Merton 1s v HSBC – 20th October 2012

Merton were able to continue their good form with a gutsy performance securing a deserved point against a very competitive HSBC side. It is a great pleasure to go to HSBC whatever the outcome because of their tremendous facilities it is even nicer when you come away with something. HSBC started the better and got into their stride much better than us. They had the confidence of a side that had a successful promotion season last year and have made a good start to this campaign. They were quickly ahead. Oaksey made a good save from a corner but they were quicker to the loose ball and smashed it home. They then dominated the game but we gradually got a foothold in the game and 1 nil at half time meant we had everything to play for. We played much better in the second half and after creating a number of chances Browner headed the equaliser powerfully from a corner. We ere well on top in the second half and it was HSBC who were pinned back. We had some good movements but our shot or final ball disappointed. When they pressed our defence held out strongly and Oaksey did some great work from corners. The ref, Obi Bentley, had a good game, although he made enough decisions to upset everyone. It was one of those games that was very competitive, if not combative, and needed a strong ref otherwise it might have got out of hand. And he was that strong ref. This was an excellent performance from Merton because HSBC were a very good strong well organised team and whilst both teams may think it was three points lost a draw was probably a fair result. Everyone performed really well but a couple of relative newcomers were outstanding; Matt Bosher worked his socks off to good effect and Hoppy after he had beenfouled rather nastily got his dander up and won everything in midfield for the last 20 mins. But in fairness everyone put in a good shift as did their players. Home to Old Actonians next week which will be another hard game. Max Herbert