18th April Merton 4 - 2 Old Actonians (League) (Home) Scorers: Haswell, Dodds, D'Andrea, Hall Report: 5s GAIN PROMOTION!!!!! This was it, after failing to clinch the league title following our last outing against Old Westminster Citz it was important that we won this game in order to be guaranteed of promotion. With the way we have performed this season it was the least we deserved. We welcomed back Clyde Bester and Dan Leaver due to Tim and Chris Callus not being available for selection. We struggled to get started and we punished for it, the visitors managed to take the lead after 5 minutes. A cross from the right had failed to be clear and a square ball to their lone striker was easily converted. Then it was 2-0 to Old Actonians after 10 minutes, a floated ball over the top was looped over Joe and no matter how hard Chappell tried he was unable to keep it out. It wasn’t looking good, we had to rally together pretty fast if we was to turn the game around. We wasn’t willing to give up and finish the season with nothing after all the hard work we had put in. We were awarded a penalty half way through the first half, with Chris Dodd converting were able to half the deficit. We equalised shortly after the penalty through Dan Hall and found ourselves ahead just before the break thanks to Fraser, Chris’s corner was met by him at the near post. Going into the break we were proud that we were in the lead after conceding 2 early goals but its no more then we deserved. We had to keep our feet on the ground and not become sloppy, which has happened on more than one occasion this season. The second half was marred by an injury to Joe; their striker committed himself to winning a ball that nobody but himself knew he would get to. The result was a gashed head for him and a spit chin to Joe. Both players are well following their visit to the Hospital with Joe requiring 8 stitches. Tommy came on to deputise for Joe. There was one highlight of the second period. With Chris Dodd beating Alex by the single goal following the penalty in the first half, Alex was trying all he could to find the back of the net, considering there was a jug of beer in it for the winner I didn’t blame him. With Alex we are used to seeing fierce shots from way outside the box but the goal he score to level with Chris and to put us 4-2 up was literally a ‘pea-roll’ in his eyes but I suppose they all count. With the season over and promotion sealed all there is left for me to say is congratulations to all the guys and thank you for all the hard work to put into your performances throughout the season. Maybe next season we can go one better and actually bring home the silverware. Well done again guys! TEAM: Joe Tomkins (GK) (Tommy Savile), Aaron Ackermann (Dan Leaver), Mark Chappell, Shaun McCullough, Edward Plaistow, Fraser Haswell, Chris Dodd (Clyde Bester), Alex D’Andrea, Gareth Whiteoak, Ben Lawence, Dan Hall MoM: Fraser Haswell
10th April Merton 1 - 5 Old Westminster Citz (League) (Away) Scorer: Whiteoak Report: With promotion guaranteed with the 3 points up for grabs we felt more confident going into the game having already beaten them at home earlier in the season. We were able to welcome back Gareth and Shaun following unavailability and injury respectively With the game being played on Good Friday meant the referee got a helping hand with his decisions from the linesmen, this was something that went against us. We got off to the worst possible start, the referee awarding the host a penalty after 10 minutes. I was alleged to have brought their striker down in the box, even he said it was outside. I was fortunate not to pick up a booking or even receive my marching orders. It wasn’t long after the restart that we found ourselves two down with the same player who converted the penalty lobbing Joe after the midfield failed to claim the ball in the middle of the park. We felt pretty good going into the break only 2 down, we knew that if we raised our game OWCs will find it difficult to come to terms with the football we are capable of playing. We started the 2nd half much better than the 1st and dominated the next 20 minutes without getting anything for our efforts. Chris Callus came closest, just missing when it seemed easier to score. But then Gareth unleashed a thunderbolt volley from 20 yards to reduce the deficit to the single goal.... Game on... In the driving seat and indeed their centre mid said afterwards he was worried. Sadly he wasn’t worried for long as a through ball straight from kick off found their striker after a calamitous mix up in communication between Tim/Mark and Joe, and he slotted to complete his hat-trick. Not bad for an ex-1st team player clearly playing to his natural level. As soon as the third goal went in our heads dropped, losing Shaun and Chris Dodd through injury didn’t help our cause. OWCs took full advantage of our ‘dipping’ heads and managed to find another 2 goals to make the final score 5-1 and clinch promotion. We now go into the last game of the season, at home to Old Actonians next week, needing all 3 points to guarantee promotion or hope that OWC beat Carshalton. Well done to all the guys for all the great performances and the Chappell for the organisation on the squad as the season has gone on. You all deserve the praise that you get. Well done. TEAM: Joe Tomkins (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Shaun McCullough, Tim Roberts, Edward Plaistow (Capt), Chris Callus (Ben Lawrence), Chris Dodd (Tommy Saville), Alex D’Andrea, Gareth Whiteoak, Fraser Haswell, Dan Hall MoM: Fraser Haswell
4th April Merton 5 - 1 West Wickham (League) (Away) Scorers: D'Andrea, Tiddy 2, Leaver, Chappell Report: After last weeks disappointing performance at home to South Bank we visited Corkscrew Hill knowing that 3 points was needed if we were to compete for the title. With a few regulars missing we called on a few new faces to fill the gaps. Harry Lawrence, Alex and Kieran helped out. Kieran Tiddy from the 3s also gave us a helping hand. We started the brighter out of both teams and found ourselves in front, Alex D’Andrea tapping into an empty net after a great run and through ball from Fraser from the left. The score was level 10 minutes later when the hosts were rewarded a ‘dodgy penalty when Aaron was alleged to have brought their playing down in the box even though it was clear that it was outside. We regained our advantage just before the break, Chappell claiming to have got his boot to a ball when it seemed that their defender blasted the ball into the back of his own net. The team talk at half time kept everybody focused on the game, we knew that we had to see the game out and take our chances of we were to take the 3 points back to Joseph Hood and remain at the peak of the league. Kieran Tiddy made it 3-1 from a corner at the back post, Dan 4-1 and the other Kieran 5-1 with a neat lob over the keeper to smooth off a comfortable victory. We now look forward to Good Friday when we come up against our title rival Old Westminster Citz. A win would insure us promotion and potentially help us clinch the league dependant on other results going our way. TEAM: Joe Tomkins (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Mark Chappell, Kieran Tiddy, Edward Plaistow, Alex, Fraser Haswell (Harry Lawrence), Alex D’Andrea, Chris Dodds (Chris Callus), Ben Lawrence (Kieran), Dan Hall MoM: Alex
28th April Merton 3 - 3 Sothbank Cuaco (League) (Away) Scorers: Leaver 2, Callus Report: This was a game that we would like to forget fast. With us at the top of the table and the visitors at the bottom we intended this to be an easy game….intended being the key word. We are cruising going into the break, 2-0 up after a brace from Dan. The first was a tap in after Aarons 25 yard free-kick was parried by the keeper and a nice neat header from Bens cross from the right doubled his and the teams goal tally. There wasn’t much to talk about at the break but we intended to carry on playing how we did in the first period and with OWC’s goal difference better then ours by a country mile we knew that this game was the opportunity to pull some back. 15 minutes before the end we somehow found ourselves trailing. The visitors first came from a cross from the right that was easily converted with a neat header that Joe, diving low to his left could do nothing about. Their equaliser came from a penalty, Chappell ‘hacking’ their Centre Midfielder down. Joe saved the spot kick however the taker managed to convert the rebound. There third and the one that put them in the driving seat came after a poor piece of defending and with the midfielder’s not tracking back we deserved to be behind. With 10 minutes before the end we made a change, Chris Callus replacing Fraser Haswell on the left. Chris made his mark 5 minutes before the final whistle by unleashing an unstopping drive from 30 yards to guarantee us a point. Even though it wasn’t a win it was still a point towards our promotion push and makes the stride for the title that little bit further. Next week we visit West Wickham looking to improve on our performance ahead of the all important clash away to OWCs on Good Friday.
