Another frustrating score line for Merton 6’s going down 4-1 at home to Old Salesians 3’s with the result not matching the performance. It was a very evenly matched game played in a competitive nature where either team would have been happy to walk away with a draw. It just seems that the team is being punished for every mistake or lapse of concentration so far this season and our attacking play not yielding the goals it deserves. At least the cup games are giving the squad the opportunity to get these issues out of the system before the league fully gets under way.

Old Salesians pinched the league from a corner midway through the first half, a very good delivery came in and after a scramble which included a brave goal line clearance from Ty (well a ball flat in the face and little was known about it!) the ball fell kindly to an unopposed player to slot home. Merton nearly drew level when a delivery from Paul or Chris (Can’t remember who so both have the credit) found Pete who produced a spectacular volley which somehow the goalkeeper managed to save and to be honest it just hit him, again Merton really not getting the rub of the green.

The game continued to go back and forth with little other opportunities in the first half and Merton going in 1-0 down at half time. The second half begin with Merton on top but the side could not quite find the composure in the final 3rd to convert pressure into goals. Corners, free kicks and long shots came without a serious threat on target. The gaffer was beginning to throw his toys out of his pram as Chris tried his best with a few long range efforts into the children’s playground. Paul got down the flank countless times and delivered from the touch line without the players attacking to box able to convert.

And then it happened out of nothing Merton found themselves 2-0 down. There was no massive danger and the defence was well placed. A through ball blocked by Femi diverted out of the way of the collecting goalkeeper Lee with the ball almost in slow motion dribbling over the line, another massive slice of bad luck. It could of got worse if it wasn’t for another goal line clearance from Ram which this time diverted more kindly for us.

Merton’s heads remained high and the team continued to fight and then finally we were back in the game at 2-1. A deliver from a set-piece found the gaffer in space who leapt like a salmon to nod the ball over the approaching goalkeeper.

As the last 10minutes approached and with Merton chasing the game 2 quick goals came to kill the game. Less said about how these 2 goals came the better, lets just say all 4 goals that did come could have easily been avoided.

The positives are that despite the score lines games have been competitive, good football has been played and the team has always fought until the end. If it wasn’t for mistakes and bad luck all of the results could have been very different. Let’s hope the football gets the results it deserves when the league season begins.

Team: Lee, Ram, Chappell, Kevin, Femi, Ty, Jamie, Chris, Dan P, Paul and Pete.

Subs: George, Josh and Malcolm.

Dog of the Week: Even though he helped us out, Lee is awarded Dog for some flapping mistakes.

Man of the Match: Close this week with Kev, Chris, Jamie, Ty and Ram all having 2 votes each until the last vote came in. The final vote went to Ty somehow!!! Maybe it’s because I’m writing the match report or because I moaned at everyone for not voting but I promise it was no fix. Gaffer voted for me and said it’s because I always tried to do the right thing, not necessary that it always came off……

Posted in Match Reports 6s