Year: 2018
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Merton FC Under 10s Vs NPL FC under 10s, 30th September 2018
Another glorious September morn greeted the boys and parents for this latest Sunday fixture as Merton Under 10s sought to continue their 100% start to the season.
After multiple dads claimed to be carrying match balls thereby needing to park inside the ground everyone gathered around the Subbuteo sized pitch. Well, nearly everyone. Percy had a prior engagement, Dave needed an extra bacon sarnie so Neal (his chauffeur for the day) had to hang on while Dave ate some After-Eights and supped his Earl Grey to finish off and Maxwell was relying on Mike’s satnav which had them confidently parking up somewhere just east of the Etihad Stadium on account of the postcode from the Twilight Zone.
Spot on 10 o’clock the ref got us under way and both teams were straight at it.
Merton drew first blood with a nice finish after 5mins as Dave rounded off some good inter-play. Soon enough the busy NPL outfit had their striker belt the ball into the roof of Max’s net to make it 1-1.
Merton went on to miss some nice chances including good openings for Dave and Farris. Dave hit the woodwork with a belting shot and that was as close Merton got for a while. The cultured Merton passing was not quite in evidence so far.
Half-way through the first period, Louis played a nice through ball for Rio who took a good position but then narrowly dragged his effort just wide of left hand post. Oohs and aahs emanated from the Respect Line. Merton were taking ownership of this game more and more but needed to find the goals to seal the deal.
End-to-end football continued with chances for both teams. Max remained the quieter of the keepers with pick-ups rather than saves to deal with whilst the NPL keeper had to be on his toes more than once to make decent stops.
As the half wore to a close Rio won a free kick and took it himself with some aplomb to put Merton deservedly 2-1 up with power and accuracy. After the restart a typically power and pace filled run by Maxwell (yes the homing beacon had brought him in by now) led to a sweet pass to Farris who turned his defender and shot. The NPL keeper parried and his own defender reached ball just ahead of Louis to put it out for corner which Merton failed to convert. Another chance gone begging.
Merton needed to just pas a bit more and use their training pitch skills to make more chances. Half time seemed to come fast at 2-1 which seemed about fair at that stage.
The second half so passages of even pressure in the opening minutes. Rio and Joe had shots but no avail. Ollie was working well across the backline and Harry was breaking up play and bringing the ball out with maturity as we have come to expect. But the team was still missing some of their usual magic. NPL used pace well in wide areas (if you can call them wide areas on such a narrow piste). But neither side was converting well in the final third.
Subs continued to be rotated and the pattern remained the same with Merton v slightly on top of this finely balanced contest. In the final quarter of the game NPL eventually forced Max into a trademark save with a header and then moments later scored as the ball squirmed narrowly below Max from powerful shot. 2-2 and all to play for as the game wore to its end.
After the re-start Ollie played Louis in and he passed first time to Maxwell with a through ball and Maxwell then controlled and shot with power just wide of post. Cue more oohs from the side-lines. Did either side have it in them to win this?
The game continued end-to-end as both sides tried to answer this question. NPL had a good shout for a penalty turned down by the ref. This was a surprise as the ref had such an eagle eye for foul throws (about 10 were given against NPL in the match) that you would have thought him a stickler for a spot kick too. Regardless, nothing was given and play continued.
An episode of pin-ball in our box led to a good clearance but an injury to NPLs midfielder held up play.
In the final passage of play from a corner Rio made contact with a good header and Louis shot from the resulting position but it was cleared on the line to leave the contest feeling unresolved at 2-2 as the ref blew the final whistle. The 100% record was at an end on aday when the boys did not quite find their usual rhythm against a decent opposition.
Neal decided no one stood out on this occasion so Man of the Match was not awarded due to “ok performances all over the pitch.”
Having said that, the author would like to point out that Harry deservedly won Man of the Match 3 weeks’ ago but this accolade was not recorded in the annuls of Merton FC due to no bugger telling him at the time. In pointing this out it is his sincere hope that Dan will stop banging on about this innocent oversight through the long winter which lies ahead! 😊
Here’s to a return to their passing excellence and another win next week.
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Merton 6s V South Bank 7s
A single game into the seaon, we find ourselves back in the SAL cup, City of London forfeited the previous cup game to both us and our opposition, it’s now a game to find out who will top the mini league for a Q-F place, or the payoff against either Civ 7s or Park 8s.
