Month: October 2014

A very disappointing result as our series of draws / dropped points continues. The performance was poor and error-strewn in the first half, improved dramatically after half time but we couldn’t quite grab the 3 points we needed and possibly just about deserved.

We were all over the place from the first kick off. Everyone seemed rushed, and we gave the ball away too easily all against an Ibis side who started brightly and with real purpose. We could have already been 1 goal down by the time we conceded the first goal after 5 minutes. Lax defending from a throw in on the right of our area gave their busy front man time to nip past the stranded last man (me) and finish firmly past Ellis. The defence was all over the place, but the whole team seemed nervous and shell-shocked.

The next 20 minutes wasn’t much better as we struggled to gain shape and understanding. Things improved alot when Essex came off the bench and immediately caused major problems rampaging down the left. One of the first things he did was beat his man for pace and put in a great whipped ball across the 6 yard box, which begged to be finished, but just evaded Denys rushing in.

Suddenly we were more confident and on top, creating stuff in their half and applying good pressure. A stunning 30 yard trademark free kick (past the admittedly smallish keeper) from Thommo levelled the scores after 25 minutes. We were now on top, carving out several corners, but also still looked stretched and out of shape when defending, and paid for that with a breakaway sucker punch on 30 minutes. I won’t put myself through describing it in too much detail, but I did completely miss a bouncing ball I felt I had to go for on half-way when I was last man, and a few seconds later we were 2-1. Arrrgh! F!!

This didn’t help anything or anyone, and we remained disjointed, annoyed and disappointed until the break.

The gaffer made his feelings known at half time and agreed to change the shape from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2, as our our initial shape (both centre backs marking) could not cope with Ibis playing a deeper, floating forward (4-4-1-1). We have agreed to disagree on this and on precisely what was wrong.

Nevertheless, the change of shape worked a treat. Paul didn’t have a save to make during the 2nd half and it was largely one way traffic. We pressed and probed, enjoying long periods of possession in Ibis territory and eventually, deservedly, kicked down the door and equalised on 70 minutes when Jamie Buckley scored with a well struck 25 yard daisy-cutter into the corner of the goal.

Ibis, who were lacking subs, had one player who was carrying an injury and were hanging on and it seemed only one team was going to take the points. Pearcey was thrown up front (Merton DEFCON2) with 15 minutes to go but the change of shape didn’t work in our favour. Ibis, plucky all day, suddenly had a couple of dangerous breaks, including one down our left which resulted in a shot which fizzed past Ellis’s post.

We created enough chances, half chances, and possession in the last third and penalty area to win the game comfortably. Pearcey snatched at a great chance in front if goal when put through and I had a header from a great Thommo corner which was blocked by someone’s knee on the line. Hailstone broke though from the left and shot into the side netting from an angle when a squared ball or shot across the keeper looked set for a goal. After one scramble Pearcey managed to accidentally block one of our own shots on goal. Desperation gradually set in and we had far too many speculative shots from distance, none of which really troubled their keeper.

It finished 2-2 and we were all gutted to say the least. While we are still unbeaten this season we have drawn far too many games in the league that we should have won, while Old Actonians (who we drew with last week – but should’ve beaten) won again on Saturday and are now clear at the top of the league.

We have a cup game in Barnet on Saturday, and a break from league pressures may be a good thing. There’s still a long way to go this season. Heads up.

MOM:

Team:

Attendence:

Report by:Shaun Jones

Merton 4’s entertained top of the table Actonians on Saturday welcoming back James Fiveash for his first appearance of the season and Chris Hailstone back from Injury.

Merton notorious slow starters were surprisingly quick out of the blocks. Playing with a high tempo they forced a succession of attacks early on. With the gaffer switching to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation for this game Denys in tandem with Dan Kelly were causing the visitors plenty of problems and it was Dan who gave Merton a deserved lead 15 mins into the game as he rifled into the top of the net following good work from Shauno.

Merton should have increased their lead after a succession of misses from inside the six yard box and were made to pay when Actonians midfield player showed great technique to chest down and volley home into the top corner from 25 yards out. For the rest half Merton seemingly shell shocked by the equaliser when on top and struggled to keep the ball allowing Actonians to have more possession and inch their way into the game.

