Year: 2016

MERTON FC – CLUB EVENTS 2016

Unusually the weather in north London was better than South London. As you know in the South we get lots more sunshine and it is several degrees warmer but not this Saturday and whilst the Hood was unequivocally unplayable EBOG was on. Although as we travelled slowly round the M25 news came in of the 1s postponement we felt increasingly concerned that our game would be called off but no the game was on their pitches were playable. They were very boggy however and it was a credit to both teams that we had such a good game to watch with both teams trying to play. The bad news was that our ref was being assessed and this may be why our game had linos whilst EBOG 1s playing and losing 4-0 to CEV did not. We had played EBOG a few weeks ago at WCE and drawn 3-3 and they had shown themselves to be a pretty good and organised side. The game was pretty even although EBOG had the best of the chances. Mustard came the closest to scoring when he got first to the near post cross and put a bullet header just wide and out for a corner to our immense relief. Sherbs saved well when their forward was through and acrobatically from a header. Mustard cleared off the line from a great header from one of their many corners.  The only other feature of the first half was DQ being flagged offside a record number of times which not unreasonably he attributed to advancing years. Firstly the linos and also that the lino did not understand that the greying DQ could still have such blinding pace. We started the second half with some optimism as we had the wind to help.  It was in fact a pretty even second half with Sherbs continuing to keep them out and us getting forward better, We had three good shouts for a pens but not given although the lino gave one only to overruled by the ref. They had the ball in the net from a great move in the last five mins but the flagging lino came to our rescue for what looked like a good goal. A draw was affair result and all of our boys put in a great shift. The back Four with a changing cast Joe/Clowesy /Mustard/Connor/ Pearcey /Liam were outstanding and Sherbs deserved his unanimous man of the match vote. The talk in the dressing room before the game was that no one could remember us ever having a goalless draw (or a clean sheet probably) so next week DQ was suggesting we should remember that we have not spanked anyone 5 or 6 for a long time. Or more realistically we have not beaten anyone for a while. The ref and his linos did agood job and EBOGs hospitality and welcome was appreciated. They had some good signs up in the changing rooms that we could learn from.

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Only two matches today’ 2s draw 0-0 away at EBOG a real battle in the bog. A great performance. Eggy Birthday boy down a predator (War and Peace edition)and Sherbs picks up Man of the Match award. 6s draw 4-4 at Ibis Eagles with goals from Ty, Ryan, Pete and Dan P. But they had led 3-1 at HT. 6th team striker Peter Obeng Adu is in hospital with a grade 4 tear in kidney after yesterday’s game at IBIS – our thoughts are with him for a speedy recovery

(Pics from EBOG)

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Actonians Association 6s vs. Merton 4s
SAL Minor Division 1 South
Saturday 6^th February 2016

John Gridley said it best after the men in Yellow had made the not-insignificant trek from the Actonians clubhouse to the fields where the game would take place: “This is going to be proper grassroots football today, lads.” Indeed, with ominous skies, a howling wind and a truly awful pitch, the 90 minutes that followed were never going to be a footballing masterpiece.

Nevertheless, the 4s, on the back of an impressive 3-0 win at Weirside Rangers, fancied their chances against the struggling Actonian Association 6s, and once again lined up 4-5-1. Starting off with much of the wind against them, they made a fine start, keeping good shape, working hard, and even showing some composure on the ball. 

The first 15 minutes were a bit of cat and mouse, with no real opportunities coming for either side. But Merton were just starting to build some momentum, and just shy of midway through the half, they hit their hosts on the counter. Some good interplay in midfield saw the ball find its way to Dulanie, who made a great run and fed Dom in the box. Hustled by a defender and with the keeper to beat, he made a decent stab at it with his left boot, but the wind took the ball agonisingly wide of the post.

Salt was then rubbed in the wounds soon after, as from about 30 yards out, Actonians took a shot that was seemingly well blocked. However, it lobbed up, rode the wind, and somehow snuck just under the crossbar. 1-0 to the men in blue, and a cruel blow for Merton.

But the lads seem to be made of sterner stuff these days, and kept their heads up from the resumption. They continued to work hard, and after some resolute defending, again produced a counter attack. Once again, it was Dom who found himself carving out a shot in the box, despite being circled by numerous defenders, only this time it was the keeper who tipped his effort inches wide of the same post.

