3 goals conceded from set pieces was disappointing, and they also had a series of corners in the last minutes, but we held on for the win, which we deserved, and keeps us unbeaten in the league.
10th November Merton 4 - 4 Old Lyonians (League) (Away) Scorers: Bull 2, Haswell M 2 Report: With a bare 11 on the long trip to Harrow, and a few arriving just before kick off, we struggled in a match that we should have won. We started ok, created a few chances that the forwards should really have tucked away, and had some good possession. We went behind to a penalty after Tim pushed their forward on the edge of the box, and after a while the ref decided it was inside – I’m not going to go on about the ref, but there were some bizarre decisions, ranging from clear offsides, moving walls 10yrds, blowing the whistle for free kicks and missing a blatant handball in the box (although that was to our benefit!). They scored the pen, Paul getting a hand on it but it squeezed past. We got the equaliser not long after though, Thommo taking a quick long throw, finding Bully who took into the box and blasted it in. It was an open game with both sides looking to attack, OL’s took the lead again just before half time, a through ball caught us looking for offside, and the forward got clean through and finished. We were a bit better in the 2nd half, and tried to cut out some of the mistakes of the 1st. We got an equaliser after good work by Thommo and Dylan squaring for Matt to finish. We took the lead soon after, Bully controlling a through ball and shooting across the keeper into the corner. We still looked a bit dodgy at the back, and OL had a lot of corners and free kicks – their equaliser coming from a corner arriving at the back post to an unmarked player to head home via a deflection, and leading to a debate about our marking at corners. We carried on going forward though and got ahead again, when Matt, having earlier hit the bar, battled through the middle and out it in off the post for 4-3. We should have held on, but conceded a free kick late on, and as the ref was marching our wall back 10yrds the kick was taken without a whistle and went through a load of bodies into the corner. A bit of a mad game – but from a positive side we’re still unbeaten in the league!
3rd November Merton 1 - 3 Carshalton (SAL Junior Cup) (Away) Scorer: Russell Report: A second defeat in a row for the 3’s, meaning we’re out of both cups early on in the season. With a patched-up side we were always going to find it difficult against a very good Carshalton team. We started off slowly, struggling to get any kind of passing going forward, and were constantly pegged back by the quick passing and movement of Carshalton. We defended quite well early on, with Paul making a few saves and Tom making important tackles. Carshalton had most of the play, and went ahead mid way through the half following a move down our right, the ball squared into the box for the forward to finish. They also went close from corners and free kicks, as we struggled to hang on – the second came not long after, again a move down the right and after a few tackles and rebounds, the ball getting through to an unmarked forward to smash it in for 2-0. It was only after this that we got going, and had the best of the last 15 mins or so of the half, coming close a few times but just couldn’t score. The second half was just as tough, but we were much better and created plenty of chances, although again it took a Carshalton goal to get us going. This time a move down the left, the winger getting to the by line and squaring for 1 of 2 unmarked strikers to tap in at the far post, as we waited for an offside decision that was never going to come. They got through a few more times, with Paul pulling out a few more saves and some good defending keeping them out. We pushed men forward and had a few chances, forcing some corners and free kicks of our own, which caused some goal line scrambles in the Carshalton area, and it’s amazing that a couple didn’t go in - although Matt wasn’t able to get out if the way a few times and blocked them on the line! Another of these scrambles did produce a goal for us, when Tom got a deserved goal, managing to force the ball home from a corner, although it only turned out to be a consolation. Overall disappointing to go out of the cup so early on, but we need to get back to winning ways in the league next week.