21st March Merton 1 - 0 Kew Association (League) (Away) Scorer: Report:
14th March Merton 2 - 3 (AET) Polytechnic (SAL Senior Novets Cup Final) (Kew's Ground) Scorers: Chappell, Dodd (pen) Report: So this week saw the day that we had been looking forward to since brushing aside Old Actonians in the Semi-Final, the SAL Senior Novets Cup Final, only the second final that any Merton team has reached for over 20 years. We opted for a 12pm meet; this gave us enough time to get a team photo of everyone ‘suited and booted’ before the minibus arrived to take us to the venue, Kew Association. As we arrived shortly before 1pm, Poly had arrived too, also sporting club ties. As we had under 2 hours before KO we ‘walked the pitch’ and had a team talk before making our way back to the changing room where the nerves started getting to us, excitement was also showing. After a 5 minute delay due to a problem with a door, both teams made their way out to the pitch side by side and were greeted with a round of applause by the crowd that had turned as support. Both teams showed signs of why they were the ones in the Final with neat crisp passing and half chances that could have easily found the back of the net had there been more composure. It was Poly who took the lead on the half hour mark though, a floated free kick brushed off Chappell’s head only to be volleyed in at the back post. Their lead was short lived however, 5 minutes before the interval Chappell connected with Fraser’s overhead kick for draw the sides’ level, a goal we felt was truly deserved even if it could have been ruled out for offside. We came out for the second half all guns blazing, for the first 10 minutes Poly couldn’t handle us, we were wrongly denied a goal which was ruled out for offside, Dan tapped in from close range after a great run and delivery by Gareth. With us celebrating and Poly dumb founded to be behind we were shocked as to the decision that was given. Knowing that we couldn’t dwell on the decision that had gone Poly’s way we did managed to take the lead 5 minutes later, Doddsy converting from the spot after a hand ball. Straight after the penalty saw Chris hobble of with a recurrence of his ongoing knee injury to be replaced by Tommy, Ben also came on for Chris Callus on the right of midfield. 10 minutes before the end Poly were level, with Tommy not seeing the man approaching from behind and going for the clearance he took out the man instead. Joe saved the original spot kick however was off his line meaning Poly had a second attempt and didn’t waste it. Soon after we lost another influential player in Gareth Whiteoak, he was replaced by Aaron which required us to reorganise and didn’t help our cause as this limited our attacking strength at a most crucial moment. With the score level after 90 minutes it meant that both teams had to hold out for an extra 30 minutes. The first 25 minutes of extra time was same as the beginning of the match, both teams managing half chances but not being able to find the back of the net until a header was saved and the rebound converted by one of their substitutes. As the last whistle was blown you could see the disappointment in all our faces. Having lost 2 of our most influential players to injury during the game didn’t help. Even though we fell at the last hurdle there as so many positives to take out of the game and now that our cup run is over we can concentrate on clinching the League Title. Congratulation to Poly who provided us with one of the toughest games we have had so far this season but don’t get too attached to the cup because Merton will do it their way next time and be sure to bring the silverware to Joseph Hood. MOM: A few played with great credit, Frazer had a good 2nd half and was a great threat, Joe was solid in goal and could do little to stop any of the goals. But MOM was Alex D’Andrea who from minute 1 to minute 120 played with his heart on his shirt and gave every drop of sweat to win the cup and nearly dragged us all over the victory line. Well done again lads, you should be proud. Keep up what you are doing for the remainder of the season and it will all be worth while. TEAM: Joe Tomkins (GK), Shaun McCullough, Mark Chappell, Tim Roberts, Edward Plaistow (Capt), Chris Dodd (Tommy Saville), Chris Callus (Ben Lawrence), Alex D’Andrea, Gareth Whiteoak (Aaron Ackerman), Frazer Haswell, Dan Hall
7th March Merton 1 - 3 & 2 - 2 Carshalton 7 (Double Header) (League) (Away) Scorers: McCulloch, Roberts, D'Andrea Report: Game 1 Carshalton 7s 3 – 1 Merton 5s This week, one week before the SAL Senior Novets Cup Final saw us face come up against Carshalton in a Double Header, anything less then 4 points from the 2 games we knew would dent our hopes of potentially clinching the League and Cup double. The ref spoke with both teams before kick off and assured us that he will not tolerate bad language with the venue being a public park and two footed challenges, regardless of this he failed to spot a two football challenge one of their players delivered 5 minutes in on yours truly. We started the game well and found ourselves take the lead 10 minutes in, Shaun unleashing an unstoppable drive from 25 yards that curled away from the keeper and into the top left hand corner. We knew that we had to keep our foot on the ground and carry on playing as if the score line was still goalless. 10 minutes after we had taken the lead we then conceded, you can probably say it was a stoke of luck how it came about but the opposition deserved the equaliser as they kept pushing and making sure they were first to the ball at every opportunity. A cross from the left from ‘The Monster’ (according to Alex because he seemed to have a longer throw then him) fooled everyone in the box, took a bounce and looped over Joe and into the top left hand corner. The score remained level leading into the break. The second half was a half to forget, even if we did feel hard done by with some of the decisions that were given against us. Carshalton came out with more intent then us, the Cup Final seemed to be on the majorities mind and this showed as we conceded 2 more goals on our way to losing our first league game this season. The first we felt shouldn’t have been given, a floated ball into the box was cleared by Chappell to ‘The Monster’ again who rifled the ball into the top of the net, Chappell maybe could have followed up on his clearance if he hadn’t been pulled down by the scruff of his neck. The second was a free header from a long throw into the bottom left hand corner. One game down and three points dropped meant we had to make sure that we won the second. Game 2 Merton 5s 2 – 2 Carshalton 7s After losing the first game we knew we had to win this for the league to be in our hands. We made a few changes to the starting line-up from the first game in order for those who hadn’t cemented their place in the starting line-up for the Cup Final to prove themselves. Again, as the first, we started the game on the front foot but it wasn’t until mid-way through the first half that we took the lead. Tim connected with a corner at the back post. Tim moment of glory was shot lived as 5 minutes later he ‘apparently’ upended the Carshalton number 8, the smallest player on the pitch to concede a penalty. Again, as the first game, 1 a piece leading into the break. The second half was a struggle for both teams, tired legs started to show but both team did however manage to pose a threat on goal. It was Alex who regained our advantage with a half volley at the back post from another corner. Their second equaliser came 10 minutes from time, a corner was semi-cleared at the near post, and again in 6 yard box only to fall to their number 5 who, like Shaun in the first half, hit a screamer into the top right hand corner. According to one of their players this gave us a kick up the backside going into the Final, we cant expect to turn teams round every week and these performances proved that doesn’t happen. If we play like this in the Final and the remainder of the season we can kiss any piece of silverware goodbye. We need to get our heads in the game and work as a unit if we are to do it the Merton way and lift that trophy this coming weekend. SQUAD: Joe Tomkins (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Tommy Saville, Mark Chappell, Edward Plaistow, Shaun McCullough, Chris Callus, Alex D’Andrea, Gareth Whiteoak, Ben Lawrence, Dan Hall, Tim Roberts, Chris Dodd
Cup Final Announcement!! The squad for the SAL Senior Novets Cup Final on Saturday 14th March 2009 has been announced. Congratulations to all those that made it and commiserations to those who didn’t. Mark has made it clear that this is the toughest decision he has had to make in his managerial career. The team is as follows: -
Joe Tomkins (GK), Shaun McCullough, Mark Chappell, Tim Roberts, Edward Plaistow (Capt), Chris Dodd, Chris Callus, Alex D’Andrea, Gareth Whiteoak, Fraser Haswell, Dan Hall Subs: Aaron Ackermann, Tommy Saville, Ben Lawrence and James Butler
28th February Merton 2 - 0 & 0 - 2 Old Wilsonians (Double Header) (League) (Away) Scorers: Reports:
21st February Merton 3 - 1 Old Actonians (SAL Senior Novets Cup S.F) (Away) Scorers: Hall, Dodd, Haswell Report: SAL Senior Novets Cup Final. Having previously defeated them during pre-season we still went into the game open minded knowing that they could become only the second team to brush us aside if we didn’t keep our feet on the ground and play the football we know that we are capable of. We welcomed a new keeper signing into the team in Joe Tomkins with stand in keeper Tommy coming out from between the sticks to partner Mark at the heart of the defence in the absence of Tim. It had taken us 2 hours to travel 5 miles so pre-match preparation hadn’t been great and we were slow out the blocks on an awful pitch. The game did had a lively opening with both teams using the space provided to them well and it was Joe who came to Merton’s recue with the first of a number of great saves after only 5 minutes. Merton then rallied getting more into the game and nearly scored from a Chris Dodd free kick which their keeper saved, and their defence blocked the rebound from Tommy that was heading goal bound. After 20 minutes Dan Hall picked up the ball near the half way and moved forward unleashing an unstoppable drive from 25 yards which the keeper could do nothing about. 1-0 Merton and in the driving seat! It wasn’t long before we doubled our tally, a floated corner from Ben, which should have been easily claimed, was fumbled and Fraser of all people rose to head home the loose ball. 2-0 up and cruising we knew that we had to keep our feet on the ground and not get too ahead of ourselves as there was still time for the hosts to claw their way back in. We managed to add another goal before the break to make the game ours to lose, a great run from Gareth saw him be taken down in the box and Chris Dodd stepped up to convert the penalty low and hard. A further great save (from Mark in defence in tackling OA’s tricky forward) by Joe meant we went in with a commanding 3-0 lead. It was a matter of keeping our heads together for the remaining 45 minutes, keeping it tight at the back became our main objective. Less then a minute into the second period Dan hit the upright, only for Gareth to miss the target on the rebound with an overhead kick. Mid way through the second half Old Actonians did find the back of the net, a neat lob over Joe followed a smart one-two to reduce the deficit. Dan could’ve made it safe with a one on one that it just miss-controlled at the vital moment and put his shot wide. But it didn’t matter as we held out for the remainder of the half to reach our first SAL Cup Final. Before this all important clash comes a hard double header away to Old Wilsonians. This will be the chance to test run players in order to select our strongest squad for the 14th March. Nothing has been won yet, but this team should be proud of where it’s got to this season and now get what it deserves... the league and cup double. OA paid a worthy compliment at the end... One player said to me ‘You were too good a unit mate, well played’. Praise should go to OA’s who played the game in a spirit worthy of the SAL, this despite being knocked out of two semi finals in two weeks. TEAM: Joe Tomkins (GK), Shaun McCullough, Tommy Saville, Mark Chappell (Aaron Ackermann), Edward Plaistow, Chris Dodd, Ben Laurence (Chris Callus), Alex D’Andrea, Gareth Whiteoak (James Butler), Fraser Haswell, Dan Hall MoM: Joe Tomkins
31st January Merton 1 - 1 (5 - 3 Pens) BB eagles (SAL Senior Novets Cup Q.F) (Home) Scorer: Hall Report: After about a month waiting we were finally able to get this SAL Cup Quarter Final out the way and hope for a place in the last four. We knew that it was going to be tough with BB Eagles placed a league above us and on a 12 match winning streak but we didn’t let that bother us as we’d brushed aside a better ranked Winchmore Hill side in the previous round We started the game well and the first 20 minutes was played in the middle 3rd. We found space often but the final ball was lacking quality. It was BB Eagles that took the lead half way through the first half, a free-kick floated in from the left found the head of their centre back who then found the bottom right hand corner, Tommy stretched for it has much as he could but failed to keep the ball out. 1-0 to the away side and that’s how it stayed going into the break. The team talk at the interval seemed to lift us a little, we felt a little hard done by being behind so knew that we had to show our fighting side and at least take the game to extra time. As in the first half we started the better team and managed to carve out more opportunities then in the first 45 minutes. We managed to stay strong at the back and limit the opposition to just the one goal as BB eagles seemed to settle for a 1-0 win. With time running out fast we knew we had to dig deep and give our all and it paid off 3 minutes from time. After great work from Fraser, a second half sub, Dan Hall managed to latch onto the lose ball and fire the ball into the back of the net to take the game into extra time. Extra time isn’t really worth mentioning, with two sets of tired players there were no decent chances created so it was left down to penalties in order to determine who would face up against Old Actonians in the Semi Final. We won the toss which meant we stepped up first. This is how is went: - Merton – Scored – Shaun (sent Keeper wrong way) BB Eagles – Scored Merton – Scored – Dan Hall (Keeper never moved) BB Eagles – Scored Merton – Scored – Alex (bottom corner) BB Eagles – Missed Merton – Scored – Mitch (one step top corner) BB Eagles – Scored Merton – Scored – Mark (keeper never moved) We won 5-3 on penalties which meant that it was us who booked a place in the Semi’s to be played on Saturday 14th February 2009. We have had a terrific season so far only being beaten once in 13 games and to be this close to our first final feels great. Well done lads and lets hope our winning ways continue against Kew this week……weather permitted obviously.
17th January Merton 1 - 0 Southbank Cuaco (League) (Home) Scorer: D'Andrea Report: After 5 weeks of not playing due to the Christmas break and cancellations due to frozen pitches we were finally back in action. Looking to continue our fantastic unbeaten run in the league against opposition that have only managed 1 win in 9 and recording 8 losses in the process, on paper this should have been a walk in the park With one half of the pitch at Joseph Hood literally unplayable we knew that we were not going to be able to play the football we were known for and in fact were in for a messy game. We lined up 4-4-2 instead of our usual 4-5-1 formation with Gareth partnering Dan Hall up front. Tim replaced the missing Dan Leaver to partner Mark at the back and Shaun took Aarons place at RB. David Lundy from the Youths was named a sub. Both teams stated well but it was us who were able to use the space that was provided to us better, carving out chances but failing to capitalise. Half hour in we managed to take the lead, Alex unleashing a first time shot with his right foot that the South Bank keeper could do nothing about. The second half was pretty scrappy; we seemed to panic on the ball and chance after chance went begging. South Bank tried to take advantage of this, but like us for the majority of the first half, they failed to find the back of the net. Tommy produced a great save to his right to tip a left footed shot around the post to make sure that we kept hold of the 3 points. Next week sees the arrival of BB Eagles in the Quarter Final of the SAL Cup, with them managing to knock Old Suttonians, the only team to defeat us so far this season, out of the AFA Cup, we need to produce a better display then we did this week. Having not played for 5 weeks didn’t help but we need to pick things back up fast. TEAM: Tommy Saville (GK), Shaun McCullough, Tim Roberts, Mark Chappell, Edward Plaistow, Ben Lawrence (Chris Callus), Alex D’Andrea,, Chris Dodd (David Lundy), Fraser Haswell (Aaron Ackermann), Dan Hall, Gareth Whiteoak MoM: Tommy Saville
20th December Merton 2 - 1 Winchmore Hill (SAL Senior Novets Cup) (Home) Scorers: Hall 2 Report:
6th December Merton 1 - 5 Old Suttonians (AFA Nocets Cups) (Away) Scorer: Butler Report: Well it had to happen someday and the 5s were finally lost their unbeaten record but by a team we should’ve beaten. If we’re honest it has been coming, there has been a certain expectation amongst some players that all we have to do is turn up and teams will roll over. Even this team for the first 10/15 mins were unable to cope with our forward running, but with a new keeper in goal our defence seem less assured than usual and were making silly errors. Sure enough some slack marking allowed there forward too much time and he scored with his 2nd attempt as Tommy had saved his 1st but we were too slow to react. We replied immediately with some great work by Fraser allowing James to slam in the equaliser. Sadly the gods were also against us as the Referee chose to give Sutton a 2 goal lead before half time with a ridicules penalty that had in fact struck a Sutton arm and an offside 3rd for Sutton. That said the inept performance that was the 2nd half meant we didn’t deserve to get anything anyway. You find out how good a team is when things go bad. So we’ll see how good we are this week. Hopefully it will be the kick up the butt we need and we’ll take the pain out on Winchmore Hill and Carshalton over the next two games... We BETTER! Team: Saville, Plaistow (Chappell), Ackermann (Lawrence), McCulloch, Leaver, Haswell, D’Andrea, Butler, Hall, Dodd, Callus (Whiteoak) MOM: Tommy Saville – Some great Saves kept the score respectable