Second half followed the same pattern, Merton wasteful with chances and Actonians always carrying a threat at the other end. It was the visitors who took the lead when their impressive right winger fooled everyone and sent a swerving dipping free-kick into the back of the net when everyone was expecting a cross.

2-1 down and Merton pressed; more chances were spurned until finally they were rewarded for their pressure with Denys sweeping home after a flick on from Pearcey. 2-2 and both teams pressed for the winner, with 10 mins left Tiddy’s chin thought he had secured it when he bundled home at the far post. It wasn’t to be however as Actonians came right back and the right winger tucked home another free kick off the post to claim a share of the spoils.

In summary the team remains unbeaten, but the mood on Saturday was definitely one of a missed chance to close the gap on Actoniansat the top. We must find a way to kick home our advantage, convert our chances and learn again how to see out a game when in a winning position.

MOM:Myself…

Team:Ellis, Gash, Pearcey (C), Lofty, Essex, Shauno, Jessie, Hailstone, Kieran S, Dan K, Denys. Subs – Ian J, Tiddy, Chappell

Attendence:8

Report by:Simon White

Merton travelled to Hayes (Kent) for a tough encounter with a young Wilsonian’s side. The game was played in strong winds, drivingrain and cold conditions as the winter hit our season. The pitch at Hayes Lane was outstanding.

Merton started the stronger of the sides and hit the bat through Sean M after 10 mins. This was followed by a series of 6 back to back corners that Wilsonians somehow managed to survive. After controlling the game for 20 minutes and playing slick passing football, Merton took their foot off the pedal. Wilsonians broke the deadlock with their only effort on target as Merton were sloppy from a freekick, allowing the 5ft tall forward to head in unmarked.

This sparked Merton into life and Denys maintained his goalscoring run with a neat lob following an Ian Jordan through ball. The second half was pretty much uneventful as both sides cancelled each other out. I have a feeling Wilsonians will be there or there abouts in the shake up for promotion.

MOM:Jamie Buckley

Team:Chappell; Essex, Lofty, Pearcey, Jessie; Dan Kelly, Shaun Jones, Jamie Buckley, Sean M, Ian Jordan, Denys Subs; Alex R, Ricardo, Kieran Y

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Report by:

This Saturday saw the 4’s travelling to Merton in the Surrey cup. Merton looked like a very good side so we knew we would have a tough game. The ground wasn’t the easiest to find so we started with a bare 11 with Richard and Sam Donovan struggling with the locals to get directions!

Merton started strongly, they were a very well organised outfit and had some very strong players. However we matched them with grim determination at first and then gradually our football started to flow. After 30 minutes of quite equal possession Jack Fortune got clear through and I could see the first goal coming, unfortunately he hit the ball like a little fluffy bunny in a summer dress and the ball just about reached the keeper. Never mind, he is a defender after all! The last 15 minutes remained quite even with both teams doing well but our keeper had probably been a bit busier pulling off a couple of great saves.

I gave Jack a rest at half time and brought on Sam Donovan to sit behind Kevin up front. We started confidently and were winning a lot of the challenges, defensively we had been excellent with Luke completely in control at the back. Unfortunately after 10 minutes Rob pulled up with his hamstring so had to come off, so Jack was on again. We had had all of the normal niggles during the game about offside, with the lino deemed to be always wrong and cheating. I must say that the positions all the moaners were in on the half way game them a perfect view to make such a clear cut decision and the abuse was obviously very well founded. I have made a note to pit forward a proposal to have the linesman stand still on the half way line and just have a guess for offside, makes much more sense. Unfortunately Bruce Forsyth was reffing and he became more and more senile as the afternoon went on. Some of his decisions at the end wouldn’t have looked out of place at live at the palladium, poor old fella. Anyway the game was heading for a draw and the dreaded extra time when Merton brought on their big striker, it didn’t take long for him to get an opportunity and he hit the ball like a bullet into the back of our net. That was the 86th minute so it looked like curtains for our cup run ! We continued with great spirit and 2 minutes later Kev Badcock hit an absolute beauty from the left which floated magnificently into the top right hand corner, sensational!!

So extra time, that wasn’t good because we were knackered. The first half went by without incident, apart from the ridiculous calls from the sideline and Brucey apologising for his legendary wrong decisions. The 2nd half kicked off and both sides were tired, Merton however took the initiative with another great strike from the big man and it was going to be tough to come back. We battled well butdidn’t have enough to get that equaliser and went out to a very good side. Good luck to Merton in the next round and all the best toBrucey on strictly this evening.