But he wasn’t to be denied for too much longer. Five minutes before the break, Merton won a free kick 25 yards out, 10 yards to the left of the left post. For Dom, and a man who had scored his previous two free kicks, you could barely have placed it better. And so 10 men in yellow held their breath. The 11th, Dom, had no such doubts though. The ball once again absolutely flew off his left boot, seemingly picking up speed as it went despite the wind. The keeper dived despairingly, but never had a price. It smashed into the goal off the inside of the far post, and every man to a tee mobbed the little genius. 1-1, a crucial equaliser before half time, and unbridled joy for the lads.

Nothing much more doing in the closing minutes, and the talk was good at the interval. The 4s fancied putting 3 or 4 past these opponents, especially with a bit more help from the wind. But first and foremost, it was the three points which were needed. Actonians came out after the kick-off with purpose, but the midfield three kept digging their heels in, and, in truth, didn’t leave a great deal for the defence to do.

And the surging home side were always going to leave themselves vulnerable to a counter attack. This time it was good work from Joe and Jake up the right which led to a free kick in a dangerous position around 10 minutes into the second period.

Now it was Mikey who stood over it, and he delivered a menacing ball into the box. With a sea of yellow trying to get on the end of it, the Actonian defender appeared to be taken by surprise as the ball landed at his feet, and his attempted clearance resulted merely in a meek finish past the keeper. Own goal, Scholesy might just about claim the assist for a “flick on”, but Merton didn’t care a monkeys how it had come. It was 2-1, and another 3 points were in sight.

But there was still a long way to go, and the key was going to be to keep the focus and concentration up. No team really bossed it at any stage, but it’s fair to say the opponents spent more time in the Yellows’ half than the alternative. But each time any man was called upon to thwart the Actonians, they did their job, and the manager made some good substitutions too with Arnold and Billy showing good energy when they came on.

In truth, for 85 minutes, the home side weren’t even allowed a clear opportunity at any stage, with even their earlier goal being somewhat fortuitous and speculative. But a generally peaceful game had a bit of late drama, as Dom took exception to the harrying of an Actonian defender. He put an impressive rugby tackle in after the whistle had gone for a foul, which incensed the opponents. This in turn drew all in sundry to throw their handbags in – including those on the bench – with rumours that a punch had been thrown escalating things. 

The fracas eventually died down and play resumed for the final few. Perhaps a now slightly distracted Merton side had their first real heart-in-mouth moment in the dying stages, as the opposing winger put a ball in that awkwardly trickled across the face of the goal in front of Sam. But with no blue shirt able to get on the end of it, that hairy moment passed as quickly as it had begun, and the sweet sound of the final whistle followed soon after.

And so it was… a 2-1 victory. Not one that will go down as an all-time classic. Far from it, in fact. But the steadily improving 4s had done what they needed to do, and largely cruised to what was now a 4th win in 5. This really is a team beginning to hit its straps, and although HSBC will likely present a tougher challenge next week, Merton will have every confidence that they can do the business.

FINAL SCORE: Actonians Association 6s 1 – 2 Merton 4s
SCORERD: Dom Plumridge, Own Goal
MOTM: Joe Plumridge

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Chris Outred, Mike Todt, Edward Plaistow (Billy Dowie), Jake Hewitt (Arnold Collier), Michael Elgar, Neal Davison, Mike Elgar, Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge

Good day with the Youth section. Our Under 10s beat C B Hounslow 7-1 and are now through to the semi finals of the cup. The U11s beat Halliford Colts 2-1 and the U12s drew 1-1 with Worplesden Rangers. Our U13s beat Moormead heavily with Harvey and Jacobo both getting hat tricks. The U14s game was postponed. Last nights monsoons had really flooded the Hood.

Todays Results are coming in. (Well I hope they are!!) 2s drew 4-4 away at Ally Pally in a great game. We lead 3-2 at half time but had the benefit of a strong wind. 3s game at South Bank off and 4s have another great result winning 2-1 at Actonians. 5s lose at home, well WCE 0 – 2 to HSBC. 6s lose 0 – 3 away to bottom of league Old Blues 4s.

