Month: October 2014

This week saw us host South Bank 4s in the SAL Senior Novets Cup with a Quarter Final place for the victors.

The game started a bit scrappy our end, not challenging for headers and coming off second to most. This continued for the first 15-20 minutes until we finally got into our rhythm and started playing some football as we have produced in recent weeks. SB’s central midfielder was trying to control the game but we soon saw to it that he was quietened down by our quality throughout the team.

Chances came and chances went but nothing was really dropping for clear cut chances and then a major blow when SB scored to take the lead and put one foot into the next round.

Half-Time 1-0 to South Bank

Words were exchanged at half time and we knew what we needed to do. We have faced the situation before of coming from behind and with our winning mentality we went out to try to grind another positive result.

With 25 minutes on the clock left to play Nikko picked up the ball inside the opposition’s half and started to run at their left back, the centre back joined in to defend their goal but Nikko’s slick footwork (and some good strength) saw him cut inside and place a beautifully crafted shot into the opposite top corner. A goal out of the top drawer and game on.

From here on in there was only one team looking likely to score as we bombarded their goal. A header from a corner from Dean P just over the top and another header from a corner hitting the crossbar and some near misses with shots from Nikko, Dean W and Alvin.

It took until 3 minutes from time and a great strike from Tommy to earn our place in the quarter finals. The ball fell to Tommy 20 yards out and he stroked it home with his left foot leaving the keeper no chance.

A performance where we showed we don’t just do the pretty stuff all the time and can grind out a result. Again we showed our determination to not be beaten. Quarter Finals to look forward to in the first of 3 trophies we hope to be winning this season.

Team:

MOM: Tommy

Report by: Dean Porter

We went into this game on the back of a first class performance with 10 men last week, knowing we had to put that to the back of our minds and get the job done in what is our local derby.

From the outset it was clear for all to see that with our passing and movement Old Westminster Citz were in for a tough afternoon and after the quarter of an hour mark it was Dean P outjumping the defender on the back post to give Merton 4s the lead. The finish was simple but the build up play again showed how well this team has gelled together and every player touched the ball in what was a patient but deadly attack. The final piece of the attack saw Nikko teasing the oppo before teeing up Seyumg to put in a perfect cross to the back stick.

The pace of Nikko and Seyumg on the right side was a constant threat to the Old Westminster team, cutting through and creating chances for a few shots around the box, which unfortunately were slightly off target. It wasnt long though before more distribution fromDean W and Tommy to the wings found Nikko who played in Dean P to cross into the danger area, which Alvin Dee managed to attackafter some great movement to slip the ball pastthe keeper with a delicate side foot volley. At 2-0 the confidence was forever growingand the passing became slicker and quicker to control the game going intohalf time.

Half-Time 2-0 to Merton.

A few wise words of warning not to get complacent at half time saw us start the second period where we left off and again Old Westminster were chasing their tails in an attempt to retrieve the ball from us. It wasnt too long before another great move with us passing out of defence feeding the midfield where Dean W controlled the passing moving from side to side, saw us set up the third goal. Dean W finding Richard Prospere on the left wing who put a pinpoint cross outswinging to find Dean P on the run into the 18 yard box to cooly volley into the opposite corner with the instep. Richard has now dubbed himself ‘pinpoint prospere’ after his ‘pinpoint’ crossing in recent weeks. 3-0 Merton and the points looking to be in the bag.

A bit a ball watching and a rare threatening attack from Old Westminster saw their midfielder slide in their right winger who finished nicely into the opposite corner. 3-1. Unfortunately our clean sheet was gone and it seemed that it was mainly due to lack of concentration as we seemed to try to rub the performance in their players’ faces a little rather than concentrate on adding to the goalstally.

30 mins left and the departure of Jamie Brisk saw Thomas Taylor enter play and immediately he made his presence felt moving well and feeding off of Alvin’s headers. One chance on the left came and went and another should have really killed the game completely. Nikko was still running thedefence ragged and it was from this that Dean P managed to get the ball from a deflected shot from Alvin, a little greedy in the search of the hat trick saw his shot saved by their keeper and then a complete mix up with the Old Westminster defenders saw the ball deflected in for an own goal.

Old Westminster Citz seemed deflated after seemingly starting to get back into the game but in the end despite some poor finishing the game probably could have ended a lot worse for them.