MOM:

Team:

Attendence:

Report by:

The 4s maintained their unbeaten record, but this was far from a convincing display and perhaps the only thing that could be takenfrom it is that good team get results on bad days… and we got out of jail here!

Injuries and unavailability meant a few changes to the starting XI with Paul Ellis coming back in goal (apparently 3 clean sheets isn’t enough to keep your place … sniff) and Jamie Buckley and Shaun Jones replacing the missing Chicken Kiev and Fat Controller. This accounted in part with the slow start the 4s made and we could easily have been down and out before we woke up. An incredible clearance off the line by Marc Cottrell and a fine save from Paul kept it 0-0 but then HSBC split us apart again far too easily and tooka deserved lead. As this stage it was all HSBC and I couldn’t see where we could get back in the game. Then suddenly Ricardo made a break and fed Kieran in on goal, he was tackled well but the ball broke to Dan Kelly and he finished well … Always scores the hard ones… we’ll come back to that later.

This should have kicked us into gear… but HSBC weren’t done and a smart turn and shot on the edge of the box left Paul with no chance and it was 2-1 and half time.

A few choice words at half time a slight change of shape had little effect initially with HSBC still bossing things… but we startedto influence the game on the break and had a number of excellent chances to score, most notably Giz, Shaun and Dan Kelly (who hit thebar with the goal gapping… cost… £1 fine) before Shaun Monoghan finished well round the keeper to equalise. We then took the leadwhen Dan Kelly beat defenders to the ball to squeeze the ball in to make it 3-2 and surely job done.

But HSBC weren’t done yet, Paul made a few smart saves before with a minute or so to go their striker was allowed to turn and shoot to get what they must have thought was a deserved point… But in one final twist, Giz won a free kick and after pushing Giz and Jamie Buckley away.. Marc Cottell stepped up.. and with Pearcey’s words of encouragement – “noooo , don’t shoot, how many do we put in the net from there” ringing in his ear.. He curled it into the bottom corner – The club will be pleased to hear that he will be finedif he ever mentions the free kick again… So feel free to ask Essex about it J

MOM:Dan Kelly

Merton 4’s came away from Civil service with all 3 points after a scrappy game in which it was more about the result than the performance.

On a surprisingly bobbly pitch Merton struggled for any rhythm in the opening 20 minutes and found themselves being second best toCivil’s swift counter attacks. Slowly and surely Merton crept into the game and forced a succession of corners, with Denys going the closest, heading wide after a pin ball in the box when arguably he should have done better.

Merton did however take the lead 7 minutes from the break when in the ascendency as Denys’s deflected effort (later awarded as an OG) squirmed into the corner of the net following a Thommo free kick that the keeper could only parry. Within a few minutes the lead was doubled as Denys again latched onto Lofty’s precise through ball and coolly lifted it over the on rushing keeper. 2-0 seemed generous s at the break and the gaffer seemed far from happy…

The second half produced a much more disciplined performance, with the midfield starting to get on top and the defence more in harmony. Thommo unfortunately pulled up with a calf tear midway through the second half which may keep him out for some while. Ian his replacement nearly created the third with a delightful cross which Giz could only get half a connection on and was scrambled wide.

The third however did arrive courtesy of a bit of trickery by Giz down the right 20 mins from the end as his whipped in cross was deflected home by the oppositions centre half into his own net.

The rest of the game was seen out by the resolute back four led by Pearcey, and by the Cat Chappell his third clean sheet in 3 games…

MOM: Pearcy

Team:Chappell, Tiddy, Pearcey(C), Essex, Alex R, Lofty, Shaun M, Thommo, Dan K, Denys, Ricardo. Subs – Ian J, Giz

Attendence:2

Report by:Simon White

Played at Wimbledon Common Extensions

It started so well for Merton. We created 4 golden goal scoring chances in the first 25 minutes through a mixture of good football and Pearcey winning the flick-ons from set pieces. Unfortunately Dan Kelly missed them all. Credit Dan for getting in the correct position to miss them and for never giving up, however, rumour has it couldn’t finish his dinner after the game and he missed a one on one with his mrs later that evening!!!!