A sunny day brings another 12oc ko, squad rolls in with Martin in goal, back four of Matt H, Joe D, Tom J, Steve B, midfield of Andrew D right, Lyndon C and Steve H centre, Reese S left, Captain David G just behind Grant S for 4-4-1-1 formation
SB7s kick off and keep possession well, passing around the back, M6s hold with the 2 banks of 4. Any pressing from SB7 is soon cut out and the opening stages are cagy
After the first ten minutes or so pass, M6s grow in confidence, back 4 looking comfortable and once again break up any SB7s attack, Tom J releases Matt down the wing, a power pass to David brings on a back-heel flick between the SB7s centre backs to Grant for the first M6s attack which ends in a corner. Said Corner is whipped into the back post, the 50/50 challenge is cleared by SB7s, but any counter is soon stopped by Tom J and Steve B
With the opening 20 minutes passing by quickly, good play by the centre pairing of Lynden & Steve H keeps M6s on the front foot, Reese down the left is having most of the play, and is instrumental in most of the attacks, a good build up play is cut out on the SB7s left, an excellent counter attack from back to front, sees SB7s fluent passing rewarded with a well-deserved goal, be it against the run of play
Not deterred, M6s get back on the attack, David, Grant & Reese all unlucky not to bring the game level keep probing away, however a good cross to David see the SB7s centre back handle the ball inside the area and after a slight hesitation from the Ref, penalty is awarded. David steps up and places the ball just far enough away from the diving keeper to bring the game level, 1-1
Still on top, M6s keep probing, but once again, SB7s break away, Martin, having another good game in goal, finds himself 1v1, the chip beats Martin and looks destined to put SB7s up until Steve B somehow manages to get back and clear the ball over the cross bar from what looked like a yard out!!
Advancing forward, a throw in deep in the SB7s half, sees Reese launch the throw directly into the oppositions 6 yard area, with his back to goal, Grant manages to swivel and place his shot in to the top corner to bring the game 2-1 to M6s
Halftime, a few words from the captain and some changes to keep it fresh see 2 new players make there entry, Matt H makes way for Faycal ‘Fizzy’ Radjoul at right back, Steve H for Leo S on the left wing, with Reese moving infield
M6s start the game as they finished the first half, very much on top with some good opening pressure. A SB7s attack down the right is again countered and he ball comes to Steve B, advancing forward, Steve picks David out with a curling cross, which is flicked on by the captain into the path of Grant, adjusting himself as the ball drops, a sweet volley from the best part of 30 yards see the keeper rooted to the spot as the ball sails into the top corner, a worthy goal of the season contender
3-1 up and cruising, but SB7s are still in the game, a change of formation with a holding midfielder seems to unsettle the M6s, the counter attacks seems to be getting more frequent and its not long before more neat football from SB7s brings the score to 3-2
The sucker punch knocks the 6s, now looking tired and hanging on for the victory, another attack and the game becomes level as Martin is beaten by either a lucky deflection or a great back heel, either way, the ball finds the back of the net for 3-3
Ref signals for the last 10 minutes, many players are now running on empty, Grant on for a hattrick is unfortunate to pull up with calf strain soon after going 1v1, Matt H replaces him up top
The game is slowly ticking away when SB7s break down the left wing, ‘Fizzy’ is faced up with the young striker who drops a shoulder and skips passed, but is seemingly going nowhere, but Fizzy makes a lunge for the ball, gets contact, but at the cost of going through the player, the ref has no choice but to award a penalty,
Although going the right way, the ball is tucked away into the bottom corner for 3-4… what a comeback, what a capitulation by M6s who had seemed to have this in the bag
Out of time, SB7s run out winners, on the day, it would seem the changes in both personal effected the result in different ways, so it would seem the now M6s are scheduled to play a playoff in January to see if they can still make the Q-finals
Next week, its back in league action against HSBC 6s away, a game that needs to see a change of fortunes for the not so mighty yellows
MOTM: Tight call between Grant and his excellent debut up front, and Tom J, who nicks it with another solid performance and so far become Mr Reliable for the out of sorts 6s
DOTD: A debut to forget for Fizzy after lunging in and giving away a late penalty that sealed the 6s doom
Team: Martin, Matt H, tom J, Joe D, Steve B, Andrew D, Steve H, Lynden C, Reese S, David ©, Grant S
Faycal ‘Fizzy’ Radjoul, Leo S.
