Year: 2016

Matt Haswell
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2s vs HSBC – 13.11.16

Merton Reserves 0 – 0 HSBC Reserves

Merton welcomed leaders HSBC to the Hood and had to settle for a point in a tight, hard fought encounter.

Lining up 433 once again, Merton started brightly with Ryan Gresty in particular breaking up play in the middle and initiating more than one counter attack. Ryan had almost played in both Dan (skied effort) and Tom (tackled) inside the first 10 minutes, clearly smarting at not being mentioned 8 times in last weeks match report. A man on a mission and a man in motion but unfortunately this (st elmo’s) fire led Ryan into a bone crunching tackle on the edge of the opposition box and a trip to hospital (via touchline, bar, and an earlsfield night club for initial tests – no break thankfully).

With Ryan off, Dave Scott came into central midfield as Merton continued to look for an opener in a tight game. A succession of set pieces failed to yield a clear chance; Browner’s panic-inducing nod-back from beyond the far post almost but not quite yielding a chance.

Then a good move down the left involving the excellent Alex Welch, Andy, Lofty and Rayner (with Ryan shouting approvingly from the sidelines) saw Lofty put a tempting cross in. Dan read the flight, ghosted between the two centre backs, jumped, met it with his forehead as the cross just cleared the head of the covering defender…and headed over. 2 DOTD votes ensued.

Tom was the next to have a chance, played in on the angle and striking a shot on the run from the edge of the area that the keeper beat away.

At the other end, a well organised Merton defence had restricted the visitors to only set pieces and the occasional scare on the counter, with Rayner doubling up as forward and wingback on occasion to deal with the dangerous oppo wide player and forward who were their main out ball.

0-0 at half time and Lofty urged us to push for the win, noting that this was unlikely to be a game with more than one goal. Ryan (just about still standing) agreed and urged Merton to get after them.

The second half was as tight and scrappy as the first. The best chance came early, and it fell to the visitors. Peter Brown missed a header for the first time in the game, and as the rest of the side gaped in disbelief, quick work from HSBC saw the ball squared for the oppo striker to sidefoot home from 10 yards. Sherbs, however, had other ideas and flung himself to his right, a strong hand keeping the ball out. The danger wasn’t over yet as the ball fell invitingly for HSBC, only for Cookie to bravely block the goal bound shot and then Browner to complete the clearance. A massive moment in the game.

At the other end, Merton were still probing away looking to get Tom in behind. Some nice interplay down the right between Alex King, Dave and Andy saw the ball squared for Tom to hit from the edge of the area, only for the shot to be blocked. Next, Dan screamed down the left wing and into the box, only for his cut back to be cleared.

DQ and Mike Stone came on to try and provide the moment of inspiration needed to win the game. Max in particular was convinced DQ would deliver, pronouncing it his time as Merton won a late series of free kicks. Alex King was also finding space down the right; initally to fire in a series of crosses that didn’t beat the first man, but then with increasing effect and culminating in a burst in the box and a dangerous centre that was hacked clear.

In the event, it was at the other end that the final piece of drama played out. A rare HSBC attack saw both Alex and then Cookie drawn out of position and beaten. As the attacker surged towards the box a recovering Cookie slid full length and made the tactical decision to end the attack taking man ball and half the pitch with him. HSBC were a little upset and demanded a red, but with covering players in the vicinity and the fact that Cookie tackled pitch man and ball in that order, a yellow was about right. Cookie took the booking very professionally and all seemed well until a HSBC player said something and Cookie crumbled, unleashing the west country rage and confronting said player.

Foreheads bumped. Oppo subs ran onto the pitch. Sherbs enquiry of “what do you think you’re doing?” (or similar) was met with a response that they thought someone was going to be punched. Maybe they were planning a dive in front of any punch like a secret service bodyguard, who knows.. It should also be pointed out that the hitherforeto unmentioned (in the second half) Ryan Gresty did not hobble on to the pitch to get involved. Professional.

In all event people were dragged away, it all calmed down and Cookie escaped a red. And then the free kick went wide. Escape complete.

Merton’s late rally failed to yield a clear chance and the game ended 0-0. Probably about fair in a tight game with few chances.

Motm: Alex Welch convincingly edged Alex King, with Alex Herbert also picking a vote.

Dotd: Cookie the west country monster.

P.S. Ryan (8)
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Posted in Match Reports 2s
Matt Haswell
0

Under 9s vs Esher Colts Orange – 13.11.16

Merton 3 v 1 Esher colts orange

A sunday afternoon league match away to esher colts saw the under 9s scrap to an off par 3-1 win.

