Month: November 2015
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Youth Section Results – U13s lost 4-2 to Corinthian Casuals in the County Cup. U12s lost unluckily 4-3 to Epsom town to a goal in the last seconds of extra time. U10s and U11s no game. U14s lost 2 – 5, being 2 – 0 up just after half time.
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With torrential rain hammering down all morning, late withdrawals, and a planned pitch inspection at 12 (rather annoyingly after many of the team had to leave for North London to make it for kick-off), there was considerable uncertainty as to whether the game would be on and what the squad would be. However, with no news re: cancellation combined with DQ and Ryan joining the squad after the 2’s were called off (big thanks to those boys), we all arrived more or less on time and with a strong squad of 13.
The pitch had been used for the first team gave immediately before ours, and the centre of the pitch was more or less underwater, with hints of grass still showing on the wings. “Get the ball wide” was the obvious cliché bingo call to look out for and was duly covered in our pre match team talk as Merton lined up 4-3-3 in an attempt to take the game to the opposition. Arturs was made captain for the day, and immediately started playing mind games with the oppo – entering into a debate with the team as to which end we should pick despite losing the toss and the oppo choosing to stay as they were. Crafty stuff, and their confusion carried into the first half as Merton dominated.
With the advantage of the wind and an actual warm up, Merton dominated from the outset without really doing themselves justice when it came to finishing and the final ball. Dave Scott flicked over from the near post after good work from Lofty, DQ tested the keeper from distance after a run from fullback, Lofty slightly miskicked when well set and perhaps had more time (although the miskick was almost a perfect cross for Denys). At the back, the back four of DQ, Vin, Mike and Mustard were looking comfortable, well shielded in particular by Neil who patrolled the lake that was CM very effectively. DQ in particular was proving to be an effective out-ball and was linking up play nicely.
As the half continued, Dan forced a good save from the keeper after a nice one-two with Denys, and Tom had a couple of chances to pick out the strikers from the right, only for the final cross to just be above, or behind the attacking players. All very frustrating, and it feel to Mike Reed, the Merton boar personified, to be the one to change the game. Receiving the ball at left back, Mike burst down the line, forcing his way through two opposition tackles and indeed players to reach the byline. His cross was partly deflected, but still had enough to allow Denys to turn the ball home from 6 yards, using his strength impressively to beat both centreback and goal-keeper to the loose ball. 1-0.
Merton hoped this would be the catalyst for more goals, but the remaining 10 minutes of the half failed to yield further reward, the best chance falling to Denys who fired over after Lofty, Dan and DQ all combined in the box. 1-0 at half time.
Lofty’s half time team talk was frank as he highlighted that we had failed to use the wind and pitch as well as we might have. He also warned that the oppo had played that half very well tactically and urged us to learn from that as we played into the wind. But, with Merton having enjoyed almost all the chances, and the bulk of possession, we were confident we would press on and put the match to bed.
The second half was a totally different proposition. Merton started very flat, with none of the intensity of the first half, and whilst the opposition now enjoyed much more of the ball, the game was drifting a little aimlessly when a defensive mix-up saw Vin step out of defence to win the ball, only to slip, and then collide with Mustard whilst attempting to recover in the slippery conditions. Unfortunately this left the opposition striker clean through. He finished well, dribbling around Arturs and slotting into the net to destroy any hopes of a clean sheet for Arturs in his final game. 1-1. Worse was to follow for Merton.
After being denied a possible penalty when Denys was clipped (it did look accidental but nonetheless it did trip Denys up when clean through), Merton found themselves behind in somewhat unfortunate circumstances. A swift break from St James saw a dangerous cross driven into the box, which Mustard did well to clear to the opposing wing. However, this served only to allow a second, higher, cross to be floated in, which Mustard acrobatically cut out at the near post, diverting the ball instead into the top corner of the net past a despairing Arturs. 1-2.
Lofty reacted, bringing back on DQ and Dan, and sacrificing the hardworking Seb (who had covered the difficult swamp of a CM well) and also himself from midfield in a selfless act of managerial responsibility. Merton changed to 4-4-2 with Denys and DQ now leading the line. Merton began to get back into the game, Tom Benham doing well down the right to put in three or crosses, which couldn’t quite fall to the right man in the right place, with a Dave Scott piledriver over the bar from 25 yards the best chance from these centres. However, with 15 minutes to go, the breakthrough came, and once again it was Mike “The Boar” Reed (aka Mustard) that proved the catalyst. Perhaps he was fired up by the own goal, or possibly from the embarrassment of having harassed the ref all game about foul throws before committing one of the worse foul throws ever seen on a football pitch and being pinged for it. Either way, it did the trick!
The goal was almost a carbon copy of the first, Mike surging down the line from his own half, breaking through tackles to reach the byline. Again, the cross came in, this time via a couple of half blocks and deflections, and helped on by Merton players, but a goal was certain as the ball was squared for Tom 2 yards out near the back post to slot home. Certain, except for the massive puddle in the six yard box which stopped the ball dead just short of reaching Tom. The keeper, thanking his lucky stars, dived for the ball, but Tom was able to react to stab the ball back across goal and DQ gleefully smashed it home. Part 1 of Lofty’s tactically masterclass complete.
At 2-2, Merton felt the game was there for the taking. But so did St James, and as the game entered the last 10 minutes, it was the home side that were on top and creating the best chances. The best of these saw some smart interplay put their striker clean through on goal, with the game surely there for the taking. Arturs had other ideas, forcing the striker into a wild blaze over the crossbar and taking a knock from the team in the process. Obviously aware of Arturs toughness, the team resolutely ignored his limping to stand 50 yards from him just in the opposition half for the resulting goal kick, in full faith his kicking ability would be fine (it was).
This worked brilliantly, as the newly defensively minded DQ led a counter attack in injury time, held the ball up in the area and played in Tom to stab a deserved goal past the keeper from 10 yards for a 4-2 win.
So, a great, late comeback on a difficult surface that really showed the character in the team and took us to 3rd in the league and saw Arturs off with a win. We will miss him, and wish him all the very best. Next week, a home game with leaders Nottsborough that will be a real test of where we stand this season.
One final point that needs to be made – the sportsmanship and hospitality of St James. Both for the moment at 2-2 when Ryan suddenly stopped with something in his eye, and the opposition striker immediately stopped the game rather than run through on goal, and also for the sharing of their own food back at the pub when they saw we had more players than them. Both actions really appreciated and great to see a new club join the SAL.
MOTM: Mike Reed for 2 outstanding assists
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Saturday 31st October had a sombre start to our football as we had one minutes silence to show our respect to Ken Hoad, a Merton stalwart who had just died. He is well remembered as first team captain in the 50s/60s and Dodge says that he was a first class captain and a first class bloke. He had left the area when I got involved with the club but he kept in touch and sent messages of encouragement and commiseration and came up to see us a few times and for the centenary, I enjoyed receiving those messages. We have sent our condolences and Dodge and Dixie went to the wake to pay their and our respects to a Merton legend.
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Calling all goal keepers – worth your weight in gold in modern Saturday football – Come and join a great club with great traditions and history – managers here will shower you with reward for joining us
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TODAYS results. Tills goal and a clean sheet gives our 1s a valuable home win against Old Finchleans. 3 much needed points as our results continue to improve.
2s game off .
3s have a great win at St. James Old boys 4-2 in the League. On a terrible flooded, tiny pitch 3s went 1-0 up through Denys, should’ve been 3 or 4. Conceded two after half time and then after some excellent changes by Lofty rallied to win deservedly through goals from DQ, Dan K and Tom. Arturs was captain for his last game for the club. Good luck in the future ‘keeps!!!.
4s lose to Economicals.
5s lost 6-2 to Ally Pally 6s. Another slow start cost us the game as we clawed a few back and stepped the performance up. We carry on!!
6s draw at home 3-3 with BOE coming from 2-0 and 3-1 down to take a great point – all 3 goals from defenders – Captain Kev, Chappell and the equaliser from the mighty Quinlan.
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TEAM: Currently 6th however have played for every team from 1st to 8ths and Vets
POSITION: Have boots will travel
BIRTH DATE: 24.08.1961
BIRTH PLACE: Clapham
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Only Merton on a Saturday playing since 1978
1. TELL US WHO IS MARTIN OUTSIDE OF THE CLUB. WHAT DO YOU DO,
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Training hard to keep playing for along as possible and to do other sports X-country when games are called
off. In the summer have do Track & Field athletic’s, Aussie Rules football and now Triathlons. I do enjoy a drink
at the weekend!!
2. HOW DID YOU END UP AT MERTON FC?
Dad joined in 1959 after leaving Pearl FC. I have been with Merton man & boy
3. WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MOMENT IN YOUR MFC CAREER TILL NOW?
There are 3 that jump out:
1984: 4th team v Old Stationers in the cup Home win 4-3 AET with 30 mins left we were 3-0 down
2001: 4th team v Nottsborough, home league win 2-1 – Man of the Match performance
(John Gridley was in Goal)
200: 7th team v Kew 9ths, home League win 7-6 coming back to score 2 including the winner before rolling
subs, opps agreed because of an injury on an Easter Saturday
There were also the land marks of 600, 700 & 800 games along with all 270 goals.
Worst: Breaking my cheekbone playing for the 4th team at home (2 months after the Nottsborough game)
800 NOT OUT
4. CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST GAME?
It was along time ago in 1978. It was a pre-season friendly against Old Workingians for the 7th team followed
by home can game against Crouch End Vampires. The first game I remember is for 3rd team away against Old
Latymerians on the Saturday between Christmas & New Year 1978
5. IF YOU COULD PLAY FOR A PROFESSIONAL TEAM, WHICH WOULD BE IT AND WHY?
Wimbledon FC in their day, playing the way Merton played.
6. DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-MATCH RITUALS OR SUPERSTITIONS?
Stretching & Strides (Shaving after the match)
7. LASTLY, SHARE US YOUR THOUGHTS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON.
Early days and after slow start in the Cup games we look like the 6th team could have a good season ahead.
It certainly looks like it’s going to be good fun.
QUICK FIRE
PLAYER OF THE SEASON SO FAR (PREMIER
LEAGUE OR ANY LEAGUE): Riyad Mahrez
CHILDHOOD TEAM: Manchester United
FAVOURITE TEAM OUTSIDE THE UK: Barcelona
CHILDHOOD HERO: Daley Thompson
FAVOURITE FOOD: Italian
FAVOURITE DRINK: London Pride
FAVOURITE BAND: Status Quo
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TEAM: 5th Team
POSITION: Right Back
BIRTH DATE: 13.03.86
BIRTH PLACE: Enfield
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Potters Bar Utd, Crouch End Vampires
1. TELL US WHO IS WILL OUTSIDE OF THE CLUB. WHAT DO YOU DO,
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? I work in advertising which is a lot more interesting then it
sounds. Outside of work love going out with my mates and spending time with the family (especially my
niece). In general I’m a laid back guy who doesn’t take himself or life too seriously.
2. HOW DID YOU END UP AT MERTON FC? I moved down from North London and a friend told me about
Merton, (he had played against them before) so I turned up to pre season training and the rest is history.
3. WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MOMENT IN YOUR MFC CAREER TILL NOW? Haven’t been too many to shout
about but my second season at Merton was a good one. I was playing for the 6’s and we had a great team.
Finished near the top of the league and had a good run in the cup.
4. CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST GAME? It was a pre season friendly (not sure who against) and I
started up front. Didn’t take them long to realise that my best position was a lot further back.
5. IF YOU COULD PLAY FOR A PROFESSIONAL TEAM, WHICH WOULD BE IT AND WHY?
The mighty Arsenal. Supported them as a boy, it was always my dream to play for them.
6. DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-MATCH RITUALS OR SUPERSTITIONS? Just the 7 or 8 pints the night before
7. LASTLY, SHARE US YOUR THOUGHTS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON. We’ve got a fairly new team
and results haven’t been great so far. Would be good for us to gel as a team, play some attractive football and
win as many games as possible between now and the end of the season.
QUICK FIRE
PLAYER OF THE SEASON SO FAR (PREMIER LEAGUE OR ANY LEAGUE): Jamie Vardy
CHILDHOOD TEAM: Arsenal
FAVOURITE TEAM OUTSIDE THE UK: Real Madrid
CHILDHOOD HERO: Ian Wright
FAVOURITE FOOD: Steak & Chips
FAVOURITE DRINK: Beer
FAVOURITE BAND: Blink 182
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TEAM: 1st Team
POSITION: Left Back/Left Wing
BIRTH DATE: 24.03.86
BIRTH PLACE: Washington, D.C.
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Norfolk, Virginia USA and OAS
1. TELL US WHO IS WILL OUTSIDE OF THE CLUB. WHAT DO YOU DO,
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
I am an American, management consultant who works for FTI Consulting. I moved to London in July of this
year for work and plan to stay here for several years.
2. HOW DID YOU END UP AT MERTON FC?
I was playing in a pickup game after work in Battersea and met Ivan Gladkow, who asked me to join the club.
3. WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MOMENT IN YOUR MFC CAREER TILL NOW?
My best moment so far was getting the assist to Ivan Gladkow on the equalising goal against Old Esthameians.
4. CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST GAME?
Yes, my first game with Merton was the first game this season against EBOG FC.
5. IF YOU COULD PLAY FOR A PROFESSIONAL TEAM, WHICH WOULD BE IT AND WHY?
I’d play for Chelsea because I support them and live closest to them.
6. DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-MATCH RITUALS OR SUPERSTITIONS?
I like to take as many cracks on goal as I can.
7. LASTLY, SHARE US YOUR THOUGHTS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON.
I am excited to get to know the club and move the 1s up the league table
QUICK FIRE
PLAYER OF THE SEASON SO FAR (PREMIER LEAGUE OR ANY LEAGUE): Robert Lewandowski
CHILDHOOD TEAM: Pittsburgh Steelers
FAVOURITE TEAM OUTSIDE THE UK: DC United
CHILDHOOD HERO: Claudio Reyna
FAVOURITE FOOD: Peanut Butter
FAVOURITE DRINK: Bourbon
FAVOURITE BAND: Blink 182
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Reserves report 31/10/15
Merton Res 1, Polytechnic Res. 2 (H-T 1-1)
It was always going to be a difficult game as we knew Poly were a strong side currently topping our division. Although the scoreline looks close the win was decisive with Poly having the better of the game. From the start they settled better and had pace and movement upfront and through the middle with a solid defence. They were, as you would expect a well organised outfit. However with Paul Pearce and Joe Griiffin as centre backs and Eggy and Connor at full backs they found it difficult to break us down. They opened the scoring after 30 mins when a slightly dubiously awarded free kick was swung into the area and Sherbs, our keeper, lost it. 1-0 and I blame the parents. This actually galvanised us and we pressed but we did not seem to create much but a free kick of ours resulted in a push on Jase and Oli Ross stepped up and equalised from the spot. The events are caught conclusively and quite brilliantly by our improving resident camera man. . (H-T 1-1) The second half continued much as the first, although we had a good spell at the beginning of the second half but did not capitalise on it. Both sides found it difficult to penetrate and our defence was doing well under pressure but after about 70 mins a really good passing movement cross and finish resulted in Poly’s winning goal. It was a good game to watch and although the ref (Patrick Griffin) arrived late and compensated by leaving early and came in for affair amount of on field criticism I thought he did pretty well. Paul Pearce’s display at the back earned him the ‘Man most handsome’ award from Team Handsome and the dubious delight of taking Cherbs home for the week. Merton now need to get a consistent side out and dig in for some points. Poly looked a very good team and their club with their 1s top of Senior Div 1 are thriving which is good to see.
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Merton FC Stats End of Season