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NAME: Stefan Gerginov
TEAM: Merton FC
POSITION: Forward, Left Wing, Attacking Midfielder
BIRTH DATE: 09 June 1991
BIRTH PLACE: Macedonia
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Radford FC, Gedling Southbank FC etc.
- Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
Working here in hotels in Central London. Trying to experience London as much as i can, from football aspect in a club level.
- How did you end up at Merton FC?
Found you on Gumtree.com
- What do you like most about Merton FC?
You are positive and friendly, speak many useful tips etc.
- If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
AC Milan are my team since i was a kid, but any other pro or semi pro team is good for me as i won’t be forever a young footballer.
- Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Nope
- Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
To develop and learn more
RAPID FIRE:
Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Pirlo, but i like almost all that are good, but from WBA Jay Rodriguez is also a very good player.
Childhood Team: AC Milan
Favourite team in the UK: Merton FC
Favourite team outside the UK: Barcelona
Childhood Hero: Superman
Favourite Food: All
Favourite Drink: Orange Juice
Favourite Band: Legijata (Macedonian rap band, The Legion)
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Merton Under 10s vs Rocks Lane United
23rd – September 2018 – Under 10s report
It was the second home match of the season for Merton and what a difference a week makes in terms of the weather. The rain had started hours before kick-off and never let up during the match. Apart from the parents of the players, the only other people at Joseph Hood Rec were a few hardcore joggers. It seemed as if the match referee had to be persuaded to come out of the pavilion. Kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes.
Despite the wet conditions, Merton started very brightly and asserted their dominance very early on. Within 5 minutes, Merton were ahead. An excellent corner from the left by Dave was met by Faris on the volley at the back post.
One nil to Merton.
Merton continued to dominate possession and to create lots more chances for the rest of the first half. However, the score remained at 1 one nil until two minutes before half time. Faris latched onto a loose ball a few metres outside the Rocks Lane penalty area and set off on a run towards their goal. He shot from inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner. It went in!
Two nil to Merton.
Shortly after the re-start the referee blew for half time.
In the second half Merton were kicking slightly up hill. It should have been harder for them but it was anything but. Egged on by Neal, Roy and parents Merton’s boys in yellow seemed determined to Make it Rain goals.
For much of the second half, Merton mounted attack after attack on the Rocks Lane goal. After ten minutes, Rio intercepted an attempted clearance, he feigned a run on the right but instead came inside after creating some space and shot across goal to the bottom left corner. His shot went in off the post.
Three nil to Merton.
At times, Merton were playing some lovely controlled football and every member of the team played well and played the entirety of the match. There were no subs available this week because Louis, Percy and Ollie were unavailable.
Back to the action, Faris was on a hat-trick and clearly keen to score again. A lovely through ball saw him bearing down on the Rocks Lane goal from the right-hand side. This time he shot to the top left corner of the goal. It went in.
Four nil to Merton
It was turning into a goal-fest and a lot of credit must go to the Rocks Lane team because they showed a good spirit and their heads never went down. They stuck to their tasks even though they had little hope of getting anything out of this game.
After a good run from midfield, Dave added to Merton’s tally with a shot that beat the Rocks Lane keeper and went in the bottom left corner.
Five nil to Merton.
Good approach work from Merton, Rio’s shot is parried. Maxwell is on hand to slot home from close range.
Six nil to Merton.
Coach Neal sends Joe up front and within a few minutes the switch pays dividends. Joe takes his chance well and his shot goes into the top left corner of the Rocks Lane goal.
Seven nil to Merton
There were still a few minutes left, Merton attempted to add Harry’s name to the scoresheet. It was not to be today but I am sure that he’ll be top of the list next time Merton are able to create such a dominant display.
Well done again, boys!
Three games and three wins!
Let’s keep it going for Match Day 4.
Author: Mike Pitt
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NAME: Marlon
TEAM: Merton 6s FC
POSITION: Goal Keeper
BIRTH DATE: April 15,1988
BIRTH PLACE: Philippines
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Eastbourne Kop
- Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I’m a carer/ kitchen assistant. I’m a Radiographer in our country also studied Physio therapy. I like watching football, watching medical shows. Most of the times I go to the gym, cooking, hanging out with friends on the pubs. I like downing pints on the pubs, making jokes. I am quiet type of person at first but friendly. I like watching clips on goal keepers on youtube and dream to be one of the best goal keepers in the planet 😁
- How did you end up at Merton FC?
Darren found me on “Find a player app” and invited me to be on the team.
- What do you like most about Merton FC?