29th November Merton 4 - 2 Old Salesians (League) (Home) Scorers: Haswell 2, McCulloch, Dodd Report: Old Salesians were the visitors to JH this week. After last week’s away win at Lloyds in the SAL Cup we were looking to pick up where we left off in the league and 3 points would guarantee us top spot. We didn’t start the game well, giving the ball away too many times due to miss-control and certain signs of panicking under pressure. The 4-5-1 formation that we adopted, one that earlier in the season seemed to be our best, didn’t help matters. Old Sales took the lead after 25 minutes capitalising on a defensive error. We managed to find an equaliser 10 minutes later after a great ball by yours truly found Fraser who then found the back of the net with a ‘SUBLIME’ (He wanted me to say that!) left footed shot. Old Sales were awarded a penalty 5 minutes before the break after Dan Leaver pulled the shirt of their striker; Paul kept us in the game by saving the resulting spot kick. We knew that changes needed to be made in order to get something out of this game. We switched back to the 4-4-2 formation that we have played for the last few games. We played much better the second half and it wasn’t long until that showed, Fraser rounding the outrushing keeper and sliding to ball into an empty net from a tight angle to make it 2-1 Merton. Shaun managed to bag his second goal of the season shortly after; a cheeky dink over the keeper from another tight angle doubled our advantage. Old Sales again managed to pull on back 15 minutes from time and we knew that this may be one of those games where we let it slip right at the last minute. I didn’t see the goal as I was having a confrontation with their striker (the one who missed the penalty). 3-2 Merton. We were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out 5 minutes from time, meaning there was a debate on who should have it, we all knew Aaron could hit them but with Chris Dodd on the pitch his name was all over it. The wall and keeper could do nothing to stop the ball finding the bottom right hand corner for Doddsy to put us 4-2 up and cement our place at the top of the league. Paul earned the Man of the Match award after good communication and some great saves, including the vital penalty save in the first period, that helped us keep up our unbeaten run. Next week we travel to Cheam to play Old Suttonians in the 2nd Round Proper of the AFA Cup. This is by far our toughest game to date and if we come away with a result it would be great but the main thing is that we go there and play the best we can and enjoy the football. Well done lads, keep it up!!!!!! TEAM: Paul Ellis (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Shaun McCullough, Dan Leaver, Edward Plaistow, Tim Roberts, Chris Callus (James Butler), Alex D’Andrea, Clyde Bester (Chris Dodd), Fraser Haswell (2), Dan Hall MoM: Paul Ellis
22nd November Merton 4 - 2 Lloyds TSB (SAL Senior Noverts Cup) (Away) Scorers: Hall 2, Bulter, Own Goal Report: This week saw us come up against a much changed, much stronger Lloyd’s team due to the fact that they were unable to field their original 5th team. After thrashing Bank of England 17-0 in the previous round at Joseph Hood we were looking to continue on our unbeaten run in all competitions and make it into the draw for the 3rd Round with the help of Lee Lenihan in goal. We starting the game the better team managing to use the space Lloyd’s gave us and it wasn’t long before we took the lead, 5 minutes in fact. A free-kick from Aaron failed to be cleared and Dan Leaver was able to provide a shot-come-cross for Dan Hall to connect with an overhead kick. The Lloyds keeper (Chairman of the club apparently!) collided with the post in an attempt to get to the ball which resulted in him needing treatment. 10 minutes later James made it 2-0. After being played through, beating the offside trap and winning a 50-50 challenge with the keeper he was able to slot into an empty net. The keeper again needed treated and this time had to be replaced. It was 3-0 10 minutes before half time. A free kick from Aaron inside our own half found the head of Dan Hall for his second of the game. Lloyds did manage to pull one back before the break to give themselves hope, a fierce shot that shot have been closed down by one of three defenders found the bottom left hand corner. We were frustrated at half time; even though we were 2 goals to the good we were not playing the kind of football that has intimidated most of our opposition so far this season. We started the second half the same as we did the first, on the upper hand and managed to add to our tally courtesy of an OG, Fraser causing havoc in the box left their defender with no choice but to bury the ball into the back of his own net. Lloyds managed to pull another back 10 minutes before the end with a lob after I gave the ball away inside their half and failed to track back. It finished 4-2 and we found ourselves still unbeaten and into the 3rd Round of the SAL Cup against Winchmore Hill at JH. We need to be very careful we don’t turn up assuming teams will roll over against us. We are in the middle of a fantastic run and only hard work and dedication will allow it to continue. If we get complacent there are some very good teams out there who will take advantage. Next week is against an improved Old Salesians team in the league and we will need to bring our A game to take all 3 points.TEAM: Lee Lenihan (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Shaun McCullough, Dan Leaver (Tim Roberts), Edward Plaistow, Ben Lawrence, Chris Dodds (Clyde Bester), Alex D’Andrea, Fraser Haswell, James Butler (Chris Callus), Dan Hall (2) MoM: Aaron Ackermann
15th November Merton 5 - 0 HSBC (League) (Home) Scorers: Hall 3, D'Andrea, Butler Report: We got an early chance to take revenge against a HSBC side who had taken a point of us 1st game of the season and we took it with gusto winning convincingly. Missing 5 players from the previous weeks cup adventure (including yours truly) we had to pull on all our resources and yet still had a strong team. We started typically slowly grinding out a few chances, but failing to take them. HSBC were good on the break and our defence had to be on their guard but dealt brilliantly with ever quick break that opened us up. Finally we scored, to ease the stress on the sideline; a call to test the keeper was heard by Alex who thought he’d test his luck from INSIDE our own half! This was followed quickly by a header from Dan Hall, the 1st of his 3 goals and then goal of the game scored by James Butler. James has played well since his return from injury; he picked up a loose kick from the keeper, muscled past a defender and coolly lobbed the keeper. Dan’s 2nd made it 4-0 at half time and pretty much game over.
This enabled me to utilize all 3 subs in the 2nd half and probably didn’t help the game to flow as it had in the 1st half. We were never under pressure with the defence having a solid game and Craig behind them doing everything required of him. 10 minutes from time Dan scored his hat-trick goal scoring low past the keeper after a quick move trough midfield and a quality ball from Shaun.
Many thanks to Steve Holland, Tom Varney and Craig Firmin for helping us out. This is certainly the strongest squad I’ve seen, even better than the famous mighty 5s of season 2005-2006. KEEP IT UP LADS. Cup exploits again next week
Team: Firmin, Haswell, Leaver, McCulloch, Ackerman, Holland (Varney), Dodd (Outred), D’Andrea, Lawrence (Callus), Hall, Butler.
8th November Merton 5 - 3 (AET) Enfield Old Grammarians 5th (AFA Senior Novets Cup) (Away) Scorers: Hall, Lawrence, Dodd, McCulloch, Whiteoak Report: We travelled to Enfield at the weekend for Round 2 of the AFA Cup. After defeating Phoenix Old Boys in the previously we were this time drawn against another team in the AFC in Enfield Old Grammarians, like us they had been unbeaten all season winning 5 out of 5 and laying top of their league. We had to change the starting XI right at the last minutes due to 3 of our regulars deciding that food was more important then progressing to the 3rd Round. James came in to replace Dan Hall as the lone striker, Tim switched from the holding role to fill in for Shaun at the back leaving Clyde to deputise. We got off to the worst possible start, a mix up in defence allowed EOGs to break the deadlock after just 3 minutes. Their striker finding the bottom right hand corner with a neat finish. To be perfectly honest the rest of the first period was all Merton, however we were unable to find the equaliser despite numerous (half) chances from Chris Dodds, Fraser and Alex. We trailed 1 – 0 going into the break. The second half was a much better performance then the first. We managed to draw level when a free kick from Chris Dodds found its way into the bottom right hand corner from 25 yards. After a few more half chances Gareth, a second half sub for Clyde, made it 2 – 1. It was 3 – 1 a minute from the restart, Alex won the ball, who then played it to Shaun, on for Chris Dodds, after a one two with Fraser in the left he unleashed a pile driver that the EOG keeper could do nothing about. It was by far the best goal of the game and he was unlucky not to open his account a couple of minutes earlier when the keeper got a finger to his previous long range effort to push it around the post. 3 – 1 up and cruising we knew that all we had to do to win the game was remain calm on the ball and tight at the back and in the middle of the park. Sloppy football on our behalf allowed EOGs a few attempts on goal. 5 minutes from the end EOGs were awarded a free kick on the right after yours truly decided that the only way to stop the winger from getting past was to tug at his shirt. The resulting free kick found the head of a EOGs player at the back post and all Dan Leaver could do was chest it into his own net. From the restart EOGs intercepted the ball and somehow won themselves a penalty, which they scored. 3 – 3 at full time meaning extra time and the possibility of penalties looming, not good when you keeper has a broken hand! With both sets of players growing tired it was down to the team who had it in them the most to win it and it was us! A free kick from Ben and a tap in from Dan Hall guaranteed us a place in the 3rd Round draw and kept the possibility of us going the season unbeaten alive. Next weekend we host HSBC with the chance to redeem ourselves after the disappointing 2 – 2 draw in the opening game of the season before travelling to Lloyds the week after for the 2nd Round of the SAL Cup. Keep it up lads! TEAM: Mark Chappell (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Tim Roberts, Dan Leaver, Edward Plaistow, Clyde Bester (Gareth Whiteoak), Ben Lawrence, Alex D’Andrea, Chris Dodds (Shaun McCullough), Fraser Haswell, James Butler (Dan Hall) MoM: Alex D’Andrea
