Month: January 2017

Merton 5 HSBC 1  (HT 2-1) (Scorers Woody, Johnny Graham, Vanny

Another good performance from our 1s saw them through to the Quarte-finals of the SAL Premier cup. But first we had to overcome the elements as the Hood had experienced a real battering from the snow and rain and pitches 1 and 3 were clearly unplayable. But with a bit of brushing and sand from the management team the pond at the centre of pitch 2 was absorbed. The downpour just before  kick-off didn’t help but the ref deemed it playable…just and we were able to get underway. I thought this was going to be a tough game as we had already played out a draw against HSBC earlier in the season in the league. Just before kick-off we lost Bosh who felt a twinge in his hammy.

We started the better but had little to show for it until Woody unlocked their defence with a quality free kick from just outside the box. Keeper no chance 1-0. Soon after that we were on level terms as Clappers played a strange cross field ball to their centre forward who was one on one with Sirij. Keeper no chance. Now Clappers has been with the club for nearly 10 seasons 300 games perhaps and I cannot remember him doing anything like this before. I do tend to hit the erase button on such events but apart from an OG in the Algarve when both he and our keeper were desperately hungover and rightly so that is it. So Forgive and forget , move on with  just a very firm ‘Dick of the Day’ nomination! The game was pretty even with us on top but susceptible on the break. A good passing movement saw Johnny played thru and he finished well from a difficult angle 2-1 at half time.

We dominated the second half and created a lot of good chances. Their keeper played well but had little luck and sometimes less cover. They were gruelling conditions and both teams tired. With a 2-1 lead I was surprised how much we pushed up and left ourselves exposed and on two occasions outnumbered on the HSBC counter attack. Mainly due to the conditions both sets of attackers found the final ball difficult. Our third goal came on about the hour. Vanny (?) putting away a loose ball inside their area, This was a relief for a number of reasons mainly though because the pizzas were being delivered with no allowance for extra time or pens. Nick back from hols in sunny climes was exhausted after a good slog through the mud and replaced by Tom  and Milo came on for Johnny Graham who had also run himself into the mud.. Fresh legs gave us a bit more impetus.

Tom Rowe making a welcome reappearance after his broken ankle scored our fourth goal shortly after coming on. He swung a foot at it from way out on the left wing. I thought nothing of it but shortly after I heard their keeper shout ‘oh shit’ and realised that the ball was destined to go over him and into the back of the net. He was surprised so were all of us on the touchline and even Tom looked a little bemused by the outcome..  We continued to press forward and squandered some good opportunities and were thwarted by their keeper. Our subs caused trouble down the flanks and on one such occasion having saved well milo got to the rebound to make it 5-1 for his first competitive goal. Sam was our Man of the match as he and his new orange boots put in a big midfield shift, Clappers Dick of the day and everyone put in a big effort for this win. The ref Bill Green controlled the game well and had to put up with a lot of chat. Pizzas and drinks very welcome at the end as was another good win for our 1s against a determined opposition who battled to the end. Now that Woody’s devastating delivery from set pieces is being brought to the masses by Facebook videos  we are seeking sponsorship for the rear of Woody’s shorts,  a tremendous advertising opportunity for BT Sport you may think!!!!

Team: Sirij (GK), Rat, Chas, Clappers, Kearnsey, Nick, Woody, Sam, Vanny, Johnny, James L, Subs Milo, Tom R.

Two result today for the youth teams. The Under 9s beat Claygate Royal Swans 2 – 0 and our U14s bowed out of the County Cup beaten 5-0 by Sutton United in their stadium . This was a terrific performance and cup run from our lads with Sutton 62 places above them in the Surrey Youth League. Great performance and well done to the lads and the proud coaches Darrius and Ben!!!!

Todays results

The remedial pitch work at the Hood was all worthwhile as the 1s continued their good run and beat HSBC 5-1 in the SAL Cup to progress to the quarter finals. (Scorers- Woody on video/Johnny/Vanny/Tom R/Milo) at WCE 3s lost again by the odd goal 2-1 to Old Owens but came back to Hood for drink and Pizza. 7s won 7-1 against Old Salesians. Well done to their management team who came back to the Hood.

Merton Reserves v South Bank

2 – 2

Goal scorers: Graham Willgoss © , Jason Thomas

Team Handsome misses the chance to close the gap at the top!

Merton Reserves will look back at this a missed opportunity to close the gap at the top! Bundles of energy, spirit, effort & good football were on show – all until we managed to go 2 -0 up!

The first half was a pretty tight affair, and it seemed it was always going to take something special (that little moment of magic) to break the deadlock. Step-up captain marvel Graham Willgoss, who is having a cracking season! It was he, who basking in this purple patch of form, felt the audacity to twist and turn a couple of South Bank defenders on the left-hand corner of their box, before looking up and measuring a delightful chip – in off the far post – to send Merton 1 – 0 up. (It definitely was not a cross, no matter what anyone or every player says……I jest…..and to be clear GREAT GOAL….).