27th October Merton 2 - 4 Old Parmitarians (AFA Junior Cup) (Home) Scorers: Chukwurah 2 Report: The 3’s winning run came to a disappointing end in the AFA cup against OP. We started well enough, passed it around and got forward well, and went ahead early on, when Mike ran on to a through ball and lobbed it over the on-coming keeper from the edge of the box. We continued pressing, and the second came soon after - again Mike finishing a good move to put us 2-0 up. After this, we just completely switched off, and lost all our shape. OP’s played some nice football and got one back after winning it out wide, their forward avoiding a couple of challenges and finishing from a tight angle. Although there were a few more chances for both sides, OP’s came close with some long range shots that we backed away from, and a few through balls bringing saves from Paul and last ditch tackles from Tim and Toddy. 2-1 at half time. After some words during the break, we made a few changes, with Charlie and Jamie from the youth team coming on in the 2nd half and playing well. We came out looking to take the game to them again, but unfortunately, we didn’t actually do any of what we discussed, and OP’s got the equaliser a couple of minutes into the half, their forward running unchallenged into the box and slotting it into the net. We were under pressure, with OP’s pushing for a winner. Paul pulled off a good save, pushing a shot onto the post at full stretch, although from the resulting corner, OP’s were awarded a penalty, as Ian was penalised for a challenge in the box, which was converted. We pressed forward looking for the equaliser and created a few chances, but their keeper made a couple of decent stops, and a few shots went into the side netting. As we pushed on it left us open to the counter attack, and they got a 4th, from a shot just outside the box which was heading into the keepers hands until it took a freak bounce and went in. That knocked the stuffing out of us, and we couldn’t recover. We need to forget this performance, and get back to our form of a few weeks ago ready for another cup tie next week.
20th October Merton 6 - 1 South Bank Cuaco (League) (Away) Scorers: Benn 2, Mike 2, Bull, Haswell M Report: It was a slow start once again from the 3’s, something which needs to remedied this coming week. As a result we went behind 1-0 to a lively looking opposition. They were causing some problems in defence with their movement, and we were probably quite lucky to not go even further behind. Some excellent keeping from Mo weathered the storm. Typical to 3’s form though, we clicked into gear on about 20mins, and the goals flowed from there, finishing the half 4-1 up. Goals coming from Richie (x2), Bully and Mike. We took our foot off the gas for most of the second half, whilst still controlling the game however. We earned a penalty which Mike coolly slotted home (twice after the referee had ruled a box infringement), before Matt Haswell, determined not to be left off the goal scorers list, struck a peach of a shot into the top corner from well outside the box. All up, another good win against decent opposition, although we do know that we can lift it up a notch or two also. Our squad is becoming more settled each week, and we’re looking better as each game goes by.
13th October Merton 3 - 1 Old Latymarians (SAL Junior Cup) (Away) Scorers: Bull, Jennings, O'Reily Report: The 3’s made it 4 wins from 4 with this hard fought win at Old Lats. This was probably the first test we’ve had this season, and we had to battle hard for the win. Again with a bare 11, and as usual some arriving minutes before kick off, we started well, Mike an Mo providing some pace upfront, we used the flanks well on a wide pitch, with Matt and Mitch putting some great crosses into the box. Mo put us into the lead getting on the end of a through ball and slotting it nicely past the keeper. We had a few chances to get a few more goals in the 1st half, Mike and Mo both went close with good headers, Bully hit a shot just wide and missed a header in the 6yrd box. In an open game, OL looked very dangerous on the break, and caught us out down the left, the winger squaring the ball to the forward, and although Mitch got there, he wasn’t able to stop him scoring from close range. Despite a few other scares, we continued to press forward and got ourselves back in front just before half time, as Pete finished off a good move at the back post. OL came straight back at us in the 2nd half, and we initially struggled to get any meaningful moves going, and again they looked dangerous on the break, but we defended well. We did have chances though, the OL keeper pulled off a great save from a shot by Pete which looked like it way heading for the top corner, and Bully obviously got carried away with the rugby, going for the three points from a free-kick rather than the goal. OL did hit the post and we survived a few handball decisions, but we were able to kill the game off with about 10mins left, when Bully’s shot was saved it came back to him and he managed to lob it back in over the defenders into the net. It was a tough game, and we’re glad to get into the next round. Everyone played their part, but the MOM was Pete, who had a great game in CM.