The match started bright enough with a lightning fast attack straight from the whistle. The first goal came soon enough 1-0 Merton and we looked likely to run away with a big win. But Esher dug in and found an equaliser and this gave them confidence. credit to our boys who saw through the sticky patch and midway through the second half started to dominate the game as we should of done throughout. As we got back into our stride 2 quick goals settled the game. A 4th goal from a throw down the line, the cross came over, bit of a goal mouth scamble and goallll!!!!!! the crowd went crazy and the ref said…..”ermmmm no goal i wasnt ready”. final score 3-1 Merton

Thats 6 wins out of 6 league games.
Table topping match this sunday at the hood, we play Esher and Ewell a very good team who beat us in pre season friendly. The winner wins our mini festival league.

Please come and support the under 9s this Sunday.

Gary
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Posted in Under 9s Reports
Matt Haswell
0

3s vs Civil Service – 12.11.16

Civil Service 4’s vs Merton 3’s

I begin this match report with the same upheaval and feeling of disbelief as our current Golden DOTD (Neil Davidson) must have felt when writing all those previous reports…

When a good, kind and generous act can get you the DOTD vote, you must start to question the validity of the votes, especially when other members have pulled out at the last minute, told the team the game is off 30min prior to meeting and stealing another members car keys for a week.

Anyway, enough of that… let’s move on to the positives game itself…

So the Merton 3’s started the day looking forward to another away fixture. Not as pleasant as most, as a trip around the M25 was not required, but still a lengthy journey for all those Boars to reflect on the past performances and think of how to improve.

The rain was chucking it down all day, but that said, the pitches were in good condition. The team arrived and DJ Mustard was on the decks, spinning the interesting choices of request that’s had made it through to his playlist. A little chat in the changing rooms and we were all ready to go.

Perhaps the most memorable part of the first half was Dennis chasing the geese off the pitch prior to kick off. This tells you enough about the quality that was on display. In the first half, Merton took a while to find their feet, but eventually started knocking the ball around and looked good at times.

Civil Services gave Merton an early scare, when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. The ball was whipped in and missed / ping ponged around a few Merton players, before hitting the unexpecting striker on the leg and trickling into the net. Appeals of a dubious offside were quickly raised, and the Ref seemed to agree.

Merton, with this streak of luck on their side, pushed forward. A few half chances fell to the Boars, but with no end product. Glen had a good chance where he broke from a Dennis ‘showboatesque’ back heel, raced down the line, round the keeper, but then seemed to forget where the goal was and hit it wide.

Glen had another chance, great interplay in the middle of the park saw the ball laid off to Glen, and with Darcy sprinting clear, all that was required was a little through ball… it never came.

Despite Merton’s pressure, a mesmerising run from Civils centre mid, he tricked his way past several players and hit a good shot into the bottom corner. 1-0 Civils.

 

Merton came into the Half time break 1-0 down, and with their heads slightly down as well.

A change of personnel brought on Alberto in the middle of the park for the ‘blowing’ Darcy. Minutes in, Vinnie seemed to tackle himself and was now crooked. On came Gubby for his 3’s on field debut.

During the next 30minutes, not much of note happened. Lots of missed placed passes and the occasional goose trying to set back down on the pitch. Welshy turned up on his bday to cheer the Boars on, which was a welcome treat and Darcy had a little slip on goose shit, whilst collecting the ball which earned him this report.

Merton switched formation to the tried and tested 3-5-2 and immediately saw the benefit. A free kick was whipped in, and debuter Gubby, leapt like a salmon, despite being tackled by his own team mate (Neil Davidson), and headed home a peach of a header! In ‘unbelievable Jeff’ scenes, Mr Davidson proceeded to run off claiming the goal on his own, whilst the rest of the team congratulated the true goal scorer Gubby.

Merton had the wind in their sails now, and sensed a win. Glen had a good chance, but the keeper made an amazing save and pushed it onto the upright corner of the bar.

With only minutes left, Merton were in full out attack. Unfortunately, this left us a little exposed at the back. A break away from Civils right winger saw him skip past several flat footed Merton players and pick out a cross, to which Joe seemed to partially clear, before being taken down by the attacker, who promptly got up and in slow motioned volleyed the ball into the back of the net. This time there was no fooling the ref that the goal should not count.

Final score 2:1

Not the best performance this season, not the worst… better luck next week…

Man of the Match: Joe Grew

DOTD: Darcy Yates

Scorers: Gubby / Neil Davidson? Still awaiting the result of the dubious goal scores official’s enquiry

 

 

Posted in Match Reports 3s
Matt Haswell
0

Under 15s vs MET Police – 13.11.16

Met police 1-0 Merton FC

Disappointing game today where Merton just did not turn up and play the way they can and have shown recently.

Defensively, we were very strong and kept our shape well. We tried out a new backline and it seemingly worked. However, on the ball we were disappointing and wasted a lot of good possession by playing long ball and hoping for the best. At times we kept the ball well and passed the ball around, which carved out potential opportunities for us to score.

