Month: November 2016

Matt Haswell
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1s vs Old Cartthusian – 05.11.16

AFA Cup chances end with a Big Bang!

Merton certainly won’t remember, remember this particular 5th of November with much fondness following defeat against a well versed Old Carthusian’s outfit in the AFA cup.

Despite the majority of the team having their blissful Friday night’s sleep broken by Emillio’s late night whatsapp search for a stud tightener, the team (rat aside) successfully followed Clappers’ detailed directions to the picture perfect Charterhouse School in Godalming.

For a variety of reasons, Merton were missing some regular playing members but were buoyed by the return of Matt Bosher for his 1st appearance of the season. Ivan Gladkov was also welcomed back to the fold following his recovery from a slight hamstring strain.

Despite a swift 5k hike from the changing room to the pitch and a warm-up completed with good intensity, the match started badly for the Boars. The unfortunate demise of the public school fagging system meant that there were no ball-boys present to retrieve the ball as it trundled towards Godalming High Street immediately from the kick-off. When the ball did eventually return, a cross from the untracked OC left back caused mayhem inside the Merton 18 yard box and was rifled home with aplomb to give the hosts an early lead.

For the next 10 minutes Merton struggled to get a foothold in the game, whilst the movement of the OC midfielders and forwards impressed greatly. Though the hosts had a good amount of the ball, slowly and surely the men in yellow gained confidence and started to pass the ball with greater conviction whilst limiting the hosts to few clear cut chances. Midway through the half the unlucky Gladkov had to be substituted through injury once again, with the impressive Emillio replacing him.  Leading Sports Injury expert Peter Browne later confirmed that the unlucky winger was suffering from a ‘lump on the ankle’.

Despite having little opportunity to get on the ball, Charlie & Johnny worked impressively hard up front and created a couple of half chances accordingly. It was this hard work that enabled Charlie to link up with Emilio on the right hand side and curl a beautiful strike inside the far post from 20 yards to level the game 5 minutes before half time and send the Merton support (2) into raptures.

The 2nd half saw Merton hold a good shape and gradually frustrate the hosts with Sam & Nick providing additional valuable cover to the back four, whilst the introduction of Bosher and his subsequent pace provided a different outlet for the team. OC continued to have the majority of the possession whilst creating some decent half chances which were thwarted by Siri & Browne went close from a Merton corner. The game then swung the way of the hosts with 10 minutes left when Clappers was adjudged to have pushed the OC Centre Forward inside the penalty box. The OC player certainly made the most of any supposed contact but the referee who had frustrated the Merton players for most of the afternoon quickly pointed to the spot.  Siri managed to lay a glove on the ball but to no avail and suddenly Merton had to chase the game. As they pushed up the pitch Browne was left 1 on 1 and was pulled back by the OC Forward. Astonishingly the referee gave a free kick to OC and though it was defended well a free header from the resulting corner made it 3-1 and goodnight Vienna. The final minutes saw Merton get frustrated with the referee further when an offside was missed prior to another penalty being awarded (correctly) against Clappers for pulling inside the box. The penalty was scored and the game finished 4-1 which was very harsh on a Merton side who worked tirelessly against a very good side who will have eyes on winning the trophy.

After the game, the players were presented with hot food and squash by their upmarket hosts. A flapjack was also provided which looked fairly plain but was actually packed full of oatey goodness yet remained moist and soft, something that is far from easy to achieve on such a bake. With the inclusion of some dried raspberries or chocolate chips this would have been a genuine delight.

Next week sees the Men in yellow travel to the Old Blues in another cup encounter. Whilst the return of some regulars and the depth in the squad will certainly provide Captain Clapperton with some selection dilemmas, it would appear that the injured Gladkov will be missing once again along with Kearns who starts his 3 match suspension. In light of this suspension and as part of the clubs commitment to growing community relations, local TV and radio stations have been asked to post regular adverts informing the women of West London that the Trump supporting Kearns is likely to be in the vicinity for the next few Fridays nights.

Team: Siri, Rat, Clappers ©, Browne, Kearns, Gladkov (Emillio), Sam, Nick, Rayner, Johnny (Bosher), Charlie.

