Match Report – 27/01/2018 vs HSBC HOME (well away actually)

As the Hood still resembles an outdoor swimming pool, HSBC kindly agreed to switch the game to their lovely home ground for our crunch AFA quarter cup clash.  On paper with our current form and the fact they were bottom of the league below, this should have been a comfortable day for the sixes.

We had a strong line up that welcomed back the self proclaimed “big dog” Tony to the ranks.  We kept him in reserve to be unleashed later.

The team talk centred around making sure everyone was up for the game and not to be complacent.  We needed to get the job done and move into the semi’s.

The game started and it was apparent that the pitch was a bit of a leveller and that we would need to make sure we kept the ball out of the boggy areas.

After a bright start from the sixes, Nick missed a couple of chances which would have made the first 15 mins more comfortable.  Once we were in our stride, the chances came and it wasn’t long before Callum smartly finished a nice move.  HSBC battled well and kept coming back at us and hit the post with a long range effort that beat Swanny.  That was the wakeup call we need and we stepped up a gear scoring two quick fire goals from Callum and George, Callum’s being one of the team goals of the season.

HSBC managed to pull one back when the skipper headed a wind assisted header against the bar and the resulting corner was scrambled in.  I think the big dog scored to make it 4-1 but I can’t remember.  Half time may have been 4-1!!!

Second half we took control of the game and managed to tire the HSBC team by letting them chase shadows.

Anyway second half we managed to score 3 more with Tony completing his hat trick (one goal was a peach of an assist from the skipper – had to get that in!) and Trey scored with a great finish.  HSBC managed to score a couple to make the final score 7-3 and we moved into the semi final.

Couple of sour notes was that Mr CHAPPELL did not want to be substituted after busting his nose again!!! With the ref and the skipper taking the best course of action and subbing him – Mr Chappell threw a water bottle in direction of the skipper (I think he meant to miss but the wind swerved it and hit him!) and there was a set two between manager and assistant!! Amazing scenes and deservedly won him a night out in the coveted dick of the day outfit!

You would have thought we had lost the game with the subdued celebrations, but there you go.  Maybe we can borrow the 3’s music system for the next game!

Next week we have a week off so the big dog and Chappell can get their noses fixed again – get well soon Tony!!

We have a massive couple of weeks coming up which includes the semi on the 17th, so let’s get focused and win something for the mighty Merton FC.

Man of the Match: Callum – was superb in the first half and was denied a hat trick by the stupid manager taking him off. 

Dick of the Day: no contest – water bottlegate Chappell.

See you in a few weeks when we play South Bank at home – wherever that may be!!!

Written by the Gaffer

Posted in Match Reports 6s