Under 14s vs Epsom & Ewell Colts – 03.12.17

Epsom and Ewell Colts v Merton FC U14

1-2

Goals: Justin, Fareed

MOTM: Fareed

Lineup:

GK – Milo

RB – Liam

CB – Fareed

CB – Nikoy

LB – McKenzie

CM – Eddie

CM – Daniel

RW – Hugo

LW – Diego

ST – Justin

This was an important match for Merton in the league after failing to pick up points of late. On a crisp pitch Merton started strongly with some lovely interplay and quick passing which led to regular traffic down the wing and some good balls being whipped into the box. Merton looked threatening throughout the first half and commanding at the back with a special mention to Fareed who took on a new position at centre half for first portion of the game as we waited on our regular centre back to arrive. The breakthrough came for Merton midway through the first half after seeing the majority of our shots parried by the keeper, some lovely passing led to Justin hooking a shot in the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

The second half continued in a similar fashion with Theo finding lots of pockets of space in the number 10 role, and sliding good balls into the wingers and Fareed who had now moved back to his regular position at striker. Fareed got his goal midway through the second half as he held his run perfectly and slipped through on goal, calmly slotting the ball away to make it 2-0 to Merton. The chances continued to come with Diego playing a perfectly weighted ball through to Theo who unfortunately was thwarted by the keeper who made a strong reflex save. Merton gave themselves an anxious last 5 minutes when Entri was caught flatfooted and high up the pitch, giving Milo in goal no chance as he tried to get back on his line. This led to a scrappy last 5 minutes with some great blocks, the most notable being Liam’s excellent last ditch deflection in the final couple of minutes.

Merton held on for a good win as we look to find confidence in the final third. Fareed gets man of the match for his excellent performance at the back and up front, scoring the all important winner.