Merton 4s v Civil service – 6th October 2012

Merton 4’s came away from Civil service with all 3 points after a scrappy game in which it was more about the result than the performance.

On a surprisingly bobbly pitch Merton struggled for any rhythm in the opening 20 minutes and found themselves being second best toCivil’s swift counter attacks. Slowly and surely Merton crept into the game and forced a succession of corners, with Denys going the closest, heading wide after a pin ball in the box when arguably he should have done better.

Merton did however take the lead 7 minutes from the break when in the ascendency as Denys’s deflected effort (later awarded as an OG) squirmed into the corner of the net following a Thommo free kick that the keeper could only parry. Within a few minutes the lead was doubled as Denys again latched onto Lofty’s precise through ball and coolly lifted it over the on rushing keeper. 2-0 seemed generous s at the break and the gaffer seemed far from happy…

The second half produced a much more disciplined performance, with the midfield starting to get on top and the defence more in harmony. Thommo unfortunately pulled up with a calf tear midway through the second half which may keep him out for some while. Ian his replacement nearly created the third with a delightful cross which Giz could only get half a connection on and was scrambled wide.

The third however did arrive courtesy of a bit of trickery by Giz down the right 20 mins from the end as his whipped in cross was deflected home by the oppositions centre half into his own net.

The rest of the game was seen out by the resolute back four led by Pearcey, and by the Cat Chappell his third clean sheet in 3 games…

MOM: Pearcy

Team:Chappell, Tiddy, Pearcey(C), Essex, Alex R, Lofty, Shaun M, Thommo, Dan K, Denys, Ricardo. Subs – Ian J, Giz

Attendence:2

Report by:Simon White