1st November Merton 5 - 3 Old Westminster Citz (League) (Home) Scorers: Callus 2, Whiteoak 2, D'Andrea Report: Old Westminster Citizens were the visitors to a cold and wet Joseph Hood this week. Hoping to continue our fantastic start to the season we knew that this was going to be our toughest league game to date with them having won 4 out for 4 previously so hard work and sensible heads were needed. A few of their players were rattled before KO because of our 17-0 club record win last weekend….so they said! We got off to the perfect start when we won a corner 10 minutes in, Chris Callus delivered a peach of a ball that, with the winds help found the back of the neat. The lead however was short lived, a defence splitting pass found the OWCs striker who found the back of the net. Chappell did his best to stop the equaliser happening and picked up a knee injury in the process. We regained the lead straight from KO and found our third not long after. Chris Callus bagging his second and Alex finding the back of the net with a ‘sliding’ tap-in from 3 yards. We added to our tally just before the interval with Gareth burying the ball with his head after Aaron’s deadly free-kick. The second half was a scrappy one, OWCs getting frustrated that they couldn’t find a way through our back line. Ben Lawrence, a second half sub for Chris, found himself in a spot of bother when he was booked for a foul, however the player foul retaliated and was soon given his marching orders. After OWCs had argued that the ref decision was a diabolical one, and another booking later, the game resumed. We found ourselves down to 10 men for a short period when Gareth has fouled badly and had to sit on the sit lines for 10 minutes. During that period OWCS managed to pull one back. A ball from the left found its way through 3 Merton players after being tapped in at the back post. 4-2. Gareth found it in him to play through the injury that he picked up and came on for the remaining 15 minutes. OWCs made it 4-3 a few minutes later to set up a nail biting finish. A cross from the right finding the roof of the net with a powerful header neither Chappell nor the defenders could do anything about. We sealed the 3 points 5 minutes before the end. James linking well with Gareth who found the bottom left hand corner with a neat crisp finish. Next week we travel to Barnet to take on Enfield Old Grammarians of the AFC in the 2nd Round of the AFA Cup. Let’s keep our concentration going guys and add another week to our unbeaten record. Keep it up! TEAM: Mark Chappell (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Shaun McCullough, Dan Leaver, Edward Plaistow, Tim Roberts, Chris Callus (2) (Ben Lawrence), Alex D’Andrea (James Butler) , Gareth Whiteoak (2), Fraser Haswell (Clyde Bester), Dan Hall MoM: Gareth Whiteoak & Tim Roberts
25th October Merton 17 - 0 Bank of England (SAL Senior Novets Cup) (Home) Scorers: Bester, Callus 2, Dodds, Hall 3, Haswell 2, Lawrence 3, Plaistow, Whiteoak 3, O.G Report: Bank of England were the visitors to Joseph Hood this week for this 1st Round SAL Cup tie with the winners earning a 2nd Round clash away to Lloyds. With BOE placed 3 leagues below us we knew that ‘on paper’ we should win convincingly, however we didn’t expect to win as convincingly as we did. With Mark Chappell unavailable it gave me the chance to switch formation and convert back to the more common 4-4-2 with Gareth partnering Dan Hall up front. With no recognised keeper it was left to Clyde to fill the gap between the sticks, for the 1st half anyway. The 1st half was all Merton, Clyde was a spectator and from what I remember, only had 1 goal kick to take. We broke the deadlock less then 5 mins in when we were awarded a penalty which Chris Dodd converted easily. I can’t recall who bagged the other 5 but we went into the break 6-0 up. Alex made way for Tim Roberts at half time and Shaun replaced Clyde in goal. The 2nd period was pretty much the same as the first, BOE didn’t have a sniff at goal and we managed to add another 11 goals to our tally. Highlights would have to be Ben Laurence coming on as a second half sub to replace Chris Dodds and managing to score a hat trick, Gareth and Dan Hall also bagged 3 each. Chris Callus and Fraser Haswell each got a brace and one each from me (with and free kick) and Clyde, an OG completed the demolition. TEAM: Clyde Bester (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Shaun McCullough, Dan Leaver, Edward Plaistow, Chris Callus (2), Chris Dodds (Ben Laurence (3)), Alex D’Andrea (Tim Roberts), Fraser Haswell (2), Gareth Whiteoak (3) (James Butler), Dan Hall (3) MoM: The whole team.
18th October Merton 1 - 1 Old Actonians 8 (League) (Away) Scorer: Hall Report: This week we travelled to Gunnersbury Park where we came up against Old Actonians 8s, having beating their 5s comfortably pre-season we knew that we should find a way of coming home with all 3 points. The first half was pretty dull to be perfectly honest. We created a number of half chances but failed to find the back of the net. It didn’t help losing Chris Dodds 20 minutes in after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury and having to be replaced by the returning Gareth Whiteoak. We seemed to create more chances in the second period again but as in the first half failed to take advantage of the chances we were given………until the hour mark. A pass from the back line (by yours truly!) found Fraser on the left who then played in Dan Hall who after doing one defender, found the bottom right hand corner from the tightest of angles. We felt pretty comfortable at the back and knew that we could hold on and play out for the win with just the one goal but in order to do that everybody had to contribute. The midfield was second to every goal kick and every throw and nobody seemed to close the opposition down quick enough. We paid for these mistakes when a left footed drive beat Chappell at the near post. We felt hard done by when we had what seemed to be a perfect goal ruled out for offside. Alex found Dan Hall with a square ball in the 18 yard box who then placed the ball in the bottom left hand corner leaving the defender ON THE LINE with no chance. Every Merton player on the pitch at the time were left scratching their heads as were some of the opposition. We could have lost it late on if it wasn’t for Chappell tipping a fierce shot onto the bar. We need to learn to take our chances; one missed chance could be another team’s gain. Let’s try and get back to winning ways again Bank of England 5s in the SAL Cup next week. TEAM: Mark Chappell (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Shaun McCullough, Dan Leaver, Edward Plaistow, Chris Dodds (Gareth Whiteoak), Chris Callus, Alex D’Andrea, Clyde Bester (Tim Roberts), Fraser Haswell, Dan Hall MoM: Dan Leaver
11th October Merton 3 - 2 Phoenix Old Boys (AFA Senior Novets Cup) (Away) Scorers: Hall 2, Callus Report: After a decent start to our league campaign we were hoping for a good run in both cups this year, hoping to go one better then a couple of seasons ago when the 5s reached the semi’s of the AFA Cup. The 1st Round AFA Cup draw paired us against Phoenix Old Boys from the AFC meaning a 50 mile round trip to Slough and back. With a number or regulars missing and a no show from a ‘borrowed’ player we had to travel with only 11 men, meaning we couldn’t afford players picking up injuries or getting sent for an early bath. There were 2 changes made to the team/formation that ran riot against West Wickham last time out, Dan Leaver replacing Tim at centre half and Chris Dodds switching with Clyde to play the holding role. Both teams started well but it was us that caused the most problems but somehow didn’t manage to find the back of the net until 15 minutes in when Chris Callus’s drive found the bottom right hand corner.1-0 Merton. POB’s did manage to create a few chances, one which gifted us with our second goal to double our advantage. After a great interception in the box by Shaun followed by a great run he found Dan Hall with a fantastic ball who found the bottom left hand corner with a crisp finish. Not long after we had scored our second were we dealt a huge blow, Alex couldn’t take part any longer due to a recurrence of his knee injury. Even with 10 men we managed to go into the break 2 up. POB’s having the extra man showed when they managed to pull one back 5 minutes into the second half, some poor defending allowed their winger to latch onto the loose ball and plant it in the bottom left hand corner for his first goal in 3 years (apparently!). They were gifted their equaliser, we failed to close them down quick enough before a 25 yard drive found the top left hand corner, being fair to Chappell, there was nothing he could do about it. With extra time and the possibilities of penalties looming we knew that we had to keep it tight at the back and that the midfield had to work harder than they had all season. Chris Dodds joined Fraser, Clyde and Chris C in midfield for the remainder of the game. We created so many chances but couldn’t regain our advantage until 10 minutes from time. Dan Hall managed to find the back of the net with a neat half-volley which seemed to have knocked POB’s for six! It was a struggle to keep hold of the advantage but after some great goalkeeping by Chappell at the death we held on to make it into Round 2. Next we visit Old Actonians in the League, let’s hope we can maintain our great start and bring home another 3 points that will take us back to the top of the league where we belong. Well done guys, you should be proud! TEAM: Mark Chappell (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Shaun McCullough, Dan Leaver, Edward Plaistow, Clyde Bester, Chris Callus, Alex D’Andrea, Chris Dodds, Fraser Haswell, Dan Hall (2) MoM: Shaun McCullough