Midway through the first half, George pulled off a fantastic double save. This was a wake up call and Merton ended the half the stronger of the two teams.
We were largely untroubled, but also didn’t trouble very often going forward.

The second half was very scrappy and was nicked by the odd goal. A Miskick from goalkeeper and it ended in the back of our net.
We never really troubled and ended up in defeat without much battling.

Major positives were the new found backline, but more confidence on the ball needed.

Heads up and go again next week!

Posted in Under 15s Reports
Matt Haswell
0

Under 13s vs CB Hounslow – 13.11.16

CB Hounslow U13s 2-11 Merton FC U13s
Today the Mighty Merton FC U13s played CB Hounslow Greens away for a very early 10am kick off in sunny Feltham. It was a lot of pressure before the game because both teams were very tense as we both needed the 3 points to move up the table. Before we started there was a minute silence for the poppies.
We kicked off at 10.15am and lots of passes’ where made on both ends of the pitch. Then with a pass of Daniel to Marcus. Then Marcus decides to use his pace get passed two defenders and Merton 1-0 to Merton. Later that match Merton has a corner Hugo steps up to take it smacks it front post that gave Evan the opportunity to hit top bins and made it  2-0 to Merton. But straight after that attack CB Hounslow gets a pass In a box with a shot in front of the keeper it goes in. 2-1 to Merton. There was both plays and forth kerion tackle’s the ball greatly and wins position kerion hits the ball from the edge of the box and it goes in. 3-1 to Merton. There was great runs form either teams we have a corner Justin hits it to go into the box it comes off the CB Howslow players McKenzie is at the edge of the box and smashes one bottom right corner. 4-1 to Merton the whistle is about to go all the players have sweat on their heads it goes off for a corner Theo wipes the ball into the box with a wonderful header from Nikoy it goes straight passed the keeper the whistle goes for the half time are. After that securing start by Merton the whistle blows to start the second half by a mis communication the opposition decides to take advantage and score. 5-2 after that silly mistake by Merton aven try’s a attack one two by Justin avens throw and scores. 6-2 to Merton when the whistle blown Marcus won greatly passed it back to Alfie. Alfie passed to kadeem passed it to Justin to bang it in. 7-2 to Merton soon as that happened Merton got the ball rapidly kerion had the ball gliding throw players and scores another one. 8-2 to Merton the game goes on the ball goes to are keeper Milo he comes out to boot it but he scuff it and falls over but Alfie chase’s down the ball and receives it . From that play Alfie decieds to smack it wide to Evan plays a lovely pass to kerion and he scores.9-2 to Merton then from a corner Justin bangs it in to the box in comes off nekoys foot in the air Theo goes for the bicycle kick and hits it top bins what a great goal by Theo. 10-2 the match is nearly over players are tiered but just before the game is over kadeem decides to Ronaldo chop it and hit it from the edge of the box goes in back of the net the whistle goes players shake hands and go their separate ways man of the match kerion and match report by kadeem ishmael-parris.
Kadeem, first goal of his Merton FC career.
Kadeem, first goal of his Merton FC career.
Posted in Under 13s Reports
Matt Haswell
0

Youth Results – 13.11.16

A good set of results from the Youth section.

The U9s beat Esher Colts Orange 3-1.

The U11s beat Esher Colts Yellows 5-1.

The U13s beat CB Hounslow 11-2.

The U14s had a good cup win 6-4 against Haslemere Town.

The U15s lost 1-0 to Met Police Reds. Well done to the Hoodies as Steve calls them.

Posted in Uncategorized
Matt Haswell
0

Merton FC 2016 Quiz Night – 12.11.16

Great night at the Hood for The Merton Way Quiz with ‘I am Spartacus’ (1s with some Gridley experience) running out winners. Thanks to Peter, Steve and Jasper for working the bar and our waiters and of course to the quizmaster on the night, Sherbs. Great fun. Great performance from winners and close runners up ‘Buffs and Muffs’ and some dodgy stuff from Team Handsome. Special mention to ‘Norfolk and Chance’ who would have won the drinking competition, had there been one. Buffs and Muffs getting full marks on Film lines. And of course to Whistlestop (Raynes Park) for great fish and chips!!!

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Posted in Uncategorized
Matt Haswell
0

4s vs Ibis Eagle – 12.11.16

Merton FC 1-2 Ibis Eagles
 

News had been flying in from everywhere of games being cancelled, with the 7s game at the Hood also being called off. However, after a wet morning, the rain relented, and the 4s were given the green light.

 
The oppo were mid-table Ibis Eagles, but with the 4s significant upturn in form, there was every confidence of getting a result. Sonny returned to the starting lineup, while Joe had recovered from his injury the week before to take his place in the centre of defence. All in all, a full-strength side really, bar the absences of John Gridley and Ryan Burchell.
 