A good game played in a good spirit and only encouragement from our team when mistakes were made. Just need to keep this winning mentality and positive spirit going into our cup game next week with a quarter final place at stake.

Good all round performance, well done lads, still a long way to go to achieve our goals though!

Team:

After our first loss of the season last week and a string of home games, we today travelled to West Wickham sitting two points behind them in the league with a game in hand.

There were mixed views on the team selection and everyone had their own views on the way we should attack the game and this was probably the cause of our poor start to the game. We were getting on each others’ backs after mistakes and getting unneccessarily involved in little arguments in the midfield. Going through the motions and none of our passing anywhere near where it should be it wasan argument in thne midfield that saw Tommy sent off. Arguing with a West Wickham player, their forward player ran half the length of the pitch to get involved causing a reaction from Tommy which left the ref with no option but to show the red card.

This didnt look good for us with the way we were performing and the fact that this team were obviously one of the better teams in theleague but suddenly with 10 men, everything changed. Our mentality was that we were not going to lose this game and with Dean W pulling the strings and Dean P slipping into centre midfield we seemed a stronger side and in wasnt too noticeable that we were a player down. Everyone started to put a shift in and work for each other and the passing and movement that we have started getting accustomedto came back to its best.

10 minutes from half time a low cross from the right found Jamie on the left who controlled and converted a smart finish to put us in front against the odds.

1-0 Merton and we were turning the corner.

The defence were keeping tight and West Wickham chances were few and far between. A couple of great challenges from Chappell in the centre and a great goaline tackle to defy the West Wickham striker by Glen Porter saw us maintain the clean sheet until half time and go in with a very well deserved lead.

Half-Time 1-0 to Merton.

Tommy apologised to the team at half time for the red card but was just as effective on the sidelines shouting encouragement and praise for the players left on the pitch. We started the second half pretty much where we left off with everyone putting 110% in. Jamiecame to life on the left and started worrying their right back and with Seyumg, Richard Prospere and Dean W joining in on the attacks it was surprisingly only us who looked more likely to grab another goal.

Big Mo was introduced into the game at the expense of an injured Tommy Savile which meant that the team was shuffled around with Seyumg now dropping in to fill the hole at right back.

More attacking play with the defence looking comfortyable and it wasnt long before a cross came in that Alvin converted into the back of the net raising the team spirits due to the fact that we had gained exactly what we had deserved.

2-0 Merton

With about 35 minutes of the game to go Chappell took a ball to the side of the head with force that left him dazed and unable to continue so Nikko came onto the right side of midfield, Big Mo played centre with Dean W and Dean P dropped into Centre back with Glen. (Trying to keep up with all of the changes)

With 10 minutes to go it only looked like one team was going to win this one but it was with this time left on the clock that the icing was well and truly put on the cake. A corner from Dean W defended by the West Wickham centre half dropped about 40 yards out. With the West Wickham defender trying to latch onto the ball he was beaten to it by the run from Dean P from his own half to strike the ball ferociously into thefar top corner. The crowd went wild and the team came together to celebrate a goal out of the top drawer that really marked the whole team performance.

West Wickham gutted not to take advantage of the extra man for all of that time and Merton 4s keep moving on the up!

3-0 and a fantastic win, performance of the season so far! Well done lads!

Team:

MOM: Dean Wilkinson

Report by: Dean Porter

The 4s seemed very relaxed and full of confidence prior to kick off this week. It was a great buzzing atmosphere but there is always a sneaking suspicion that it might all go horribly wrong with so much expectancy for the 3 points.

Any doubts about the game were quickly erased with some quality football being played around the South Bank midfield. A number of chances came and went but you could feel a goal was coming. To our surprise it came from a scramble after a great delivery from Dean from a corner. The ball bouncing off the crossbar, only for Tommy Savile to ‘nod’ the ball home (with his ear).

1-0 Merton and with the defence having a comfortable time of things, (who I must point out had a solid game), it looked like this was going to be a comfortable win for the 4s until a break from the SB centre midfielder saw him unchallenged until a last ditch tackle from Richard Prosper which was deemed a free kick on the edge of the box by the referee. A little delay and then a quality free kick from the SB player pegged us back to 1-1, no chance for Lee to save although he thought he should have done better.

Nearing the end of the half it looked like we may come into half time without our deserved lead but with about 5 minutes to go the ball fell to the feet of Tommy who looked up and dinked a lovely ball into the path of Thomas Taylor just inside the box who calmly slotted home into the opposite corner.

