Month: October 2014

The score line was not a fair reflection of a well fought game which Salesians deservedly won but not by the margin the score suggests.

Starting up the hill and into the wind against last season’s cup winners looked like a tough prospect and it looked even tougher after 10 minutes when we gave their right winger too much time and his low hard cross was slammed into the net from close range. However within five minutes we were level when Clappers powerfully headed in a typically well directed Rayner corner.

The rest of the first half was an evenly fought affair with both sides having their fair share of possession with Merton creating a few half chances and Oaksey, at his excellent best, keeping out the best Salesians could offer. Vanny and Femi were occupying the Salesians back four whilst our back four were getting to grips with the regular Salesians’ attacks. Half time was imminent and a close 1-1 looked like something we could build on with John, Tilley, and Woody starting to match their midfield three but then SMASH the Salesians centre back strode forward and powered a 25 yarder into the top corner and minutes later we were in the changing room frustrated that we hadn’t held on.

The second half started very much like the first, except without the wind which had chosen to disappear much to our disappointment, and both sides enjoyed good spells. However after about an hour Salesians got their third and the game changed. As they relaxed and we pushed for a goal the gaps started to appear and Oaksey was called upon to make good save after good save if the oppo beat our valiant defending. We called on Jase and Will to replace Woody (a little Thailand jaded) and Vanny (another hamstring twinge leading people to ask whether he’ll ever play 90 again) but both found it hard to impose themselves on the game and the waves of Salesians attacks continued and finally the fourth goal went in. However we continued to attack and push for a goal to make the score line a bit more respectful but for all our efforts that final ball eluded us.

Lots of positives to take from the game where we didn’t look a league below our opposition but also we need to learn from them and start to respect possession some more. Fitness and application were good and if taken into the league we should progress.

To rub salt into our disappointment Terry “4 points” Baker decided to nip back to the Hood straight after the final whistle so he could watch the 2s however he forgot that he had the valuables in his car so the Merton boys sat patiently in the bar with no money and just one sock each waiting for his return.

Team: Oaksey (GK), Clowesy, Clappers, Kev Wood, Jonesy, John Lynch, Tilley, Will Low (Browner), Vanny (Willgo), Femi, Rayner

MOM:

Written by:Simon Clapperton

After last week’s drubbing we needed a much better performance against the league leaders and we certainly got it but without the result unfortunately.

BB Eagles came to the Hood on the back of a very good run and so we expected a tough game but for the majority of the first half we more than matched our high flying visitors. We dominated possession with John, Woody, and Will Low bossing the midfield and Ivan and Femi continually running at, and past, their full backs but unfortunately or possession didn’t result in many chances being created apart from a good Will Low effort that the keeper palmed away at full stretch. The Eagles threat is definitely their pace upfront and they did get past us a couple of times but the back four stood strong and repelled any resulting efforts. They did hit the cross bar though and so level at half time was just about fair.

The second half started with Eagles pushing more men forward and putting pressure on our back four and pushing John deeper to help out. We stood firm though and started to re-establish ourselves and got back into the game but then came the match changing contribution for the ref.

Clappers bought their left winger down about 40 yards out and 10 yards in from the touchline. The ref rightly booked him where the offence took place, so yes 40 yards out and 10 yards in from the touchline, and Clappers turned to jog back into position ready to defend the freekick but to everyone’s amazement the ref told the Eagles player that he could take a quick one and the ball was sent in to the area where an unprepared John could only send it into his own net.

A clearly annoyed Merton came out fighting from the restart and pushed Eagles back. We had a couple of Femi efforts frantically cleared and a strong Woody shot pushed out by their keeper but we couldn’t draw level and with five minutes to go Eagles scrambled in their second from a corner.

A good all round team performance, which on another day would have given us something to show for our efforts, and should give us the belief to push on from now.

Team: Sherbs (GK), Clowesy, Clappers, Browner (Olly Braid 20), Jonesy, John Lynch, Woody, Will Low, Vanny, Femi, Jason. Unused sub: Mike Reed

MOM: Jonesey / Will Low

Written by:Simon Clapperton

Not the prettiest of games on a heavy pitch, but a well-organised Merton side were excellent value for their point.