In truth, Merton were a little bit slow out of the blocks when the game got underway, and although there was a limited amount of goalmouth action, Ibis were making all the early running. But around 15 minutes in, Merton began to get a foothold in the match; playing a bit more football, and, significantly, exploiting a lack of pace in the Ibis defence.
 
They had some decent chances too, with Dom having a couple of nibbles and a one-to-one with the goalkeeper that got thwarted. Mike might have done better with a header from a corner too.
 
But it was as Merton grew into the game that the hammer blow came. Merton won a free kick on the halfway line, but quickly lost possession. In a flash, Ibis countered, delivering a pinpoint cross that cleared Joe’s head and found their striker. Kieran came out of goal in an effort to force the error, but the lobbed finish was superb. 1-0 Ibis. Gutting, and somewhat against the run of play.
 
In the final passage of the first half, Merton again gave as good as they got, but there was little in the way of clear-cut chances. The score line remained unchanged going into the break, and the manager’s message was to keep it on the ground and back ourselves.
 
It seemed the message had gotten through, because from the kickoff Merton intercepted the ball, and, after some delightful interplay and slick passing, very nearly scored. But immediately after that, disaster struck. A longish pass unfortunately hit referee Dave Laughton, and with Merton shaped to attack, the substitute Ibis striker swiftly countered. He beat one, then two, and then smashed it home to complete a quite brilliant individual goal. 2-0. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the oppo.
 
In fairness, Merton didn’t feel sorry for themselves though, and once again they began to get the better of the match. The Ibis defenders were nothing special, and Dom was having few issues in beating them. But what was needed was a goal, and with about 20 minutes remaining, it came. Predictably, it came courtesy of Dom, who somehow wriggled his way towards the byline down the left. He cut inside, and despite the keeper getting a hand to it, couldn’t stop the ball nestling its way into the net. 2-1. Game on.
 
And so it was, as Ibis seemed to be rattled. There had been plenty of needle in the game anyway, but it did seem as though Merton had got into their heads somewhat. Chances came too, but their keeper was as solid as we’ve come up against all season – most notably making a fine diving save after a Dan Gridley thunderbolt from 25 yards which seemed destined to go into the right corner.
 
Time was running out, and Ibis were just about doing enough to keep Merton at bay. With a few minutes remaining, Merton went three at the back and threw the kitchen sink at it. The last couple of minutes saw them inflict a barrage of pressure, with corner after corner. Again, Mike won his aerial battle, but failed to direct his header on target. Kieran even came up to the halfway line too, and it was frantic stuff at the end as Merton put everything on the line in pursuit of an equaliser.
 
But it wasn’t to be, and the final whistle brought the curtain down on yet another gallant, but ultimately disappointing defeat. A 2-1 reverse for the second week in a row, despite yet another impressive display. It is hard to stay upbeat when results are going against you, but this side need to take the positives, and be proud of the marked improvement in performances. We’ve become a hard team to beat, and that’s something to build on.
 
There was, however, a victory of sorts later in the day, as the 4s quiz team put in a solid effort to beat Clive’s 5s. Although the free beverage felt more like a punishment than a reward!
 

Team: Kieran Lee (GK), Ed Plaistow, Mike Todt, Joe Plumridge, Will Harrison, Robert Tye, Chris Outred, Dan Gridley, Frankie Kaligorou, Sonny Kennedy, Dom Plumridge

Subs: Noor Emad, Joe Underwood, Lee Lenihan

Goals: Dom Plumridge

MOTM: Robert Tye

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
0

Adult Results – 12.11.16

Results from the Hood

With a bad down pour in the night/morning the 1s, 5s, 6s and 7s all got called off.

2s drew 0-0 in a very good game with table topping HSBC. Well reffed by Gheorghe Moraru (pic)

3s lost away against Civil Service 2 – 1.

4s lost 2-1 in a close game with BB Eagles.

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Posted in Uncategorized
Matt Haswell
0

Youth Player Profile – Marcin

Name: Marcin 
Nickname: None                                             
Team: Merton FC u15
Position: Left Back 
Previous Clubs: First club 

How did you end up at Merton FC?

After a friend told me that Merton were having trials last season, i joined the team because of them. 
 
What was your best moment for Merton FC?
Winning my first award last season. 
 
If you could play for a professional team, which would it be and why?
I would play for Real Madrid or Arsenal because I enjoy their styles of play. 
 
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Not really – we sit in changing rooms before the game and listen to music. 
 
RAPID FIRE
 
Player of the season (premier league)-
Childhood team- Arsenal 
Favourite team outside the UK- Real Madrid 
Favourite food- Chinese/ Thai 
Favourite drink- Any 
Favourite musician- Any
Posted in Youth Player Profiles