Half –Time 2-1 to Merton.

A couple of changes were made at half-time with Chris Barnes and Dean Porter coming on to bolster the midfield and give more of an aerial presence up front. Again the half started as we had finished the last, good passing and a few half chances before a lapse in concentration saw us concede a sloppy goal defending a very high line, 2-2!

Fortunately the attitude of the team has drastically improved over the weeks and without any problems we kicked off and stepped up the pace. A lovely chip from Dean found Dean Porter at the back stick but with the tight angle was only able to head onto the post for the keeper to catch the rebound easily. 30 minutes to go and it was time to release this week’s secret weapon – Nikko.

From the moment he stepped on the pitch he was troubling the left back with his fresh legs and ferocious pace! But for passing instead of shooting on a few occasions, he could have assisted a couple of goals early on but it wasn’t long before his first went in, a lovely central through ball from Thomas Taylor and with the defence splitting, Nikko just had to run in and slot past the keeper. 3-2

At 3-2 and with 15 minutes left we were looking to control the game and shut out the opposition. Nikko had other ideas though and picking the ball up just inside the SB half he ran past the defender and fired home from the edge of the box to give us a comfortable cushion. South Bank were pretty deflated once the fourth went in with such little time left and it just meant playing out the last few minutes to keep the unbeaten record going this season.

Top of the league and next week we encounter the first round of the SAL cup. Another trophy to play for this season that we have our eyes on!

If we can keep this positive mentality and determination up we will be a very hard team to beat this season … And who know what we can achieve!

MOM: Sayumg Pibulsonggra

Report by: Dean Porter

Team:

The 4s headed to Beckenham knowing they would need to improve on the performance from the week before if they were to properly get their season off to a decent start. Preparation was badly affected by the Team Manager going AWOL, but we all knew we had the ability and the players to beat any team IF we played to our potential.

The game started strongly for Merton, with us trying to get our passing play into gear and opening up the Lloyds defence. A mix of good last ditch defending, good saves and the odd bad choice by the Merton player kept the scores even. Then a stroke of luck, partly down to the immense pressure Thomas and Tom were exerting up top and the backup play from Seyang and Dean had put a sense of panic into the Lloyds defence. With no real need, the Lloyds defender then headed a long ball over the top of his keeper and into the net.

This should have relaxed us and allowed us to take full control of the game. Sadly the in-fighting that has occasionally blighted our season so far reared its head again. Frustration set in and this served to kill our concentration and give Lloyds the confidence that this was a game they could win. The Lloyds striker first took advantage of some open gaps at the back to equalise, and then take the lead after a shocking defensive error by yours truly. A third was scored from a clear offside position, and from being in total control Merton were 3-1 down at the break after a mad 10 minutes.

The attitude after the break was impressive. Everyone played there part and again took control of the game. We sensed that this game was ours to lose, but could we get the required goals. Chances came and went, some harder than others… but we never let our heads go down. First Thomas struck well to reduce the lead to one, then Tommy Savile equalised with a towering header from a Richard Prosper cross.

The game opened up as players got tired and both teams went in search of the winner. The defence held firm for Merton, with one great last ditch tackle from Prosper worthy of note.

Then finally the Merton winner came. Good work from Tommy, Dean and substitute Jamie Brisk found Thomas Taylor free in the box and he coolly slotted past the Lloyds keeper for a deserved winner.

A great win under the circumstances, however we well know that we got away with this one. We have a quality side with a great chance of silverware IF we keep together and play like we did in the second half… If we play (and act) like we did in the last 15 of the first, this will be long season!

MOM: Thomas Taylor

Report by: Mark Chappell

Team:

With players unavailable due to various reasons there was once again a slight reshuffle in the pack this week. A new player Ryan Tillman was at our disposal and also the return from a long absence of Dean Porter after a late call up gave us our starting 11 and the two named subs.

Pressure was high on us this week with recent results still painful in the memory and with a rapid slide down the league table this had turned into a relegation battle game and a must win. With the manager serving a touchline ban this added pressure on the players to deliver a performance.

The game kicked off and we started putting a few passages of play together but the ball not falling right for our attacking line. With Richard at right back he was able to bomb up and down the flank superbly beating their left back all day long. Unfortunately the crosses and the passes into the box were just not falling for us.

