Merton 3s v Minchedenians 3s – 22th September 2012

After a couple of testing matches in the league, Merton 3s were looking for a positive start to their cup campaign. And that’s howit ended, full of positives.

A challenging 1st half brought the best out of our goalkeeper, Tommy Saville, and a slow start as usual for our outfield players meant we knew we had to raise our game against a very good Old Minchedenians side. Both teams coming close to scoring, with the best chance of the 1st half falling to Glen Porter with a header from a Thomas Taylor corner, which the keeper pulled out a first class save to deny a lead before half time.

Half time came and the team were full of energy, we knew it was a match where the 1st goal will win the game.

So the 2nd half began, with the introduction of David O’Neill from the bench….and so it begins…

Just 10 mins into the 2nd half the Merton football that we all love to see cut open the opposition’s defence. Richard Prospere cutting the midfield and defence open with a wonderful through ball which David O’Neill ran onto, one on one with the keeper and tucked it away very neatly to get his 1st goal for the club. 1-0 Merton.

Just about 5 mins later we won a penalty, which none other than Thomas Taylor, with excellent precision placed the penalty offthe post and in. 2-0 Merton.

Then the fun began, and Merton enjoyed a lot of the ball and created a lot of chances. Dean Wilkinson was then put in on goal and he didn’t fail to improve the score further after yet another tidy finish. 3-0 Merton.

Thomas Taylor then put David O’Neill in on goal for his 2nd of the match and a lovely finish made this game won. The usual solid performances from Perry Byrne, Richard Prospere and Dan Outred meant the defence was able to keep a clean sheet and our goal was no longer at threat.

Game finished 4-0 to Merton and a great start to the cup. It is a long road, but there is no reason why we can’t compete for this cup. Lets keep this up!

Team: Tommy Saville, Glen Porter, Daniel Outred, Richard Prospere, Shaun McCullough, Perry Byrne, Dean Wilkinson, Thomas Taylor, Dulanie Richards, Chris Outred, Dean Porter. Subs: Toby Palm, Dan Hall, David O’Neill

MOM:David O’Neill

Report by:Glen Porter