Jason – forcing a couple of excellent saves – probably made their keeper work harder than Sherbs in goal for the boys in yellow, although that was largely thanks to the hard graft and concentration shown by all of the back five, goalkeeper included.

Jonesy was Merton’s standout performer on the day, playing in a sort of left-back-cum-left-mid hybrid position. It didn’t seem to matter in what third of the pitch the ball was on the left – Jonesy was there to offer strength in defence and attack.

Elsewhere, Tilley had a couple of headers that might have tested the keeper another day, Wilgo led the line working extremely hard with Jase, and Woody stamped his authority and quality all over the midfield from the first minute to the last.

Plenty to build on for a 2012 that promises much everywhere you look: Clappers moulding a new centre-back from birth; defending our Portuguese tournament title; Tilley’s engagement/stag celebrations (and the small matter of his wedding)… First things first, however – let’s continue on in the same vein as this performance. Happy new year!

Team:Sherbs (GK), Clowesy, Clappers, Browner, Jonesy, John Lynch (Welsh Will 70), Woody, Will Low, Tilley, Willgo, Jason (Olly 75)

MOM:Jonesy

Written by:Willgo

The Firsts continued their recent improvement in form with a win in the local derby at Mitcham. Both sides were promoted last season and have both struggled in the higher division. It was a scrappy first half and whilst there were not many scoring opportunities OWC’s came the closest when they hit the bar with a very good strike. We had our half chances but did not trouble the keeper. OWCs were getting on top as the half progressed and I felt we were a little fortunate to go in level at half time. However the second half was a different matter and we played much better right from the start. OWCs failed to deal with a low drilled corner and Tills was on hand to prod it home. We were soon two ahead when Jase’s determination (oh and his speed) beat the centre back and keeper to a loose through ball and scored. We were dominating the game and had several good chances to put the result beyond doubt. Clappers headed a corner narrowly over the bar. The third goal came from the spot when their defender brought down Tom Rowe, just managing to get him before he ran out of the area. Woody slotted the spot kick home beautifully to get us a valuable 3pts. Richard Melvin reffed the game very well and firmly and it never threatened to be like some of the games of yesteryear between the clubs. OWCs since winning Div 3 last year have had an awful season and their skip said nothing had gone for them. And you could see what he meant as they really did not seem to enjoy any good fortune in this game either and understandably got a little frustrated. They are now adrift at the bottom. Our Back four, marshalled very well by Clappers, operated well and the team defended well all over the pitch. Ash came to watch the game and is recovering well from his injuries. (See Pictures link) The consultant says that everything is in the right place and knitting together nicely. He certainly looked well and is coming on our end of season tour to Portugal. AS he cant play he has volunteered to stay up drinking with the boys and make sure the curfew is enforced properly ahead of the matches. It is good to have someone I can rely on to do this as I have never been quite sure that it has been adhered to. Away next week at Old Easthameians another of our fellow strugglers and another vital game. But this was agreat result and avery good day.

Written by:Max Herbert

This was a hard won point away in East London. It was not the conditions for pretty football and there was little of that on a poor surface, even by Jo Hood’s standards, and with a gale blowing down the length of the pitch. Old Es kicked down hill and down gale for the first half. It really was a strong wind and our whole team defended resolutely clearing a great number of swirling high balls. But for our part we got our tackles in and created a few good chances of our own from passing movements which were not helped by the pitch. In fact, strangely both teams played better into the teeth of the gale. Our best chances came and we definitely played our best football in the first half. Jase headed narrowly wide after a very good passing movement and a flighted Will Low cross. We had a few corners (See pic of a Old Es clearance)So when we walked off the pitch for half time all square I thought we could win. Unfortunately I think that is what all the Merton lads thought.(See pics of half time talk from Clappers) As it happened Old Es had a much better second half. They came out of the blocks very quickly and tested our defence and started to dominate. Old Es No 9 lead their line well throughout the game and they played off him effectively. With the help of the wind we repelled them but their centre back (No 5) controlled the back and cleared pretty much everything. We had a few chances from corners but far too often we launched the ball high and forward hoping for the gale to give us something. Right at the end Will Taylor screamed a volley agonisingly wide and then the game was over. This was our third clean sheet in a row, but unlike the previous two, I felt this had a little more good fortune in it as Old Es carved out and then wasted two golden opportunities in the second half. Still a point is a point and it was never going to be easy. And we certainly battled away. The whole squad put in a good shift and we defended well and in an organised way. Clappers lead and organised the team in his characteristic style. Next week its back to the Hood and the comparatively lush turf for the visit of Alleyn Old Boys who are flying high in the division. It is very tight at the bottom with 4 sides within 2pts of one another and we need to keep up the momentum we have developed. (Max Herbert).