Our defence was newly formed again this week and it was clear that there were some communication errors here that needed to be fixed quickly. Unfortunatelty these were not fixed quick enough and with esthamians realising that their chance would come by dropping the ball over the top of the defence for their pacey strikers, it was this style of attack which unlocked our back door. A throughball straight through the middle of our defence and the line staggered, playing their number 8 onside, allowed him to slip through unmarked and slide the ball easily past Chris Outred in goal. Heads instantly dropped and our game became sloppy, the ball constantly pinballing from attack to defence. It was all of 10 minutes later before another similar style of attack from esthamians, this time however with Chris scampering out, their player used a clever dink to lift lift the ball into the back of the net, a good finish and now 2-0 down.

Half time came and a defeated looking Merton strolled from the pitch. In honesty it was a poor first half performance with no determination to get a result.

Words were said and it was good to hear constructive criticism and people agreeing as to where the mistakes were made. I think this actually brought the team together to realise we had to work harder as a unit and take more responsibility on the ball and support others. With one change at half time, Nikko off and Ryan Tillman on, the team entered the second half with a little more fire in the bellies.

From the first seconds of the second half we were hussling for the ball and pressing much higher up the pitch. Ryan Tillman making an instant impact taking on players and creating chances for the forward line. With Dan Outred and Richard Egglestone pressing on from the back we really had Esthmanians on the back foot and despite pumping the ball forward our class was starting to show. Thomas Taylor crashed a shot on the turn against the bar, Perry had a shot from distance wide and Mike Reed sent a header just wide of the post from a corner.

Dean Porter then came on for the injured Shaun and Leon left centre back to use his power and pace up top. The pressure was on and it was almost an instant effect as Leon used his strength to hold off their defender before a cross swung into the box found its way across to Ryan Stevens on the back post who easily tapped home for 2-1. Game on.

The defence was comfortable as the game was now being played in our attacking third. It was just a matter of getting another goal and it was duly deserved when Ryan Tillman hit a great finish from the corner of the box which rifled home for 2-2.

Thomas Taylor hit the post and then a long ball from Dean in defence sat up nicely for Taylor to knock home but he scuffed it under pressure past the post. Another cross from the impressive Ryan Tillman wouldnt sit up for Perry or Ryan who were both anxiously trying to poke the ball home and a late cross and attempted diving header from Ryan Stevens that was missed by a matter of inches was the story of the game. If we finished our chances we could have easily had 6 or 7 in the second half.

Full time 2-2.

The return leg away with Old Esthmanians is next on the agenda and is a must win game! Judged on our second half performance if we get out of the box quicker and ensure we finish our chances there is no doubt that we can start putting distance between us and relegation and back to a more respectable league position.

We showed heart in the second half and the man of the match was split this week between Mike Reed and Richard Egglestone.

MOM:Mike Reed, Richard Egglestone

Report by:Dean Porter

A game that started with a lot of promise ended with disappointment due to a number of errors at crucial points in the game. The football played by the 3s was causing Old Salesians a few difficulties and we were getting in behind them a fair bit, with Sayumg Pibulsonggram getting a lot of the ball and having a number of runs at their defence. We had a couple of chances with the score at 0-0, with Perry Byrne’s well struck shot hitting the defender and ricocheting out and a cross of ours was also deflected onto the opposition’s bar. After about 25 minutes in, a lack of decisiveness in dealing with a long ball and then a wayward back-heal put their striker in to score with no mistake. Shortly afterwards, Old Salesians crossed the ball in and their striker scored with a header, where we should definitely have done better dealing with it from a defensive point of view. We started to get ourselves back into the game and the score remained 2-0 until about 15 minutes to go, when a free kick was given for a rash challenge by one of our defenders. The free kick was taken and headed across the box to an unmarked player who had the easy job to slot it in. The season so far has been one of two halves, we know that we can play a whole lot better than we have been. It is important that we start to cut out the sloppy mistakes, which has been characteristic of recent performances, also to start believing in ourselves and bring back the play of our form before Christmas to avoid ourselves moving from being promotion contenders to being in a relegation dogfight.

MOM:

Report by:Lee Wilkinson

The 3s got off to a great start with Nicko Taylor-Hutton causing problems with his pace from the off – the same man scored in the second minute, and we seemed to be cruising.

Then two bad mistakes led to us going 2-1 down before Ryan Stevens had to come off just before half-time because he was feeling unwell – a big loss, with Tom Rowe coming on to replace him.