Merton 6s vs Bank of England 6s 24^th January 2016

The 6s turned up in Roehampton at one of the best clubs in the league, Bank of England.  We got given changing room 2, which was massive.  We played on the converted marked out rugby pitch, this was very wide but short.  If we didn’t hit the back of the net, some of the players would definitely score a conversion. Skipper decided to try a different formation of 5 3 2.  This didn’t go well and found ourselves 2 – 0 down.  Their first goal was a free kick just outside the box and second against run of play.

Time for a change, George came off for Paul and back to 4 4 2.  This was better and we started to play football. We went in at half time 2 nil down.

Second half was a different ball game; we dominated and took the chances well.  First goal came from a Pete free kick, beautifully placed, although it did go though the keepers flapping hands. We continued to press, when Beans cleared from defence, it fell to Matt in the box, controlled well and slotted the ball in the bottom left corner, although some did say it rolled off and down the shin.  Bank did cause a few problems but Mo at the back and Man of the Match was solid, dominating and lead the back four to keep Bank from scoring.  His goal scoring time came when he picked up the ball inside Banks half, and like a charging bull took the ball past the Bank players and thumped the ball into the back of the net.  Merton had brought it back to 3 – 2 and was buzzing.  Subs were made, Dan P came off and Simon came on.  Forth goal came from the penalty spot, Martin done his usual forward run from right back, had a chance for shot on goal, when it struck the Bank players arm.  Ref pointed to the spot, Skipper wanted to take it, but was over ruled by the other Merton players and insisted Pete took it.  I think the Skipper wanted to add to his goal tallied to help improve his crazy bet at the beginning of the season, the rest of the players wanted a goal.  Pete stepped up and made it four.  Martin Made way for George for the last 10 minutes and Dan P came on for the injured Beans.  Merton held on and the final whistle was blown. This result against the others in league put the 6s third.  Back to the massive changing and to the bar for a well earned pint.  Old Wilsonians 9s next week, a must win as they have surprisingly beaten us twice this season.

Starting Eleven:

Swanny GK
Martin LWB
George RWB
Mo CB
Beans CB
Smithy CB (Skipper)
Matt CM
Ty CM
John CM
Dan  S
Pete S

Subs:
Simon
Paul

Merton 6s vs Old Wilsonians 9s
30^th January 2016

Old Wilsonians were a side last season that was bottom of the league and a side you knew you could come away with a win, not this season!! This was the 3rd time both teams have met this season and last two games Old Wilsonians 9s have taken the 6s by surprise and won.  Every player knew that this was the 6s time to win. Strong squad on paper, 3 subs and the choice of 9 pitches to choose from, the one that we were allocated was not a good choice.  A switch of pitch a usual quick usual 6s warm up and the game was under way. We start strong and could of been a few goals up if Matt H had brought his shooting boots, this was highlighted by Chappell in a Whats App message earlier that morning.  Chance came and went hitting the bar, posts and tall trees behind the goal, but not between.  Then it happened, they got us on the break and scored. Soon after the kick off, we got a free kick, Ty stepped up to knock one into the box, in it came and off the centre backs head and into the goal. Half time came; a quick team talk and we had belief that if we continued to play like we have, we could take the lead and points.

Again Matt had the chances but not the luck or clinical finishing skills.  Old Wilsons did cause a few problems, but the defence strayed strong and Swanny was picking out the loose balls.  Merton’s break and 2^nd goal came from Ty, who picked the ball up just outside the area and lobbed the keeper.  John was getting bruised and battered in the middle of the pitch, including his sore toe,will it ever heal? He was looking for sympathy, but not getting any from his team mates.  A Few subs made, Martin off, George on, Steve B off, Beans on. Then Beans off (had a heavy night), Steve B back on.  Dan on for Ty, whose legs could take no more. Skipper also felt the need to try changing from 442 to 433, which baffled some of the players as to why??  Time ticked on when Pete and Matt found themselves through on goal, from an assist from Dan, looking up Pete saw it was Matt thought of passing but knew another goal would seal it so went alone and made it 3 – 1.  The ref who had a good game blew for full time, 2 wins in a row and next fixture away to bottom of table Old Blues, the 6s need to continue to stay within a chance of promotion or even the title.

Starting eleven:

Swanny GK
Martin RB
Mo CB
Chappell CB
Smithy LB (Skipper)
Daddy Burchell LM
Baby Burchell RB
John ‘sore toe’ CM
Ty CM (1)
Pete S(1)
Matt S (where’s my boots?)

Subs: Dan George Beans