4th October Merton 6 - 2 West Wickham 6 (League) (Home) Scorers: Haswell 3. D'Andrea 2, Hall Report: This week saw the arrival of West Wickham to our satellite ground at Tudor Drive. Having been promoted along with Kew 7s last season, we knew that we couldn’t underestimate them even though we were strong favourites. With Steven Hollands pulling out right at the last minute it gave me the opportunity to slot back into the left full back position, replacing Fraser who filled in for Steve on the left flank. After winning the toss we decided to play towards the wind and managed to get off the a perfect start, West Wickham lost possession straight away and after a great run through the centre, Chris Callus found Alex who buried the ball into the bottom right hand corner for his first goal of the season and our first of the match. After a few half chances and poor defending gifted West Wickham a goal, their smallest player on the pitch (THE smallest player on the pitch) converting easily to draw level. Frustration caused us to play sloppy football and it seemed that the midfield had gone to sleep but we did however managed to restore our advantage after Fraser connected well to latch onto cross-come-shot from Alex leaving their keeper flapping at thin air! Things were looking up after our second goal, there was nice neat passing down both flanks and chances were being created but not converted but it was the visitors who found the next goal to level again after more poor defending. 2 - 2 at the interval. The team talk by Chappell at half time seemed to lift the team dramatically for the second period, even if he was in pain while giving it after being kneed in the face midway though the first half We took total control of the game, bagged 4 goals in the process and didn’t allow West Wickham a sniff at goal; they should have been award a penalty however when Chris Dodds handled the ball in the area quite blatantly but the ref was more interested in watching for the offside from the resulting ball. Fraser grabbed a couple more to complete his hat-trick and Alex added to his tally with a shot from 30 yards t, which should have been easily claimed by the keeper but found the back of the net. The demolition was complete 5 minutes from time when Dan Hall connected with Aarons corner on the volley. Next we visit Phoenix Old Boys in the AFA Cup, lets hope our winning run continues and come back from Slough looking forward to Round 2. Great performance guys. Keep it up! TEAM: Mark Chappell (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Shaun McCullough, Tim Roberts (Dan Leaver), Edward Plaistow, Clyde Bester (Tom Varney), Chris Callus, Alex D’Andrea (2), Chris Dodds, Fraser Haswell (3), Dan Hall MoM: Alex D’Andrea
27th September Merton 3 - 1 Old Salesians (League) (Away) Scorers: Hall 2, Dodds Report: The 5s continued their unbeaten start to the season and this win was especially sweet when you consider they had a number of 1st teamers in their line up and we could only counter by having a 6th teamer on the bench! Missing a number of players (Gareth, Alex, Chris and Ed away, Tom injured and lee with the 4s) the 5th showed the strength in depth of the squad by only needing Darren Pearce from the 2s to bolster the team. Lining up in our usual 4-1-4-1 formation we struggled in the heat and with the size of the pitch. Both sides battled well in midfield, and neither strike force made the most of the opportunities that came their way. Then a burst into the box by Dan caused the Old Sales defender to handle and Chris Dodd coolly dispatched the resulting pen. We made it hard for ourselves later in the half, struggling to clear the ball and conceding needless free kicks. Despite of generosity they didn’t trouble the keeper and only a fierce shot that was pared onto the post came close to netting. The second half was a different story. Old Sales struggled playing up the hill into the sun and MOM Dan Hall was getting more and more space. Playing a more conservative 4-4-2 we managed to get players closer to him and Darren, Clyde and Chris Dodd were causing serious trouble in midfield and it seemed only a matter of time before we’d score again. Finally Dan got his well deserved goal, rounding the keeper and finishing convincingly. We conceded a sloppy goal soon after, but the result was never really in doubt with the defence having a blinder 2nd half. Dan scored a similar 3rd and really the score should’ve been more, with Darren, Clyde, Dan and even Martin Quinlan all having decent chances to score. Our strength this season has been our stamina and belief in the2nd half, continually coming back from adversity. May this continue!
20th September Merton 2 - 2 HSBC (League) (Away) Scorers: Dodds, Hall Report: All the good work in previous weeks was in danger of being ruined when 3 players pulled out during the week and many others were very late getting to Joseph Hood. This and some bad traffic meant we arrived only 15 minutes before the scheduled kick off time… Not good preparation guys, we must do better. Worse news was that we were left with only 11 players after our twelfth man decided that he would arrive at Old Salesians in Ewell a week early (not mentioning any names - Don’t want to humiliate DAN LEAVER only one game into the new season). We knew that we would have to work extremely hard if we were to go back to JH with all three points as HSBC had only just missed out on promotion last season and this being the first competitive game we had played together. Both teams started brightly, creating chances and using the space well on a surprisingly small pitch. It was HSBC however that broke the deadlock, great play down the right saw a shot ‘parried’ (fumbled according to others!) into the path of there striker who finished with ease. We knew that we had to find the equaliser before the break if we had any chance of winning and thanks to Alex’s powerful drive and Chris Dodd’s sore leg we did. Alex found enough space outside their eighteen yard box to unleash a thunderbolt that found its way into the bottom left and corner……..thanks to a deflection by Chris. Controversy to who the goal should go to but it was awarded to Doddsy. Both teams went into the break one goal a piece. The second half saw a number of tired legs due to the fact that we had no subs, and with Alex and myself picking up slight injuries it seemed that we might have had to finish with 9 men but we rallied on. After a number of half chances for both sides and great goalkeeping either end (That’s for you Chapps!) HSBC regained their advantage. A cross from the left was misread by Chappell and with my best attempt to clear of the line the ball found the back of the net. The clock was ticking and chances were being wasted, we were stating to think that it wasn’t going to be our day until……………we equalised again! Chris Dodds’s shot from the edge was turned in by Dan Hall ‘Zola’ style; a cheeky back heel flick not only confused the keeper but two defenders too. Overall, it was a good performance by all but we have to improve certain areas if we want to win promotion. With Old Salesians looking to improve on their 4-0 loss to Carshalton they will come out all guns blazing to climb from the foot of the table when we visit them next.
TEAM: Mark Chappell (GK), Aaron Ackermann, Shaun McCullough, Tim Roberts, Edward Plaistow, Clyde Bester, Mark Jennings, Alex D’Andrea, Chris Dodds, Fraser Haswell, Dan Hall MoM: Chris Dodds By Ed Plaistow
MATCH REPORTS 2007 - 2008
19th April Merton 1 - 4 Bank of England (League) (Away) Scorer: Saville Report:
8th April Merton 1 - 5 Kew Association 6 (League) (Home) Scorer: Porter D Report:
5th April Merton 3 - 4 Old Actonians (League) (Away) Scorers: Reed, Porter D 2 Report:
29th March Merton 1 - 4 Old Westminster Citz Scorer: Report:
15th March Merton 2 - 0 HSBC 7 (League) (Away) Scorers: Whiteoak, Haswell F Report: We travelled to HSBC knowing that we needed to win to keep the promotion chances alive. With our goalie injured and our replacement goalie not turning up, Glen went in goal. We knew we had to be at our best, against a new and improved HSBC team who were desperately in need of their first point of the season. So the game got underway, and with a lovely pitch, some of our passing was excellent. Persistence from Gaz finally gave us the lead after 30 minutes. A great first half performance from our defenders, Tim, Dan, Mark and Aaron resorted HSBC to a couple of shots from distance, no danger for Merton. HSBC were then reduced to ten men just before half time. 2nd half was pretty much the same with some inspirational play from Zoo and more great defending, we kept it 1-0. Finally, after chances coming and going, we took the lead through a neat finish by Fraser. The game eventually ended 2-0 to merton. All round an excellent performance from everyone, but MOM must be split this week between Zoo and Tim, who were both inspirational in a great away win, and some major improvements from James and Aaron aswell (well, atleast Aaron can header the ball now. Haha)Let us take this TEAM performance into the next game and win promotion. COME ON THE 5s!!!! Glen Porter
8th March Merton 4 - 1 HSBC (League) (Home) Scorers: Ward 2, Porter D, Leaver D Report: Well iam going to cut this match report short as only to say, what a fantastic performance by the whole team. With 2 brilliant well taken goals by andy and too carry on playing injured aswell is a big credit to the team and himself, another goal for dan and a volley by dean collected well deserved points. With nathan going off injured and be missing for the rest of the season he will be a big loss to the team, as hes performance so far has been a credit to our team and defence{we all wish him well and a speedie recovery. The man of the match goes to chris dodds who not only made 2 goals but ran the midfield superbly to suit hes owns needs{a joy to watch}. So to the next match yes its that time again its Hsbc again, so another stern talk by your captain mark is on the agenda Another strong performance needed by everyone if we are to progress to the top. Gerry.