Team:Sherbs (GK), Jonesy, Clappers (Capt) Browner (Olly Braid 50mins), Clowesy, Woody, John Lynch, Tills, Willgo, Willow, Jase (Will Taylor 70 mins). Sub not used Vanny

MOM:

Written by:Max Herbert

It was a bit of a disappointing day down at the Hood on Saturday with all three home teams losing. More so for the 2s and 4s who probably started as favourites to win but we knew we were up against strong opposition. The visitors, Alleyn Old Boys are strong challengers for promotion in division 2. It was in fact a pretty good game to watch with both teams moving the ball around on a much better surface than we often have at the Hood at this time of year. Alleyns settled very quickly and took the game to Merton. They had much the better of the play but their final ball let them down. Merton looked to counter on the break but were increasingly pegged back. We did have a couple of chances and shouts for penalties in melees but nothing serious. Alleyn’s went ahead on the half hour when we failed to deal with a cross and the half clearance was picked up and rifled home. We came back a little after that but 1-0 at half time was not too bad. The defence and midfeld had worked well and the forwards had done their share of closing down. The optimism of forcing a result in the second half soon disappeared as it started very badly with us conceding a rather soft penalty which was rifled home. This was a real self inflicted wound but in true Merton style we battled back. Woody and Tills worked their socks off and Browner had an outstanding game against some quick and lively forwards. Sherbs dealt with some difficult moments and got the knocks to prove it. Most of our good attacking started down the left with Jonesy making inroads. The goal that we deserved came from a well delivered free kick from Woody headed powerfully home at the far post. With about 10 mins to go we pressed really hard and gave Alleys something to worry about but they held on for the 3pts that they deserved. The game was really well reffed by Pat Ryan and helped keep the game flowing in the right spirit.

We are in the relegation dog fight with Old West Citz anchored at the bottom and then us Old Actonians who we have to play twice, CEVs and Weiside the other candidates. At the top it is two out of the three Civil Service, BB Eagles and today’s opposition. I thinkCivil Service may well win it but it is very close between AOBs and BBE. AOBs looked a very good side in the way they moved the ball about and ran into space and they had a bit of pace so it will be interesting to see what happens. Next week we get a look at BB Eagles again. As ever some weird stuff turned up to be washed with the kit (see pic) whose are these? The clever money is on Willgo. Vanny usually slips his smalls in to the kit bag to get a spin but he was with the 2s.

Team:(4-3-3); Sherbs (GK), Jonesy, Browner, Clappers, John Lynch, Tills, Woody, Will Low, Willgo, Jase (Tom Rowe), Will Taylor (Hoppy).

MOM:

Written by:Max Herbert

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

The one’s continued their recent improvement in form with a convincing win and a very welcome 3 points down at the Hood on Saturday. Matt Bosher fired Merton into an early lead and we were quickly 2 nil up when their keeper lost his footing and slipped allowingMatt’s shot into the goal. Aided by a strong win Merton continued to dominate but failed to add to the score. I was expecting a second half siege as Old As assisted by the wind showed their well known grit. But it just didn’t happen. If anything we played better in the second half and a good move Involving Jase ended up with driving the ball home from 15 yards to complete his deserved hat trick. We carried on carving out good chances with some nice football and Jase carried on missing them. This was a good team performance particularly in the second half with a strong midfield performance; Hoppy very strong and winning a lot in the air. Tills was back to his best and Woody strong in the tackle., not always on time. Clappers and Browner were excellent at the back and Oaksey got the 3rd clean sheet which was well deserved. Jase worked well with Bosh and also had his third rant in as many weeks. This was a good win. The second goal was a stroke of bad luck for Old As and I think they decided it wasn’t going to be their day. And they were right. Nothing really went for them apart from Jase’s shooting. Their were some fruity tackles and one of their lads was sent off for two yellows. We had some bookings. Overall the game was well and sensibly reffed by Robbie Walsh Bosh was also subbed so he could take the standing ovation from the crowd. He wanted everyone to know he was No 11.