Dick of the Day: Clappers gave away 2 penalties and stole 2 mini rolls after the game. Van got 2 votes.

Man of the Match: Peter Browne. Impressive performance on a pitch that didn’t suit his playing style.

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[Show slideshow]
Posted in Match Reports 1s
Matt Haswell
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Under 9s vs Woking Cougar Colts – 06.11.16

Merton 4 – 1 Woking cougar colts

On another lovely sunny morning at the hood the under 9s arrived eager and ready for action after the half term break to face a very good and established Woking cougar colts in our first festival league match.

Woking kicked off, we gave them no time on the ball, gained possession and had the first shot on goal within a minute. The game settled and the teams proved evenly matched. First time for ages we had a full squad of 10 and rotated players regularly keeping up the tempo and pressure until we finally broke the deadlock with a goal from Sam 1-0 merton. Woking pulled back an equaliser with a very well worked goal with virtually the last kick of the half. 1-1 at the break.

2nd half we came out with 3 positional changes and started to control the game, a goal from Darius put us 2-1 up and then the final switch of the game Presley in as centre forward who put away 2 more. Final score 4-1 Merton. A fantastic team performance with every single player shining bright, a really good entertaining match.

Sams dad awarded man of the match to Presley, but again anyone of them deserved it, and his most memorable moment was the whole game.

Mention to Woking who had a 40 minute drive to play us, great team, fantastic coaches, very pleasurable day, look forward to playing them again.

Gary

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Posted in Under 9s Reports
Matt Haswell
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Youth Results – 06.11.16

Lovely morning down at the Hood with just two games. The u9s were playing a strong Woking Colts side but beat them 3-1 and looked a really good well organised side. The U11s baeat Raynes Park Vale 4-2 coming from 2 – 0 at Half time. Great second half performance for Dave and Steve’s boys. U13s beat Shene Lions 5-0 in the 2nd round of the Surrey County Youth cup. The U14s lost 2-1 to AFC Ewell in the 2nd round of the Invitation Cup. Both excellent performances. U15s lost their cup match 8 – 1.

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Posted in Uncategorized
Matt Haswell
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4s vs Bank of England – 05.11.16

Bank of England 2 – 1 Merton
 

Bank of England. What a treat of a venue! For this scribe, it was a first, and a privilege to set foot on such facilities. Banished to the ‘worst’ pitch of the lot, according to locals, Merton were greeted with a superb surface, conducive to good football. Unfortunately, the referee was an old foe, and it was taken as given before the kick off that Merton would be up against a 12th man of sorts. How true that would prove.

 
The game got underway, but almost immediately, there was a setback. Joe, who’d been in superb form in his new position of centre back, pulled up injured. It was a big blow, and although Danny Gridley was a more than capable replacement, it meant his enormous influence was lost in midfield.
 
And it showed. Bank of England were making all the early running. Although clear-cut chances weren’t necessarily coming thick and fast, Merton simply didn’t seem to be at the races; barely winning any first or second balls.
 
But about midway through the first half, that all changed on a dime. With one of their first attacks of the game, Merton unlocked the defence with some excellent build up play, and a fine series of passing put Dom through. Their defender realised the game was up; put in a lot-ditch tackle, mistimed it, and over Dom went. Stonewall penalty, and even the ref obliged by pointing to the spot.
 
Dom duly stepped up, and rolled it in with consummate ease. 1-0. Barely deserved, but Merton weren’t complaining.
 
But the goal gave Merton a massive lift, and they then took control of things from there. Down the right, Frankie did a superb job in both defence and attack. Ryan Burchell was right on his game in behind him, thus not allowing Bank of England a sniff. Things were equally solid down the left, and, best of all, Kieran was commanding his box with aplomb – coming off his line and confidently claiming any and every through ball on a skinny surface.
 
At the other end, chances and half chances were plentiful. Numerous free kicks were won in good positions with Dom causing havoc upfront, while sustained pressure in their box just didn’t quite see the ball go to feet when needed. The best chance fell to Mike. A great cross from Chris was met with a well-struck header. However, their defender cleared it off the line to prevent the two-goal cushion.
 
