ALGARVE TROPHY MAY 18 - 23 2011
After last year’s disappointment we assembled a very strong squad to take part in this year’s competition in Albufeira on the Algarve in Portugal. It has become the essential end of season tradition and ambition to win a very competitive tournament. The facilities are great, the opposition consisting of three local amateur sides and another English team is tough.
After two days getting acclimatised and tuning up in the Karaoke bars we got down to footy on Saturday morning with three out of four of our matches (25 mins each way -11 aside). The first game was against Crowborough Town and we got off to a hopeless start conceding after 2 mins. We lost possession in midfield and a through ball put their striker in on goal with a lot to do. But he did it rather well. An exceptionally fine save by Oaksey prevented us going 2 down and Willgo then fired us back on level terms. Just before half time Sean burst through from midfield and picked his spot from 25 yds to make it 2-1. Whils we had chances to secure the game my memory is of us hanging on for the rest of the game against a very good side. Oaksey made two blinding saves to deny what seemed certain goals. Clappers clashed heads with Tills and had to go off to have 6 stitches just above his left eye (matches the scar above his right now). Crowborough were very unlucky not to get a lot more from this game. (Merton 2 , Crowborough Town 0). They were a good side and good bunch of lads.
Without a break we were immediately on the field against D.C Immortal a local side who had won their first game 3-1. We were on top for almost the whole game but just could not score. They had a couple of chances and hit the top of the cross bar from long range but we were disappointed not to have got another 3pts. Whilst Clappers came back for the second half, we lost Reedy to a very bad tackle when through on goal for a nailed on penalty that was not given. Pete Jennings got a point blank shot in the face and lost a tooth and Willgo also got hit in the face. Lucky we had a big squad. Merton 0 D.C Immortal 0.
After an hour’s break we were back on the pitch against Campinese, a very good local d side from Loule, containing a number of ex pros, who had beaten us 4-1 last year and were my favourites for the tournament. This was a very competitive and edgy game. This was certainly not a friendly and got very heated. They wanted to play the game slowly with all stoppages taking forever and complaining about every tackle and going down very easily whether we touched them or not with additional sound effects. This did not go down well with the lads. But we went ahead when Tills fired home from the edge of the box but they equalised when we got a bit sloppy in defence. As time went on we pressed for the winner while they played out for the draw that would suit their purpose. In the final moments during a period of sustained pressure the ball broke to Kieron Tiddy who fired home and we celebrated (Oh yes we did). Merton 2 Campinese 1.
Our final game was at 1pm on Sunday, the next day, a curfew was imposed of 2pm. Not sure how this was observed but the boys were up for it next day for the game against another Portuguese side. We got off to a cracking start playing some good passing football. Willgo forced the ball over the line from close range. We went 2-0 up when Clappers and Femi took a quick short corner with Femi crossing for Dan Hall to head home. All we needed was to hold on for 25 mins to win the trophy but that was not going to be easy. We had a good shout for a penalty against Willgo but they had a claim too. We conceded with 15 mins left and dug in to hold on. They had some really good players and were very dangerous. They missed a very good chance with 5 mins to go and we made it 3-1 with the final kick of the game to make sure we had won the trophy and we celebrated and will continue to do so. Squad: Oaksey was the outstanding keeper of the tournament. Three outstanding saves in our first game won us all three crucial points. Pete Jennings Strong performance throughout at right back and was good value in the Karaoke bars with a message to you Rudi - Our player of the tournament, Clappers lead the team on and off the field. Outstanding and gave us that touch of class with bandaged head stitches and blood. Clowesy. Another outstanding performance at Centre back, enjoyed the banter with the Portugeesers. George Cairns had a great tournament at left back and when he came off Chris Rayner stood in admirably with a crucial block tackle in last minutes of the tournament. Tills stepped up to the plate when the captain was felled (he probably felled him) scored great goal and stood in at centre back for Clappers organising and leading. Woody a toch of class and strength in midfield throughout. Sean S outstanding gave it his all and scored a great and crucial goal, Willgo had a great tournament and with our two goals was our leading goalscorer, neither of them were scuffed. First one from 12 yards ansd second from 12 inches when rather than pass he forced the ball home. Femi worked his socks off and set up and scored a great goal and was a star performer in the Karoake bars with some whacko Jacko stuff. Dan Hall played like a man possessed. The antics of the oppo seemed to get him going and he really put it about. Headed a great and crucial goal. Kieron Tiddy was a real presence on and off the pitch. Inside and outside the bars and scored and celebrated a great goal and became the subject of the tour song Wimoweh the might Tiddy Reedy played well and was through on goal when felled by the keeper for a nailed on penalty that should have been given, That was him out of the tournament. Vanny and Sherbs both unable to play due to injury did their bit abusing the opposition and officials from the sideline and oh yeas and urging our boys on to greater endeavours , Potter Rayner and Tiger Cairns provided envaluable support and advice to the team Dannyboy No chance between the sticks with Oaksey in such good form came on left side of midfield d for a couple of little cameos. But having committed onegrave social error then started flicking and backheeling and doing all that sort of stuff that was just too much for me to take when we are desperately trying to hold on. And so what had started out being called the ‘Centenary Tour’ or the’ Promotion tour’ became known as ‘Danny’s last tour’.
Fashion note The team was beautifully kitted out for the tournament firstly in bright pink polo shirts and then for the first day of the tournament because of a clash of colours in Blue shirts white shorts and pink socks and for the second day to win the tournament in our all yellow strip.
Summary , Great tour Brilliantly organised by Gary and we won against some very good teams. Everyone made a contribution to an extraordinary few days.
Download the Merton Tour Programme 2011 (PowerPoint document 3.1 MB)