At first, I didn’t realised that I will be part (actually I don’t know yet if i’m part of the team now) coz I’m not the type of player who is really good in football, I just like to play football. The team incourages me specially Dave and Darren never to loose hope on playing football, the team teaches me a lot and trainings during wednesdays helps me big time. I’m a very lazy type of person but because of the team, I’ve changed a lot! Merton FC never bring you down, they will never let you walk alone!
- If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Liverpool FC! I am a big fan of liverpool!
- Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I am praying before the game 🤧
- Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
My goal is to be the goal keeper of the team till the season finish and be one of the best goal keepers of the team.
RAPID FIRE:
Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Alison Becker
Childhood Team: Just played at school
Favourite team in the UK: Liverpool FC
Favourite team outside the UK: Belgium
Childhood Hero: Batman
Favourite Food: Fish and Chips
Favourite Drink: Kronenbourg 1664
Favourite Band: A1 🤣
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NAME: Andrew Stears
TEAM: Merton 5’s (i think… anyone who will play me tbh)
POSITION: CM Mainly but anything other then on the wing
BIRTH DATE: 31/10/1992
BIRTH PLACE: St Helier hosptial
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Lennox FC, St Helier FC, Shalford FC, Cresant Rovers, Old Wimbledonians.
- Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I’m a quiet guy until you get to know me, then good luck keeping me quiet. Work in IT, yes i’m a computer nerd, yes i like star wars, and no i cant fix your phone, that’s not my job! Like to keep busy into films, gaming, cycling, acting outside of football.
- How did you end up at Merton FC?
Was jumping around between clubs trying to find somewhere i could play consistantly and a friend of mine recommended Merton so i came down.
- What do you like most about Merton FC?
I like the environment, a lot of people having fun pre and post match, makes it a good place to be.
- If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Would have loved to have played for Juventus about 5 years ago, playing along side Buffon, Chiellini, Pirlo Vidal, Pogba would have been a dream !
- Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Never shoot in warm up, i’m never going to shoot in game so im not going to shoot in the warm up.
- Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Probably to end up with some stupid award at the end of the season, for turning up with two left boots, and no right one… ive done that before, not my finest day.
RAPID FIRE:
Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Paul Scholes, Pirlo, Totti
Childhood Team: Manchester United
Favourite team in the UK: AFC Wimbledon
Favourite team outside the UK:
Childhood Hero: James Thompson (BTCC), I come from a Motor Sports household
Favourite Food: Pasta, Dont care what kind just give me.
Favourite Drink: Lillys Summerset Mango Cider
Favourite Band: The Sweet Chunks Band
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NAME: Mo
TEAM: Merton 4s
POSITION: midfielder
BIRTH DATE: 01/08/83
BIRTH PLACE: Paris
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Mavericks FC
- Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I was working as a Fraud analyst for an insurance company and now I’m looking for my next adventure still in the Fraud investigation environment or data analyst. I’m can be a reserved person when I meet people the first time but with time I am a nice and sociable person.
- How did you end up at Merton FC?
I’ve seen an advert on Gumtree where the club was looking for players as I wanted to change club I signed in..
- What do you like most about Merton FC?
the fact there are 6 teams and coachs there are an organisation as well the fact its close to me as well (was part of my decision to come) good training on wednesday with some technic and physical session.
- If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Madrid for the socios for the fact it’s one of the team who people from all around the world support.
- Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
always put my left sock first
- Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
hopefully 5-10 goals + some assist
RAPID FIRE:
Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Zidane
Childhood Team: PSG
Favourite team in the UK: ARSENAL
Favourite team outside the UK: PSG / MADRID
Childhood Hero: Sangoku
Favourite Food: chinese / indian
Favourite Drink: San Pellegrino fizzy water
Favourite Band: Psy 4 de la rime (french rap) The Beatles, The Black eyed peas
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NAME: Matt Nightingale
TEAM: Merton 5’s
POSITION: CM/AM
BIRTH DATE: 19/08/87
BIRTH PLACE: Carshalton
PREVIOUS CLUBS: St Martins
- Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
HAPPY HARD WORKER. I AM THE SAME AT WORK… HOME… OUT… ON THE PITCH.
- How did you end up at Merton FC?
I ASKED MY BROTHER TO EMAIL ONE OF THE PREVIOUS HIGHER UPS AND THEY TOLD ME HOW TO GO FOR TRIALS. WELL HAPPY I DID.
- What do you like most about Merton FC?