1st March Merton 2 - 2 Carshalton (League) (Home) Scorers: Ward, Porter D Report:
23rd February Merton 1 - 5 Lloyds TSB (League) (Home) Scorer: Whiteoak Report:
9th February Merton 3 - 0 Old Actonians (League) (Away) Scorers: Leaver M, Whiteoak Report: This was a game we had to win against old acts ,who have only lost 1 league game so far. Both teams started evenly so expected to be a tight game,with both teams going for the win as there league position stated. That didnt hinder our goal!!and 10 minutes later mark sent over a powerful cross met full on by mike, a diving header across the goal in off the post 1-0. It was only a few seconds more when mike leaver himself broke to the byline to cross for gareth, to place the ball in the opposite corner 2-0. The a moment of madness by old acts midfielder because our striker was too good for him saw the ref introduce 2 red cards, left each side to play out the remaining 20 minutes of the half with 10 men. The second half started and we subbed fraser for dave who slotted into the centre back position, we controlled the whole game if we are honest with chances coming a plenty and with andy on for tommy he grabbed our third and the game was over. James on for chris and his performance to run against the defenders with his pace had the old acts defence on the back foot as had gareth all game sending shivers into there defenders. We must not forget arrons fantastic free kick that there keeper saw late to tip over the bar{dont worry arron your goal is only round the corner}. Gareth, tommy,should of had a hatrick or more each but never the less the win does nicely, Tommy destroying there defenders with his pace and trickery it was a joy too watch. Gareth was superb Tommy was magical Tim was excellent with evey positional play in the game but,with his work rate his tackles his commitment to drive forward m-0-match goes to Mike leaver Proud of you mike as the whole team lets take this performance into our next match. Also lets not forget another clean sheet by Nathan, and great leadership by our captain mark who kept the team on it toes and focused through out the game. Gerry.
26th January Merton 7 - 0 HSBC (League) (Home) Scorers: Butler, Ward, Saville, Dodds, Plaistow, Freestone, Porter D Report: It was a good all round performance today as we welcomed Hsbc 7th team,the pitch was a bit gluey but never the less both sides performed. Hsbc got to give them credit even though we overhauled them, there heads never went down Iam sure there will be better to come from them eventually. Anyway with goals from tommy,dean,chris,luke,edd,andy, and james, we cruised to a good win,congratulations goes to james on his first goal may there be more. Defence looking good now mark has got these boys to settle, and believe in them selfs to go on and be more stronger in every game we play. Congratulations also go to Nathan for his penalty save and his first clean sheet of the season,and Arron for a performance at last we all want to see {keep it going arron thats why i put you in this team}. And it is with that note that the m-o-m goes to Nathan,and Arron{two key players in a quality side} Gerry.
19th January Merton 0 - 6 Civil Service (SAL Senior Novets Cup) (Away) Report:
15th December Merton 5 - 4 Old Parkonians (SAL Senior Novets Cup) (Home) Scorers: Porter D 2, Saville 2, Pearce Report: Well put aside the wind and rain we had lately each week, and finally what a cup game it was. We started again as normal rushing our game, and paid the price early as old park took the lead 1-0. We soon found our feet when chappell sent over a cross from the left, dean latched on to it and first time hit a cross shot which the keeper could not stop going into the top left corner1-1. we battled and battled and darren and zoohair lead by example, we then pushed on and tommy saville got our second goal by bursting through and clinically beating the keeper2-1 at half time [rock on tommy} A few words were said at half time about commitment to win balls, and closing down the opposition early to stop them playing. The second half saw us play a more composed game with chances starting to appear,but then a lapse in defence saw the old park striker take control about 5 yards outside the area and lob our keeper into the left corner 2-2. We pushed and with darren, zoohair,sean taking us forward old parks broke away down the right, with a cross, which I thought our keeper had only for the ball to fall on the head of the old parks player and trickle into the net 3-2 parks. Chris had to go off with a leg strain and arron entered the game with us still pushing for an equaliser, and it came a long punt by nathan found tommy on the left he turned inside and chipped the keeper into the bottom left 3-3. Only for old parks to get a well what should I say a penalty from a lucky dip bag, nathan could only get a hand to it but could not keep it out 4-3 parks. I thought to my self ok still ten minutes to go keep calm, we won a corner on the right mark sent over his first attempt only for it to go out for a 2nd one, which he sent to the far post darren got up as he had been doing all the game with a powerful header across to the far post where it found dean who headed it into the corner4-4.{WHAT A CUP TIE} Then with 5 mins to go the ball broke onto the edge of the area {thoughts quickly ran through my head with a voice shouting DONT PANIC MR MANNERING, it was chappell with that trusting left foot he hammered the ball through a crowd of players into the old parks net 5-4, and book our place in the Quarter final. After it was noted that darren got the touch on chappells shot to claim the goal, well I am sure these two will be talking about that goal for a long time, but we will give it to darren to mark his fantastic performance. M-0-M Goes to three players this week darren, zoohair,fraser. Lets hope 2008 holds the key to our league and cup dreams{Fantastic achievment by the whole team, PROUD OF YOU ALL} GOALS Dean 2 Tommy 2 Darren 1 Gerry.
24th November Merton 1 - 2 Bealonians (AFA Senior Novets Cup) (Home) Scorer: Ward Report: Well what can I say we did it again started slowly and let bealonians in,a free kick on the left was deflected home by tommy. Yes there was a call for offside but we should start better,keep making ground up later is not a good thing against good teams. Well we had chances towards the end of the first half, but thats how it stayed only 1-0 down. The second half was all ours but we could not find a killer pass, to open up the opposition and get back in this the game. Tackles were going in strong and hard, and the ref was having a bit of a job to work out what was what and some were going a miss. Then finally a cross from the right andy rose with the keeper who suddenly stopped and his defender called for a foul, andy headed into the far corner dean followed it in to make sure 1-1. I thought to myself now your talking lets go and win the game, we pressed and hurried chances were getting better and better but still the ball would not drop for us. Then a bit of play in midfield by bealonians we didnt close down fast enough, a shot or lob or whatever you call it sailed over nathans head into the corner. We then produced some fighting spirit but time was running out and my feet were killing me in the cold on the sideline,dean crossed the ball in to andy who got beat by the keeper, the ball broke to the sweet left foot of chappell who flighted the ball over the keeper but the keeper who had springs on his boots{got to be illegal}caught the ball. Andy was taken out by the keeper late on but the ref said no free kick but he was out of his box ref he has to go,but the ref said he didnt see it what was the ref doing plane spotting. Well that was it out of the cup what can I say but I have got to remember to bring my woolly gloves and hat next week my nuts were freezing. OK lads this saturday the next round against old parkonians lets start early and get the job done fast and quick,if we are on our game we can beat anyone. Gerry. M-O-M Fraser haswell should of played left back for England v croatia17th November Merton 1 - 1 Bank of England (League) (Home) Scorer: Leaver D Report: Today was a day when we were looking to improve our game even further, at home against a slowly improving bank side. We kicked off and straight away bank brought the game to us, i new they would looking at there previous performances no easy teams in this league. And as it has in our recent games we paid the price for sloppy play as bank crossed from the right, glen stretched to head the ball away only to reach arron who got his positioning all wrong and there striker volleyed home in the top left 1-0 bank. Perhaps it was top spot that was on our minds but i really think everyone was to wrapped up to get home to watch "THE X FACTOR" ,and with that the half ended with heads down. My prayers was answered in the second half as battle commenced with chris, dean ,tommy, and gareth,all picking the pace of the game up,chances were coming and gareth was running his socks off to get us back in the game. Then a disputed decision gaves us a corner chris sent it over james challenged and the ball broke loose, with a twist and a turn a quick side shuffle and the first line of footballs coming home DAN LEAVER slammed hes shot pass the bank keeper who could only wave to it singing thats another fine mess you got me into stanley. Anyway we hustled and pushed but the ball just wouldnt go in to give us the win we deserved even when gareth broke away towards goal, there player clearly took him out last man should of been a red but the ref said he got contact on the ball some you win some you loose. So with all the first half going to bank and the second half ours, even when we went down to ten men our selfs due to a player getting himself a silly red honours were even 1-1. I thought the ref had an excellent game and the situation with the red card {good standard} As for m-o-m it goes to gareth whiteoak another of our new recruits his time will come which i cant wait to see} Scores:Dan LEAVER 1 Cup game sat at home AFA lets treat this as our final got to win and keep setting the standards. Gerry.