As if that was not bad enough (Ryan going off, not Tom coming on), captain Shaun McCullough, playing so well and skippering the side like a true leader, had to come off injured (fractured foot). His replacement, Leon, and the introduction of Dan for Toby, upped our tempo as both got stuck straight in. We were all over them – basically camping in there half, but the Weirside ‘keeper pulled off some incredible saves, not to mention us hitting the woodwork on several occasions. Just one of those days when we didn’t seem to have any luck. We need to turn things around asap..

MOM:

Report by:Lee Wilkinson

Against higher league opposition another tough match was on the cards for the 3s. After weather disruptions, the pitch was perfect for us to show our stuff. A very sloppy start caused us to go 2-0 down within the first 10 mins, and all looked lost, yet the 3s spirit shone through and we made this a great cup match. Sayumg was terrorising their fullbacks and we created loads of chances which we just could’t take advantage of. Until finally, a corner from Dean Wilkinson was met with a fantastic leap from Perry Byrne, 2-1! Just 5 mins later, another corner from Deano, met again by Perry, resulted in a tap in for Sayumg. 2-2! We went into the break at 2-2 and the belief was there by everyone. A couple of changes at half time and words spoke. 2nd half began very positively with our midfielders running the show. Eventually a long ball over the top created a chance for Thomas Taylor to round the keeper andput the ball in the empty net. 3-2! We looked like we were going to win it now. 10 mins later a great strikefrom AOB number 11 flew into the corner and yet again it was level. 3-3. The merton lads kept digging deepand finally came the winner, Taylor putting a wonderful cross, which was met by Sayumg with a superb diving header, with just 1 minute on the clock. 4-3 to merton and progression into the quarter finals. A great team performance, but man of the match was Sayumg Pibulsonggram, for his endless energy all game and a fantastic winner.

MOM:Sayumg Pibulsonggram

Report by:Glen Porter

After seeing Broomfield win their last game 15-0, we all knew this was going to be a hard match, and it certainly was that. After waiting for all of the opposition to arrive, meaning a delayed kick off, we finally started (or did we?) A usual slow start andsome sloppy defending early on, meant we went 1-0 down inside 5 minutes. A very organised opposition gave us huge problems down the middle of the pitch and at times it seemed as if the opposition had more players than us. Perry Byrne was trying to break up the play,but couldn’t do it on his own. We created a few chances but just couldn’t find that killer ball to break Broomfield down. And losing last year’s top scorer, Thomas Taylor through injury after just 10 minutes did not help matters either.

The half went on and Broomfield managed to break us down again and make it 2-0 just before half time. Tommy Saville yet again making a couple of very good saves to keep it to 2-0 at half time.

Words were said in the break and we still believed in ourselves and came out fighting in the 2nd half. A tactical move by the gaffer,putting Dulanie Richards up front paid off immediately after some great build up play all the way from the back, conducted by Dean Wilkinson, enabled Dulanie to slot in a ‘Walcott’ type finish in the corner. 2-1 to Broomfield. Back in it? 10 Minutes later Broomfield scored to cement their 2 goal lead again and to prove to us why they were top of the league. But did we lay down? The 3s don’t give up!

15 minutes left and we won a free kick on the half way line…Dean Wilkinson sent up the big boys and Perry Byrne bullied the goalie, who spilt the cross, onto Perry’s back for a simple volley for Glen Porter(off the shin) and in the back of the net. 3-2 to Broomfieldand should we dare to get that equalizer? The gaffer pushed Shaun McCullough into the midfield and left 3 at the back. Yet anothertactical change paid off. With just 1 minute left, the ball was lumped over the Broomfield defence and Shaun managed to nod the ball into his path and lobbed the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. A massive goal in our season and the team celebrated together.

The goal proved to be the last attack of the match, and the score ended 3-3. What a game!

The determination in this match showed how good we can be and that we should be competing for this league title. Still a long way to go….Next time….3 points will be won. Well done lads

Team: Tommy Saville, Daniel Outed, Glen Porter, Toby Palm, Richard Prospere, Shaun McCullough, Perry Byrne, Kieron Tiddy, Dean Wilkinson, Thomas Taylor, Dulanie Richards. Subs: Dan Hall, Chris Outred

MOM:Shaun McCullough

Report by:Glen Porter