TEAM SPIRIT AND THE BANTS
- If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
SUNDERLAND… THEY’RE MY TEAM
- Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I HAVE A PAIR OF NIKE SHIN PADS. ONE HAS THE TICK AND ONE HAS THE WORD NIKE ON IT. THE TICK ALWAYS GOES ON MY LEFT SHIN.
- Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
TO FINISH IN A RESPECTABLE POSITION AND TO BAG A FEW GOOD GOALS. BUT MAINLY TO BE AS CREATIVE AS I KNOW I CAN BE AND AS INFLUENTIAL AS I NEED TO BE
RAPID FIRE:
Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): CAN’T CHOOSE ANY ONE PLAYER AT MERTON, ALL GREAT LADS…PROFESSIONAL… CRISTIANO RONALDO
Childhood Team: SUNDERLAND
Favourite team in the UK: SUNDERLAND
Favourite team outside the UK: REAL MADRID
Childhood Hero: ZIDANE (THE BEST)
Favourite Food: MY MUM’S MACCARONI CHEESE
Favourite Drink: PEPSI MAX
Favourite Band: TRIVIUM
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NAME: Scott Brown
TEAM: 5’s
POSITION: CB
BIRTH DATE: 22/09/1984
BIRTH PLACE: Islington
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Old Meadonians, Malvern Chase & JP Morgan
- Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I work as an Assistant Facilities Manager for an American Law firm. All my spare time is spent with my wife & 11 month old daughter who likes to show me what parts of the house I have forgotten/not realised needs to baby proofed!
- How did you end up at Merton FC?
I moved to Carshalton 18 months ago and took last season out to spend time with the family. I looked for local clubs and found Carshalton (who I went to one training session and didn’t go back) and then come across Merton.
I sent a message to Dave Golding who recommended I came to training and have now been with the 5’s for the last month.
- What do you like most about Merton FC?
As I’m new I would say location and the fact it has hot showers! Also everyone I have met so far have been great.
- If you could play for a professional team,which would be it and why?
Arsenal as it’s the team I support and was my local team growing up.
- Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
As I’ve had a few injuries over the years it’s always to wear my ankle support.
- Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
As the 5’s were promoted last year I would have to say to give a good account of ourselves in the division. I’m confident if we can keep the same players week in week out we will achieve this.
Also you can’t beat a good cup run.
RAPID FIRE:
Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Tony Adams
Childhood Team: Arsenal
Favourite team in the UK: Arsenal
Favourite team outside the UK: You only support one team.
Childhood Hero: He-man (have a funny story about this)
Favourite Food: Curry
Favourite Drink: Beer
Favourite Band: Don’t have one
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NAME: Max Carveth
TEAM: Good question, ask Clappers… played with the 1s on the weekend.
POSITION: Right back, left back or centre midfield if the opposition is really shite.
BIRTH DATE: 21/7/1992
BIRTH PLACE: Sydney, Australia
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Northbridge Football Club back in Sydney
- Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I worked as an analyst in the racing and media industries back home although am currently looking for permanent work here in London – might have to take up begging to pay match fees shortly. Outside of work I enjoy watching an array of sport and am loving getting amongst London’s many markets since I’ve been here.
- How did you end up at Merton FC?
Back in Sydney I played with ex-Merton FC player Will Taylor who some may know or remember. He tipped me off about the club and put me in touch with Clappers and Ivan.
- What do you like most about Merton FC?
Definitely the cracks in the pitch down at the hood, should make for some mean seam bowling come cricket season. Jokes aside, there seems to be a great atmosphere around the club and a good bunch of guys which is essential.
- If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Being a Liverpool fan I’d have to say them.
- Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Nothing apart from trying my hardest not be hungover for the game.
- Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
No idea what to expect given I’ve been here about two seconds but the goal would have to be for the team to bag some wins, have a few laughs along the way and hopefully I can keep my one goal every three seasons average on track too – I’m due this season.
RAPID FIRE:
Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Yet to have a favourite at Merton although Harrison is certainly the most lethal finisher in the club based on his oggie at the weekend. Professionally, probably Tom Rogic, an Aussie that plays for Celtic.
Childhood Team: Liverpool FC
Favourite team in the UK: Liverpool FC
Favourite team outside the UK: Don’t have any in particular but have a soft spot for the teams that Australians playing abroad play in.
Childhood Hero: Stevie G
Favourite Food: Mexican
Favourite Drink: Love a dark ‘n’ stormy
Favourite Band: Don’t really have one, liking War on Drugs at the moment.
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Merton FC Stats End of Season