10th November Merton 4 - 1 Old Westminster Citz (League) (Away) Scorers: Doods, Porter 2, Leaver M Report: We arrived with plenty of time to spare with 12 players for this crucial league match,which saw us make one change,with centre backs missing we recalled mark chappell back to top flight football. The game started in good spirits with merton picking up from the off,our passing was crisp,our tackling was spot on and it was only a matter of time before we took the lead. Yet after about ten minutes that would take a blow as robbie wilson who even though started to again look very impressive sustained a ligament injury to his knee and will now be missing for 4 crucial weeks of our campaign.{all the best ROBBIE} It was ten minutes later that we won a free kick on the left,chris dodds stepped up to the challenge and sent over a wicked free kick that mike leaver couldnt reach but dean porter did controlled the ball first time and smooth as you like slipped it past the keeper 1-0 merton. But the best was yet to come after a good spell of one two passing chris dodds found himself on the right side of the penalty area, looked up took a great control with his right and placed it cooly in the left bottom corner. Thats how it stayed at half time all that I said at half time was lets keep going theres more to come. Second half started with chances coming and going mark{captain jim,ll fix it }kept our defence on its toes, and dan, arron, fraser, made it look as it should be when your playing at this level. Then some more premiership passing and dan leaver centre back out on the left hassled, tackled,and a neat pass to brother mike who turned swiftly to the right then smashed a BRIILIANT right foot shot low into the bottom right 3-0. OWC, pulled a lucky goal back later on but that didn,t stop dean porter shooting hes second goal in off the post, to complete a day when merton 5s hit and share top spot with a game in hand. If it wasnt for the owc keeper the margin could have been bigger. So lets give a good account and make them pay its in our best INTEREST when we entertain bank next week. M-O-M GOES TO{ CHRIS DODDS ALL PLAYERS THIS IS HOW TO RUN THE MIDFIELD BLOODY EXCELLENT}---TEAM EFFORT SUPERB. SCORERS,MIKE1,DEAN2,CHRIS1. GERRY.
3rd November Merton 2 - 1 Carshalton (League) (Away) Scorers: Porter D, Leaver M Report: We arrived at carlshalton with only 15 minutes to spare before kick off as we had a problem getting our kit. Anyway the game kicked off to an even play by both teams, and once again we fell behind to a silly piece of defending as the cars player rose at the back post to head in 1-0 to cars. We always seem to do this in our games and if it wasnt for nathan who tipped a cars 30 yarder on to the crossbar followed by a brilliant parry as it fell to a cars player who caught it on the rebound then we could had been in a right mess. We then had to make a sub and reshuffle the pack and then we started to play, a well timed pass and mike leaver sprung the off side trap cooly rounded the keeper and you and i know it 1-1 we now took this in to half time. The second half started and we were now in control of this game chances and chances were coming deans pace and strength was causing concern for cars as at times 3 defenders were marking him but of course nothing to match hes pace. dean and mike leaver were getting 1 on 1 with the keeper so many times i wish i had brought my calculator, nathan saved us again late on with a header at point blank which he calmly pushed over the bar, the other one he turned and caught behind him after a poor header back by tim roberts who was being hassled by two cars players. Andy brown was running the line for cars when the ball was clearly in Andy gave it as going out and a throw to cars i wasnt happy at all, but it was nice to see as Andy flagged for the throw in he backed back to keep up with play and fell back over the stack of bags on the side line, i thought to myself at the time if hes not careful he will fall over and he DID. Anyway the minutes were ticking and with only 1 minute left on the clock tommy going away from goal managed to turn and sent over a magical cross which found dean on the edge of the six yard box he thumped it in the opposite corner 2-1. We must not forget our new recruit robbie wilson he also had 2 great chances to score on hes 5th team debut and will improve the more 90 minutes he gets. So as`ABBA says we win again. MAN-OF-THE-MATCH Its got to be Nathan lawer he just gets better and better {Hes saves make a big difference} A big thankyou goes to matt haswell for assiting running the line.
27th October Merton 1 - 3 Kew Association (League) (Away) Scorer: Porter G Report:
20th October Merton 3 - 2 West Wickham (SAL Senior Novets Cup) (Home) Scorers: Dodds, Porter D, Roberts Report: Merton 5’s started slightly nervous knowing that the game ahead was a very important cup game and the opposition were three leagues above us, we knew it was going to be hard game. We started quite well proving that we were going to be a stiff opposition for West Wickham. We saw two amazing saves from our big man in goal Nathan Lawer who saved both at point blank range, if it was wasn’t for our man of the match goalie we would never of won the game About 15 minutes into the game there was some great link up play between Dodd’s and Frazer before Tommy crossed a marvellous ball from the left to reach Dean Porter who finished in sublime style. The tall West Wickham players were causing a threat in the air so we had no choice but to try and play football along the floor with simple passing, it was easier said than done. We managed to see the half out 1-0. We stayed strong in the second half and managed to go 2 goals up with a great corner from Dodd’s, flicked on by Micks to meet our central defender Tim’s out stretched boot. West Wickham managed to pull two goals back in quick succession making the scores 2-2 and left Merton wondering if we could get anything out of the game, we showed spirit and kept our heads up when in the last 15 mins Dean latched onto the ball and struck it with his left boot only for the goalie to parry it away, when out of no where Chris Dodd’s made a surging run beating his man to tap it in at the back post 3-2 to Merton. We had to defend well for the last moments and that’s what we done a well deserved win against tough opposition. A very good game by Aaron at right back putting in some solid tackles. Dodd’s and Dean proved to be a force upfront again by both getting on the scoresheet. Man of the Match has to go to Nathan who played a great game in goal and kept us in the cup. Frazer
6th October Merton 3 - 2 Old Wilsonians (League) (Home) Scorers: Dodds, Saville, O.G. Report: Both sides started even and a cross field pass by Old Wilsonians a mix up in defence, let the away side take a 1-0 lead after only about 4 minutes. We then knew in this division all games will be hard, then a well taken corner by Chris Dodds found our new addition Tommy Saville and he powererd his diving header into the goal at the near post, 1-1, it was a relief to see us level. But that was just the start of things, chances were coming and going, then a neat pass by Dean, out to the right found Chris Dodds, who chased down only to fire over a low cross which the opposition defender could only help pass his keeper in to the net 2-1 merton. It didn't stop there, 6 minutes later Steve Sales opened up the away sides defence and there he was again yes Chris Dodds, who kept his composure beat the on coming defender and calmly placed the ball in the back of the net, 3-1 to Merton. Half time came and our defence of Lee Stribling, Dan Leaver, Arron Ackerman and always the impressive Fraser Haswell, kept the ship tight at the back. Even if a player change resulted in the away side scoring, by a missed time jump for the ball. Nathan has been very comfortable, and impressive in all games played so far, his gigantic kick outs are causing all sorts of problems for all defences, and with Dean's pace latching on to a good majority goals will be coming plenty, his partnership with Chris Dodds will grow, and i can't wait for the next game, these two will cause lots of problems. We must not forget Mike Leaver who's addition to the team puts his tackling in a differrent dimention, you sure he's not from planet (no problem i've got him) every one take note he does not drink pints its diesel, you can see by the engine he has. Well done each and every player; but m-o-m goes to Fraser Haswell, left back does not phase him, No game this week so lets get ready for the cup game, on the 20th. STAY TUNED ITS GOING TO BE A CRACKER. Gerry.
29th September Merton 3 - 1 Lloyds TSB 5 (League) (Away) Scorers: Buchan, Leaver M, Porter D Report:
22nd September Merton 2 - 3 HSBC (Away) (League) Scorers: Leaver, Porter D Report:
