LEAGUE TABLE

End of year review

Having gone into the Christmas break 5 points clear of HSBC, 2011 saw one of the best league runs that the 5th team have had since their promotion nearly 5 years ago. Having been knocked out of the AFA Cup at the first hurdle losing 4-1 at home to Old Meadonians, and failing to overcome EBOG in round two of the SAL Cup following our disposal of Old Owens in round one, only two teams have gone on to defeat us in the league after the opening 9 games (won 6, drawn 1, lost 2). Those losses at home to West Wickham and away in Harrow to Old Lyonians could have easily been prevented had we been more prepared and key players arrived on time! Having not played as a unit competitively, the opening fixture away to Old Wilsonians 6s, one of two Old Wilsonian teams in our league, was a tough encounter. Fortunately we were able to grind out a 2-1 win to kick start our season. A 4-0 win away to Lloyds, a 5-2 win away to HSBC, a 2-0 win at home to Old Wilsonians 6s, a 6-2 win at home to Old Lyonians, a 1-1 draw away to West Wickham and a 3-2 win at home to Old Wilsonians 7s, which by far was our best all round performance of the season so far, has seen us to where we are now. There have been many key performers step up to the plate when required. The introduction of Patrick Mhondiwa to the squad has taken a little pressure off Tee Nash Bizayi when it comes to providing the goals. Unfortunately we lost Tee to a serious hamstring injury in November that has put him out until February at the least. Dan Hall has come in to fill the void after lacking in confidence higher up in the club. Having not scored for a while, it was a sigh of relief when he managed to break his duck by scoring the equaliser against West Wickham in the 1-1 draw. Another player that deserves a mention is Josh Browne, who was drafted in to replace Glen Field between the sticks. Some fantastic shot stopping has proved vital at times and is one of the reasons we currently sit top. The most improved player in my eyes however would have to be Aaron Ackerman. Having played on the right side of midfield for the last few seasons he has taken his place alongside Chris Dodd in the centre of the park. His composure on the ball and his pick of passes at times are now on par with his dead ball deliveries. Still plenty of aspects to improve on but none the less a great turn around. I recently named a new skipper in Chris Outred following his performances at the start of the season. It was a role that he was a little wary of at first, but game by game he is showing why giving him the armband was the best decision, and an easy one. Only 7 teams make up Division 5 after Weirside Rangers and Old Salesians opted to withdraw meaning that we have to play each of the remaining teams 3 times. Having now played each team at least once, we feel that we are in a comfortable position to continue giving the performances we have so far. All we need to do is ensure that we play the football we know we are capable of and keep the communication to the required level. A big thanks must go out to Colin Plaistow. Having represented Merton in the past but having to quit due to ligament damage, he has taken on the role of Assistant Manager, a role I feel is underrated. It is hard enough to focus on your own game come match day, so managing as well puts that extra pressure on the one responsible, me in this instance. With Colin taking the reins while I am playing, he has contributed greatly in our success to date. Following the Christmas break, we host Lloyds with the aim of clinching another 3 points to keep us aloft of everyone else in Division 5! To finish off, I would like to congratulate the team for their work ethic so far and ask for them to keep it up for the remainder ofthe season. I can guarantee that you will be rewarded! Merry Christmas one and all! Edward Plaistow (AKA Scholesy)

5^th TEAM FIXTURES 2011 - 2012