Nevertheless, 1-0 up at the break, Merton had every reason to feel like three points were in the offing. They had control, but the key would be to score another, and make the game safe.
 
The second half got going, and for the first 15 minutes of it, the two sides roughly cancelled each other out. There wasn’t much in the way of goalmouth activity, but Merton were still looking rock solid at the back.
 
Then Frankie suffered an unfortunate muscle strain, and had to leave the field. And it marked a notable change in momentum of the game. Perhaps the central midfield ran out of legs a bit too, but suddenly Merton retreated and invited wave after wave of attacks from the oppo. It wasn’t even counter-attack football: Merton simply weren’t able to get out of their half, and Dom cut an isolated figure upfront. The ref certainly didn’t help matters; ostensibly with an axe to grind against Merton, and the decisions blatantly all started going one way.
 
Yet for all of the barrage of pressure, Merton were standing tall. Everyone to a man was working their socks off, and, bar a free header from a corner, Bank of England actually failed to carve out any real chances. Certainly not from inside the box anyway. It just felt like one of those games the Yellows were going to see out.
 
But with about eight minutes to go, calamity struck. Merton just about dealt with a long throw in, but the oppo retrieved the ball and swarmed the Yellows’ box. Under immense pressure, Chris hustled their striker and just about stuck a foot out. Of course, there was no contact whatsoever, but it was enough for the opponent to spring himself into the air with a dive straight out of Hollywood.
 
Never a pen, but at the same time, with the referee having by now very clearly set out his stall, there was an air of inevitability about which way the decision would go. The spot was pointed to, another one of their strikers stepped up, and the ball was buried in the right corner of the net. Nothing Kieran could do. 1-1.
 
It was a devastating blow, but, heartbreakingly, worse was to come. About three minutes later, Bank of England were on the attack again, and their winger sent in a devilish cross. As he had done all game, Kieran called it loud and clear, and looked set to claim it. Unfortunately, the ball skidded awkwardly, and, after initially having it in his grasp, he fumbled, snatched, and then knocked it over his head. The ball nestled in the net. 2-1.
 
It was cruel on Kieran, who’d had a tremendous game until then. It was crueller still on Merton, who had put everything into defending their lead, and looked on course for a deserved victory. But with just minutes left on the clock, they now looked beaten, and weren’t able to conjure up a response. The final whistle went shortly after, and the dejected lads departed the field.
 
There were some initial inquests after the game, with the manager correctly pointing out that we’d gone on the defensive far too early, and not strung any passes together in the second half. But that was quickly followed up with the many positives which could be taken from this heartbreaking result. The lads had given it everything, and, for 80 minutes, had the measure of a team which would have thrashed them just four weeks ago.
 
Two unfortunate late goals – one of them highly dubious – didn’t change that. This is a team very much on the up, and increasingly difficult to beat. Now it’s time to convert that into consistent results.
 

Team: Kieran Lee (GK), Ed Plaistow, Mike Todt, Joe Plumridge, Will Harrison, Frankie Kaligorou, Chris Outred, Dan Gridley, Ryan Burchell, Jake Hewett, Dom Plumridge

Subs: Noor Emad, Chris Dodd

Goals: Dom Plumridge (pen)

MOTM: Ryan Burchell

DOTD: Chris – very unfortunate

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
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Under 13s vs Sheen Lions – 06.11.16

Surrey Youth Cup
Sheen Lions 0-5 Merton FC
On a cold sunny Sunday morning we arrived at Sheen Lions ground. Before the match we had no referee, but luckily their assistant manager agreed to step up to the challenge so game on.
An excellent performance by all the team. We looked well organised and hungry for the win. We were all in a positive frame of mind, after last weeks win.
The tactics from Steve were to play 1 & 2 touch passing and press them. We pressed them hard and had one or two opportunities on goal before Justin’s goal arrived.
We continued to press the other side, showing quick good passing and communicating well with each other. It wasn’t long before Marcus used his pace and skill to score our second goal. Sheen Lions were hungry for a goal but our defence stood strong to get challenge.
Our third goal came from our striker Marcus, from a deflection of a Sheen Lions player. But a well deserved goal all the same.
Our calm tactical passing continued leading to our fourth goal my first for Merton FC. Evan passed me the ball, passing on d player I put the ball into the top left hand corner.
With the first half whistle being blown shortly after.
Steve half time talk was to keep passing and work hard as a team.
Second half started. Sheen Lions started with a more aggressive pace looking for their first goal. We continued to pass effectively and kept up the pressure. It was a half that our defenders were made to work hard, but stood up the pressure well. Justin scored his second goal of the match from out of the area striking the top left corner. The score ended up 5-0.
Great match lets move onto the next round.

MOM Freeeeeedie.

Match report from Hugo (right wing)

Hugo's first goal for under 13s
Hugo’s first goal for under 13s
Posted in Under 13s Reports
Matt Haswell
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Under 15s vs Whyteleafe Wanderers – 06.11.16

Whyteleafe Wanderers 8-1 Merton Fc
 
County cup weekend, and Merton were drawn against Whyteleafe Wanderers from the Tandridge League in their 2nd knockout round tie. A 2pm kick off meant that it was a slow burner of a day before time sped up in the build up before kick off.
 
A chilly day, and in the hilly backstreets of Whytleafe we were at a venue that would hopefully provide a great experience for the players to gain and take them back into the league football.
 
The message was to keep it tight and work hard against what would undoubtabely be a strong side. Playing on an immaculate 4G pitch provided a great backdrop for what would hopefully be a great game.
 
Kick off approached and the set up was evident of the game. Whyteleafe would have a lot of the ball, and Merton would need to work hard off the ball. A sloppy start handed Whyteleafe confidence and a goal within the first 3 minutes. Whyteleafe continued to play football and Merton countied to chase the ball and the players and struggled to keep up with the quick movement. The start got worse and whyteleafe extended their lead quickly, and sped into a 5-0 lead within 20 minutes.
 
Frustrations grew, but Merton’s spirit did not drop. And we worked hard off the ball. We managed to stifle Whyteleafe and began to become confident on the ball. We scored a goal, with a well taken finish from Felix. And that was no less than we deserved in this passage of play. Whyteleafe extended their lead to 6-1 just before half time.
Half time came around and the message was to continue the hard work that the players had put in from the 20th minute. It was important that we done this as we had managed to make Whyteleafe work for what they had.
 
Whyteleafe scored 2 further goals in the second half, in what was a respectable scoreline in the end. It didn’t look that way in the first 20 minutes!
 
Well done to Whyteleafe, good luck in the next round
 
Heads up  and we now go again in the league. Your spirit and desire was evident in bucket loads throughout the second half. Next game Met Police in the league, we can now be positive in the league this season.   
Posted in Under 15s Reports
Matt Haswell
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Adult Results – 05.11.16

Todays Results
1s lost in the 1st round of the AFA senior cup to Old Carthusians. Great venue and a very good side final score 4-1 flattered them and they were not hindered by some poor reffing.
2s I hope kick-started their season with a 4-1 home league win against Old Blues. Lofty scored a cracker by all accounts.
3s had a cracking win 3-2 at Old Owens.
4s lost 2-1 at Bank of England the victim of two gutting late goals.
5s won 3-1 against HSBC, another cracking result.
6s also had a great win at Old Alleyns 5-4.
The 7s lost their first league game heavily to Carshalton 6s.
(pics from 1s game at Charterhouse) (Bad news were thefts from changing rooms at the Hood) On the whole a good day and a few guys back in the bar to commiserate with 1s on their return.

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[Show slideshow]
Posted in Uncategorized
Matt Haswell
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Player Profile – Will Low

NAME: Will Low

TEAM: 1st XI

POSITION: CM, DCM, RB, LB, RM…

BIRTH DATE: 06/12/1985

BIRTH PLACE: Shrewsbury

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Bridgnorth Town, Shrewsbury Town, Star Aluminum, Horsforth Fairweather

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I work at Lord’s doing tech projects which combines the two things I’m most interested in, sport and technology. I’d describe myself in 3 words as quiet, laidback, reliable.

How did you end up at Merton FC?
I found the club on Gumtree while looking for a team when I moved to London. I checked out 2 teams, the first had 5 turn up for training while Merton had about 50 so I stuck with them.

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Getting promotion to Division 1 in 2014

If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Wolves, I support them.

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Arrive early to get a medium sized shirt.

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Promotion back to Division 1

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Kevin De Bruyne

Childhood Team: Wolves

Favourite team in the UK: Wolves

Favourite team outside the UK: Dortmund

Childhood Hero: Ryan Giggs

Favourite Food: Pepperoni Pizza

Favourite Drink: Neck Oil IPA

Favourite Band: Oasis

 

Posted in Player Profiles
Matt Haswell
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Player Profile – Malcolm Kandulu

NAME: Malcolm Kandulu or Kandula according to Mike

TEAM: 6’s

POSITION: midfielder

BIRTH DATE: 01/12/87

BIRTH PLACE: Blantyre, Malawi

PREVIOUS CLUBS: roundshow colts

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I am simple with my days,  try to make it through work and socialise as much possible. A bit of gym, run a basketball Club, I am passionate about music, I produce, rap, sing and write

How did you end up at Merton FC?
A friend of mind Paolo suggested coming to gain fitness, loved the people and stayed.

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
First goal at pre season. I remember walking on the pitch hanging as hell!!

If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Sutton United, it’s my local pro you team. I’d be honoured to

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Yes I go to the pub for a full English with kieran

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season?
Try to keep fit to cover most of the season, get in some extra goals as well.

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football):

Childhood Team:

Favourite team in the UK: Arsenal

Favourite team outside the UK: Italian squad if it counts

Childhood Hero: Roberto Baggio

Favourite Food: oriental

Favourite Drink: whiskey

Favourite Band: Jay Z

Posted in Uncategorized
Matt Haswell
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Player Profile – Dan Bridgeman

NAME: Dan Bridgeman

TEAM: 2s/3s Super Squad

POSITION: GK

BIRTH DATE: 17 August 1992

BIRTH PLACE: London

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Barnes Eagles, Mole Valley Predators, Sussex Uni 1s

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

I’m 24 going on 40 (apparently) and work in tax (no not for HMRC). Boring stuff aside enjoy pretty much anything sport related and generally just having a laugh with mates. At any given time outside of working hours the most likely place you’ll find me is on the golf course.  

How did you end up at Merton FC?

I graduated from Uni in 2013, moved home and after a couple of years out whilst studying professional exams I was looking for a club to get back in to the game with that didn’t take themselves too seriously. Having been down for a few months now, I’m fairly comfortable Merton fits the bill.

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
I’d say probably my penalty save in the first game of the season, but mainly because it was purely down to the mind games I played on the striker psyching him out rather than it having any impact on the result.

If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Probably a bit of a left field choice, but I’d have to say the European Ryder Cup team. I’m crazy in to golf and I just don’t think there is another sporting event like the Ryder Cup. Plus I’d love to stick it to those Yanks, especially Patrick Reed!

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I used to have a lucky undershirt as a kid up until I finished Uni (though I don’t wear it anymore), but looking back I think it only stayed lucky because I only wore it when I thought we were going to win because I didn’t want to lose the luckiness. These days though, the closest thing to a ritual is calling my dad for a match report post game and then ordering a curry.

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Really, I’m just looking to have some fun and get back in to football this year, I’m not putting any pressure on myself or the team, but it would be nice to avoid relegation given I think we were promoted last season with the 3s. From a personal perspective it’d nice to maintain my penalty save ratio at or above 50% where it is now too (shoot-outs don’t count!).

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football):

Childhood Team: Supported Chelsea, played for Barnes Eagles

Favourite team in the UK: Chelsea

Favourite team outside the UK: Seattle Seahawks

Childhood Hero: Gianfranco Zola

Favourite Food: Beef Wellington

Favourite Drink: Sober – tea, drunk – Jaeger Bombs apparently!

Favourite Band: Oasis

Posted in Player Profiles