Ten minutes into the second half, Emmanuel worked a clever short corner to Connor Murphy, catching them and us by surprise, Connor whipped in a great left footed cross, and big Jase nodded it home. 2-0!!!

Now nobody panic! Oh no wait….! Whether it was a wave of naivety, recklessness, or over confidence it doesn’t matter – within seconds Sherbs was saving a one on one, and from the resulting corner their skipper headed home 2-1.

2 minutes later we are 2-2, another corner (there is a pattern here), and a bundled home equaliser, having failed to clear our lines. It could have got worse, as Sherbs saved another one on one, before we woke up again and had a series of good chances with Tom Benham pretty much creating them with magnificent solo runs, speed and strength – but the ball never quite fell right for the final finish!

With the last kick of the game – South Bank shot wide – when it seemed easier to score.

2-2 in the end a fair result. But having been 2-0 up – it hurts a little!

MMH  – Tom Benham

NAME: Tom Benham

TEAM: 2s

POSITION: Forward

BIRTH DATE: 17^th April 1984

BIRTH PLACE: Croydon

PREVIOUS CLUBS: South Bank Cuaco 2s, Royal Sun Alliance (Amateur Football Combination league)

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

I work in real estate investment for a small asset manager. I would describe myself as someone who doesn’t take life too seriously, enjoys playing sports, drinking, and traveling

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

Moved down the road from the Hood and heard good things about the club. Joined with Chris and Nick for the start of the 15/16 season

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Getting players player of the year in my first season for the 3s

4. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

Barcelona

5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

Grande Americano before kickoff

6. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

Poor start, hoping to reach double digits

RAPID FIRE:

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

Childhood Team: Crystal Palace FC

Favourite team in the UK: Crystal Palace FC

Favourite team outside the UK: Barcelona

Childhood Hero: Roberto Baggio

Favourite Food: Seafood

Favourite Drink: Peroni

Favourite Band: Bob Marley and the Wailers

NAME: Adam Ahmad Edwards

TEAM: Merton 6s/7s

POSITION: CM/RM

BIRTH DATE: 22/06/1993

BIRTH PLACE: Roehampton

PREVIOUS CLUBS: N/A

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

I work as a Research Assistant at UCL Respiratory. We are currently working on a clinical trial for a treatment for some forms of Lung Cancer. It sound more fancy than it is as I am pretty much lab bitch.

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

Me and my friend Josh play 5-a-side with some of our other friends every Tuesday at Rock Lane in Barnes, we wanted to start also playing 11-a-side and so googled teams that were close to each of us. Merton looked the most professional; some teams just having a number posted!

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Probably last week playing against the 6s in a close fought derby. It was great to come up against familiar faces and have a good game.

4. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

Arsenal. My favorite team and also the style of play is amazing and would be great to play in.

5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Eat porridge on game day, even though I really can’t stand it.

6. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

To help the team in any way, and also to keep playing well and to try and start scoring some goals!

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Tough as a lot of players have played well. But probably Tom, playing like Bonucci by spraying the ball about from centre back.
In the Prem, annoyingly I think Costa.

Childhood Team: Wimbledon

Favourite team in the UK: Arsenal/AFC Wimbledon

Favourite team outside the UK: Borussia Dortmund

Childhood Hero: Its between Josh K-H and my Asian grandmother. But the Gma shades it, a tough lady who worked hard for the family.

Favourite Food: Grandmas chicken curry with Paratha

Favourite Drink: KA Karibbean Kola

Favourite Band: Tough as it changes every week, but right now its Queens Of The Stone Age/Danny Brown

NAME: Neal Davison

TEAM: 3s

POSITION: I literally played every position on the pitch for Merton FC however my preference is holding midfield

BIRTH DATE: 20^th December 1979

BIRTH PLACE: London, Tooting

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Merton, Battersea Old Firm, Peter Jones, Post Office and Battersea Ironside

1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I am a health club General Manager currently working for Fitness First. Generally I am young at heart and pretty sarcastic.

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?
I was introduced to the club in 1997 by a friend Gavin Frost and played a 5 seasons before leaving to play with friends from school. I returned late 2014 to see out my career.

3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Without a doubt winning Club player of the year last season, winning the league with the 2s back in 1998/99 as a close second.

4. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Chelsea. Been a supporter of Chelsea all my life.(before the money)

5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I play the 1^st half with shirt tucked in and 2^nd half untucked.

6. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
To avoid relegation with the 3s and help out any other teams where needed.

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): I have been really impressed by Glenn Pitmann at Merton and of course Diego Costa at Chelsea.

Childhood Team: Chelsea

Favourite team in the UK: Chelsea

Favourite team outside the UK: don’t really have one but enjoy watching Barca and Madrid.

Childhood Hero: Dennis Wise

Favourite Food: Steak and Chips

Favourite Drink: Coke and Lager

Favourite Band: Don’t really have a band but enjoy drum and bass music

NAME: Ivan Gladkow “another day, another injury”!