6th October Merton 6 - 1 BB Eagles (League) (Home) Scorers: Benn 3, Bull, Jennings, Mike Report: The 3’s continued their good start to the season with a comfortable win over BB Eagles. Straight from the kick-off, we were at them, closing them down quickly and passing it around nicely. We went ahead after about 10mins – Ian started the move, linking with Richie who played Bully in and he finished well. We contained them comfortably in the 1st half and although they were fairly good in midfield we restricted them to long range shots that never threatened the goal. We got ourselves further ahead when Pete went on a long run down the left, powering into the box - a combination of GK and defender blocked his shot but the rebound somehow went in. (The dubious goals panel has awarded Pete the goal!). Richie put us 3-0 up, after another run into the box, although again the shot went in off the defender, nobody was able to take that goal off him! Richie got his 2nd goal not long after, rounding the keeper and finishing. There was also a goal for Mike in the 1st half, making his first appearance, his pace allowing him to sprint onto a through ball, taking it round the keeper and finishing from a tight angle. 5-0 at half time, and the game was all but over. A few of the lads were carrying knocks into the 2nd half, and we had to re-organise a bit after Bully went off injured, and just took our foot off the gas. We had plenty of chances to get a few more goals, but their keeper made some good saves, and some of our shooting was a little bit off. BBE got one back late on, a long ball over the top got their forward through to take it round the keeper and place it well between two defenders covering on the line. It was little more than a consolation for them, but disappointing for us not to keep a clean sheet. There was still time for Richie to complete his hat-trick, after going through one-on-one, the chance looked to have gone when their keeper got his hands on the ball, but seemed to fumble it back into Richie’s path for him to poke it home. Although Pete and Tim came close, the MOM goes to Richie, setting up a couple of goals and getting himself a hat-trick.
29th September Merton 7 - 2 Leyton County Old Boys (AFA Junior Cup) (Away) Scorers: Bull 3, Benn 2, Jordan, Haswell M Report: The 3’s made the long trip to Fairlop for this cup match with only a bare 11. We had to make a few changes, and some players had to play out of position, and for most of the first half it showed. We were under a lot of pressure, and despite having a few chances didn’t play very well. No surprise we found ourselves 2-0 down inside 20 mins. Firstly they sprung our offside trap out wide, and squared to an unmarked forward to tap in at the far post, and the second came from a long ball over the top, which their forward lobbed in from the edge of the box. Once we’d settled we started to play much better, and created chances – Ian headed against the bar, and Richie Benn got one back for us not long before half time, finishing well with a powerful shot. The 2nd half was a different story. We equalised early on, again Richie was calm in the box, sliding it in past the keeper after creating the chance for himself after a good run. We were quickly in the lead, Bully with a similar goal, finishing coolly into the corner after beating a few players in the box. That knocked the stuffing out of L.O.B, and there was only going to be one winner as we pushed on for more goals. Bully got his 2nd after a good cross by Mo, controlling it well and finishing, and completed his hat-trick late on, again after a great ball in from Mo, sidefooting it in first time into the bottom corner. There were also good goals in between for Ian, finishing from close range after good work by Tom on the right, and Matt H, both scoring for the second week running, and to be fair we could have scored a few more, as Ian and Matt again went close late on. They had a few chances as well, one shot was well saved, and later, although the ref had whistled for offside Toddy blasted a goal line clearance into his own net – worryingly claiming he hadn’t heard the whistle! The game got a bit niggly late on as L.O.B got a bit frustrated with Matt and Bully both suffering some late challenges. Difficult to pick a MOM, there were some good performances – Mo, Bully and Matt combined well in the middle as did Richie and Ian again upfront. Tom stepped up from the youth side and did a great job for us, and the defence was solid in the 2nd half. I suppose Bully’s goals just about merit him getting the award!
2nd September Merton 5 - 2 Ibis (Away) (League) Scorers: Jordan, James, Benn, Bull, Haswell M Report: Ultimately a good day for the Merton 3’s, despite the poor warm-up with players arriving just before kick-off. That didn’t seem to hamper us though, with the first goal coming inside 90 seconds. Nicely worked down the flank, with a fizzing cross whipped in for a neat finish from Ian. Adam cooly slotted a pen midway through the first half as Ritchie’s shot was handballed in the box. We went into half time knowing that we could play a lot better than the 2-1 score reflected, we recognised where we were playing well and where could improve. From the re-start we improved our work rate, the tempo and started getting first to the ball, as a result, goals 3 and 4 came quickly, with Ritchie rounding the keeper and Bully smashing a header from 4 inches out. A mention should go to Tim and Toddy who had great second halves in their first game playing together. Matt Haswell completed the scoring with a shot from the sideline which fooled all 21 other players on the pitch, ‘mistakenly’ thinking it was cross. All up, a good 5-2 victory to start the season, particularly as we’re a fairly new team a still learning to play together. Most pleasing was the second half performance which improved in the areas spoken about at half time.