Following their considerable let offs, Alleyn’s came into the game. Their forward 5 were very quick, very skilful and very off the cuff. They had not been coached in the discipline of defending and this made for a very open exciting game. The pendulum swung in Alleyn’s favour 5 minutes before half time when a breakaway lead to a good cross our box which was finished at the far post giving the returning Paul Ellis no chance. Chappell said he would have saved it.

We came in at the interval disappointed but not downhearted. The game became stretched as both sides went for the next goal. After half an hour of two good sides slugging it out and missing reasonable but not great chances, Merton were awarded a free kick wide on our left. Ricardo, who does not understand the difference between meet time and KO time, delivered a dangerous ball into the box which glanced off the stumbling Ian Jordan’s head into the roof of the net. A well deserved equaliser.

With 5 minutes remaining, the referee (a cross between Lenny Henry and John Cleese) awarded a very debatable free kick 25 yards out. The confident Alleyn’s number 10 pushed everyone away and struck a free kick Beckham-esque destined for the top corner. I looked to the floor in frustration at conceding when out of nowhere, Paul Ellis rolled back the years and twisted in mid air to somehow touch the ball onto the bar. In my 30+ years of playing football it was in the top 3 saves I have ever seen. Simply outstanding. He made another save that was only really good 2 minutes later.

All in all an enjoyable game, with a fair result between 2 strong sides. Great performances from Kieran and Alex at full back and from Paul Ellis for THAT SAVE. Roll on next week at Civil Service.

MOM: ?

Team:Ellis; Alex, Pearcey, Jeremy, Kieran; Khalid, Buckley, Quainton, Ricardo; Kelly, Denys Subs Ian Jordan, Shaun Jones

Attendence:8 people, 3 Children

Report by:Mark Thomas

A venture into the unknown for Merton’s 4’s on Saturday as they entered the Surrey Cup for the first time in recent history with atrip down the A3. Even El Presidente Terry joined us for our away day to offer his support.

Thommo tinkered with his line up and played a fluent 4-3-3 formation and right from the start Merton seemed up for the game and settled into a good rhythm.

New Bosman signing Denys signed from ‘Chicken Kiev’ the gaffer’s words not mine was leading the line well, with good link up play with Ricky and Dan Kelly. Thommo was enjoying the freedom behind the front men and it was he who had the best 2 opportunities of theearly exchanges the 2nd of which being an attempted chip that floated just wide.

With the midfield on top, chances came and went for Merton as it began to look like it might be one of those days but fortunately 15 mins before the break the breakthrough finally came via a spot kick, our 2nd in 2 weeks when Dan Kelly was brought down in the box. Sean M cooley slotted home and Merton were on their way. 1 nil became 2 nil within moments as Thommo’s break and cross down the left (following a great pass by Essex ) found Dan Kelly at the back post and his header back across goal in turn found the debutant Denys to head home.

The second half followed the same format as Merton continued to carve out chances and it was no surprise when they added a third courtesy of a Thommo special as he flicked the ball up and volleyed top corner with his left peg. Thommo grabbed a fourth following a great team build up starting with Alex at the back continuing with a good hold up and through ball from Ian. An own goal completed the rout. Chappell preserved his 2nd clean sheet in a row with a fine block in the closing momentsto seal a good away day win.

Good performances all round particularly from Essex at the back supported by Pearcey, and Sean M in midfield. The gaffer was even seen to be smiling after the game…

MOM: Mark Thomas

Team:Chappell, Kieron, Pearcey, Essex, Alex R, Lofty (C), Shaun M, Thommo, Dan K, Denys, Ricardo. Subs – Ian J, Doddsy, Atko .

Attendence:7 people, 12 Sheep, 6 Horses.

Report by:Simon White

Most of the pre-match talk surrounded Shauno’s recently self-purchased yellow Captains armband and Thommo’s fine system. £1.00 each week just for being bald seemed a bit harsh, but it set the coffers in motion on what was a profitable day for future night outs.

To the game, on another warm afternoon the Merton Strollers (aka 4’s) began their new campaign with a hard fought if not stuttering display, to earn a one nil win and a welcome three points.

With the visitors starting with nine men, it was Merton who started the more slowly, somewhat confused by their two man advantage and unable to keep the ball well enough to create the gaps that were there to exploit. By the time Southbank had made up their full complement of players they had undoubtedly the best chance of the opening fifteen mins, when there big striker just failed to connect to a through ball and Chappell eased him away with a friendly barge!!!

Still somewhat annoyed by the ref’s decision not to award a penalty in their favour Southbank promptly managed to concede one of their own. Merton’s fleet footed player manager Thommo skipped down the right showing a rarely seen turn of pace and was adjudged to havebeen impeded as he scurried into the box. Jessie in turn found just enough time to put down his Samsung Galaxy and slotted home just past the keepers outstretched left arm.

The rest of the half was fairly even, there were a few half chances to either side and Merton probably shaded the possession.

Second half and Merton again started slowly, unable to get to grips with Southbank’s system they had Mark ‘The Cat’ Chappell to thank for keeping their lead as twice he denied Southbank forwards with point blank saves. Merton slowly got back to grips with the game though and in the last half an hour they had more than enough chances to double their lead with Stacey, Kieron and Dan Kelly all going close.

Resolute defending by the back four with Lofty and Tiddy in front saw the game out, with Pearcey even having enough time to go close at the other end with two far post headers in the dying minutes.

Thommo’s post match report in Summary was must do better… A fact not lost on the players, but then again we all do love a 1-0 win…

MOM: Mark Chappell

Team:Chappell, Kieron, Pearcey, Shauno (C), Jessie, Dan K, Tiddy, Lofty, Colin, Thommo, Hailstone – Ian J, Stacey, Doddsy.

Attendence: 8

Report by:Simon White

The 4s faced a daunting trip to North London to face the Champions of the Minor Division 1 last season (only the 4 leagues above us) in the AFA Minor Cup. Our prospects were not helped with the suspension of key player so far this seasdon, Dean Wilkinson and by Front Man Dean Porter climbing out of his sick bed.

That said it was clear that everyone was up for the challenge and we made it clear that we would not travel all that way to get rolled over, and at a minimum we’d let Winchmore Hill know they were in a game. Occasionally this boiled over, but it was a fantastic contest from minute one.

Winchmore settled into their game quicker than Merton, our new formation with new personnel wasn’t helping. They had the wind to their advantage and it was clear they had a favoured ‘out ball’ with their left winger being used as the young whippet chasing the hare. Tommy Savile had his hands full and the defence was being sorely tested. They soon scored after a couple of clearances were well charged down by the Winch attack and the bounce favoured their striker who finished well.

Then a flash point which helped define the game. The Whippet went in late on Richard Prosper, Richard stood his ground only for the whippet to grab him by the neck. Richard thankfully was pulled away before any retaliation but amazingly the Referee took no action. Soon afterwards there was salt rubbed into our wound when the Whippet was put through and round Lee to score and make it 2-0.

Amazingly, despite everything, Merton never lost belief and knew that the game would change in the 2nd half when we’d have the wind and their ‘out ball’ would be easier to defend and harder to use. We finished the half well, Seyang testing out their full back on a number of occasions and it was clear we had a real chance to turn this round. With the idea that ‘the next goal could win it’ ringing in our ears we started the 2nd half having given Tommy a rest and made a tactical change bringing on Jamie.

Chances came and went and it was getting tougher and tougher to believe we could turn it around. We started taking the odd chance going forward, but with Dutch Mo as our security playing brilliantly we continued to believe. Then with 10 minutes to go and Dean contemplating 3 up top, Thomas Taylor won the ball off their keeper and crossed for Charlie Radford to score the weakest header you’d ever see (I bet their defender is still having nightmares)… GAME ON.

Within minutes we were level, good work around the box and a finish from Glen Porter… But we didn’t want extra time, we wanted the win. Sure enough with time running out Thomas Taylor stepped up and finished an amazing 10 minutes of football to take the win. Amazingly we got a huge slice of luck to end the game. Winchmore piled forward and scored what looked like a perfectly fair goal, but the ref disallowed it for off-side and the game was over. He did look tired… perhaps he didn’t want extra time either :).

Special mention should go to Lee Wilkinson who made a number of decent saves, and man of match Moise Djunter. The team spirit of this team was put to the test this week and we’ve shown that together we are a formidable team. A huge thanks and respect goes to Dean Wilkinson who came to watch.

Team:

MOM: Moise Djuntier

Report by: Mark Chappell