An excellent all round performance and a good win and now for the three consecutive cup fixtures.

MOM:Matt Bosher

Written by:Max Herbert

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This was a cracking performance in a cup competition where we have not enjoyed a great deal of success in the past. In the early days a first round bye was as good as it got. And a cup run was a long drive to Redhill to get thumped. But now this is almost a cup run as we had a bye in the first round and are now in the third round away to Warlingham. (Should that be Warbling ham – Ed). The game kicked of a little late in the depths of darkest dampest Surrey. Lingfield got into their stride very quickly and Sherbs had to be very alert to keep them out several times in first 10 minutes with good hands and good positioning.. The game took a bizarre twist on the quarter hour when their nippy forward chased an over hit through ball. Sherbs was gathering it in on the edge of the area so said Nippy forward gave up the chase and Liam Palmer in hot pursuit caught up with him well his heel and down he went. Straight red card. The general (Merton) view was that it was not the best decision. It was not a foul, it was not a goal scoring opportunity unless Sherbs was going to turn round and chuck it in and he did not even consult his lino. But we were down to 10 men and it was a game changing moment but not in the way most present anticipated. It took a few minutes to settle down and then, I don’t know why but Lingfield took their foot off the gas and took time on the ball to develop any moves. Our 10 men were spurred on by a sense of injustice and never looked to be outnumbered. Tills dropped into centre back where he was outstanding. Woody bossed and bullied in mid field but everyone upped their gameby the necessary percentage. It was no surprise when we went ahead with Jason Marsh latching on to a through ball and chipping it over their keeper. We nearly made it 2 nil when Jason crashed it against the post. Early in the second half a long goal kick was flicked on by Woody and Bosh took it on and put it past the keeper. It wasn’t until the last 10 when Lingfield showed the desire and urgency they had been missing and mounted some attacks but we held out. There was a nasty moment when they crashed a header against the bar. There was a shout for a penalty and their player took revenge with a hideous violent tackle which should have beena straight red card. The ref did not have a great game and he was being assessed. In my view he got the big decisions wrong but on the rest seemed up to it. I did not realise until the end of the game how difficult the tacky wet surface was to move the ball about. Lingfield have a nice set up even if it is a bit damp. It is a good bar, floodlights cups of tea and all that. But everyone of the Merton team and subs did really well and secured a memorable win. It was the lucky blue kit again with the famous socks that did the trick again. Back to an important league game at home on Saturday to BB Eagles.

MOM:

Written by:Max Herbert

The 1s kicked off 2013 with a point away from home at Old Es. With both teams at the wrong end of the table, neither wanted to come away with nothing. Merton settled in quickest with some slick passing play and controlled most of the first half without really threatening the opposition goal.

That was until the last few minutes when good work from Tom Rees resulted in Woody finding himself inside the six yard box but could only fire straight at the keeper’s legs. The move deserved a goal. Merton then found themselves 2-0 down 15 mins into the second half after some poor defending from a corner and a rare Oaksy error. It could have been worse if the ref had not have correctly called an indirect freekick after there busy number 10 had smashed an effort in from the half way line. That seemed to spark Merton back into life and – with the introduction of Dan Whiteman, Will Low and John Lynch – the deficit was halved after Dan curled home a perler from 20 yards. The equaliser wasn’t far behind, and Tills nodded down for Will Low to stab home from a Woody corner. A winner wouldn’t have been unjust, but we left it too late. A solid point – it should have been more.

MOM:

Written by:James Tilley

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