TEAM: 1st

POSITION: Forward

BIRTH DATE: 15/10/81

BIRTH PLACE: Buckinghamshire

PREVIOUS CLUBS:

-Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire

-Landrecies, Lille, France

-Lancaster University

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

Client Relationship Director……………Have been described as “The Main Man” 🙂

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

BBF Woody (Best mate from Uni) was playing at Merton and told me to come and play at Merton, the rest is history.

3.    What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Promotion to top division and then cup final, that memorable season!

4. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
I don’t follow one team so any of the top 4.

5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

Same meal routine, toilet routine, same accessories (hair band and shin pads, shirt (Number 7) etc)

6. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

Getting promoted again giving the top division another go and then retiring!

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Charlie Hockless thus far! He has become coordinated over the summer break and he has definitely been practicing in his back garden.

Childhood Team: N/A

Favorite team in the UK: N/A

Favorite team outside the UK: N/A

Childhood Hero: Jean Claude Van Damme

Favorite Food: Steak

Favourite Drink: Jaeger bomb or a Predator

Favourite Band: One Direction! Obvs

It gives me a great sense of satisfaction writing this report about the eagerly awaited Merton derby, the first competitive game between two Merton teams in many a year! 

On a personal note and knowing of all the struggles in previous years, it’s great to finally see competitive Merton 6’s and 7’s getting full squads out week in week out and future is looking bright! 

Anyway onto the game and the sixes were missing a few regulars in Tyron (sunning himself in Mexico), Pete and George so in came Merton legend Spense for a run out.  The sevens were pretty much unchanged from recent weeks and are starting to form a very competitive squad for themselves.

The game was played on a heavy pitch at the hood and the first 15 minutes you could tell nobody had played competitive football for a few weeks as passes went astray and touches were heavy.  It then turned out to be a very even affair with both teams coming close, firstly a great save from Gubby denied Callum for the sixes and then some neat play by the sevens opened up the defence and Malcolm missed a great chance.

The match was still a bit scrappy and as was the case with two teams who knew each others strengths and weaknesses, this was to be expected.  It was Merton 7 who seized the initiative with good work down the left and a squared ball (think it was Scott) across the box was slotted in by Dobson. 1-0 to the sevens!  Was there a shock on the cards with the Merton lower team taking the lead against there higher counterparts!  The gaffer of the 6’s was not pleased and with the half coming to an end words were exchanged within the squad, actually it was just Chris moaning, but still words were exchanged!  Half time came and a few changes were made by the sixes in a bid to freshen things up!

The sevens half time talk must of consisted of keeping things tight for the first 10 minutes, but unfortunately for them, this only lasted 1 minute as straight form the re-start the sixes equalised! Some great work from Callum saw him take a shot (which was going wide) and take a massive deflection into the bottom corner of the net and the score was 1-1!

Again the same pattern of play was similar to the first half, but the better chances were starting to fall to the sixes.  Dan P was particularly guilty of missing a sitter!

As the half wore on the sevens looked slightly more tired and with the extra sub on the sixes side this began to tell.  A few players from sevens began to pick up knocks with Dan and Billy in particular limping around, it was then when the sixes struck again.  After the ref finally found his whistle, a freekick was awarded to the sixes and with presence of mind a quick freekick from Chappell released George who broke free and squared the ball for Trey to neatly slot the ball in the net. 2-1 sixes!

As the game was entering the latter stages the sixes had further chances to put the game to bed, but whilst it remained tight the sevens were always in the game and towards the end caused numerous problems for the sixes defence.  Scott was causing problems with his runs and Adam on the wing was seeing some joy.  Swanny made a great save to keep it 2-1 and with the final kick of the game Dobson volleyed wide from close range.

After the game much banter was delivered from the sixes, but they knew they were in a game and in fairness the real winner was Merton Football Club.  I personally found it difficult playing against mates on the oppo and others may have done as well as both teams weren’t at their best.

I would like to mention that Ram apparently nutmegged someone three times, but I didn’t see it so it doesn’t count. 

Also for a change the sixes skipper is writing a report without scoring or finding an assist.

Now for Man of the Match, and as no votes were cast, I will give it to the following:

Sixes: I am going to give it Paul, battled hard and produced that bit extra to make the difference.

Sevens:  A choice between Gubby and Adam, however I will give it to Gubby for keeping the sevens always in the game.

Dick of the Day Sixes: Nominations were for Chris for playing in a very very attacking midfield role and too much moaning ;o) and Dan P for a missing a sitter. But as they need to be dished about fairly, it goes to Swanny for two reasons a) for being late and b) the reason for being late was he was attending a hospital appointment to arrange an operation for his bad back (I am sure they didn’t recommend playing football after that diagnosis!)

Dick of the Day Sevens: Not my place to say, but just for Malcolm’s miss let’s say him.