Author: Matt Haswell

Oct 28: Merton Res v Hampstead Heathens

2-2

D Quainton
Willgoss

A lot of huffing and more than our fair share of puffing just about got Team Handsome the result they deserved against Hampstead Heathens. In the end.

Playing a home game after what felt like a season-long exodus (‘What do you mean we’re not playing in north London this week?) was clearly such an unfamiliar experience that Merton struggled to click into gear early doors. Free-kick conceded in the danger zone after two minutes. A less-than-solid wall. 0-1.

Merton might have controlled the game from that point onwards, but could not break down the composition of the Heathens’ chemistry on a day when the Joe Hood pitch was not exactly an oasis. You’ll have to ask Sherbs in goal how the away side went two up from a corner when it looked for all the world like a routine catch was on the way. Still though, our number one redeemed himself late on, throwing himself to his left to repel a ferocious drive and preserve a point. Merton cleared. That was much more like it, Alex.

In between that faux pas and moment of redemption, David Quainton pulled one back with a header from a Dom Preece cross. Wilgo then latched on to a Woody through-ball to scuff a cross along the six-yard box. The Heathens defence were having none of that, however, and returned the ball to Merton’s skipper, who shifted the ball from his right to his left and (finally) slotted home. Relief.

Dom Preece and Dan Rist could walk off the pitch with their heads held highest, sharing as they did the Man Most Handsome award. Woody was also a typically robust presence, full of quality on the ball.

Dick of the Day went to Joe Grew for any number of sins witnessed by Mustard, dressed as He-Man for his birthday, and his band of increasingly merry men on the touchline.

They will have enjoyed a game played in good spirit on both sides but, in all likelihood, little else. On to next week.

Alex Herbert, Joe Grew, Dan Rist, Paul Pearce, Peter Quainton, Conor Murphy, Wilgo (c), Darcy, Dom Preece, Chris Wood, David Quainton, Andy Holder Ross, Nick Van W, Chris Rayner

Merton 6’s Match Report – MERTON FC 3 vs Civil Service 1

After back to back defeats and missing players for the past two weeks there was again a familiar look to the side that had made a strong start to the season. We had to get back to winning ways and get back on top of the table.

The morning could have made a better start……………Ty and Nick decided just a couple of drinks on a Friday night for a work colleague celebrating their 30^th Birthday could do no harm. A couple of hours later and a leathered Nick was singing to random passengers on the underground got back to Ty’s and maintained his 100% sleepover record of being sick after to many JD and Cokes. With cries in the morning of I want to go home, I’m dying we could have been a man down. Nothing a trip to the local greasy spoon can’t sort out.

The team rocked up at the hood, Nick feeling recovered after his pre-work but surprise, surprise as the team were kitted up and ready to go George was no where to be seen. We were left just hoping he brings his shooting boots this week as last season’s hero had gone to zero in the scoring chats.

George finally arrived and the game got underway. The squad was close to being fully back together and straight away there was that intensity back in the team as we looked to blow Civil Service away early and we couldn’t of made a better start, yes George did bring those shooting boots. As the ball came over from the left it found George with space in the box and with plenty of time he sends the ball safely into the roof of the net, 1-0 Merton.

Merton was winning first balls and second balls all over the park, well and truly dominating the game. Grant and Kev were looking solid and learnt from a couple of last weeks mistakes. One challenging the ball whilst the other was sweeping up any mistakes or flick ons from Kev.

Merton were pressing the play well with Chaplin and a recovered Nick running the channels which brought us corners and throw-ins a plenty deep in Civil half. It was one of these throw ins that led to the second goal. Ty launched the throw in Stoke City style into Civils penalty area which Chaplin met first and flicked the ball into the back of the net, 2-0 Merton.

The pressing continued which led to the third and a Civil mistake. Confusion between the goalkeeper and centres backs left the ball at Chaplin’s feet in the penalty area completely alone, not sure where Civils goalkeeper disappeared to but he wasn’t anywhere to be seen in the area. Chaplin walked the ball home, 3-0 Merton. Could he ever score an easier goal? Although Chaplin’s feedback back was its all about positioning.

Half time came with no threat to Merton as the home side eased to a 3-0 lead. Then came the second half and in all honesty there’s not much to tell, the game flowed with a ridiculous amount of off sides to Merton’s strikers frustrations. Trey and Callum both had chances and did the hard part by taking players on but not finishing. Think Callum may have stolen Georges shooting boots the last couple of weeks.

The 6’s were on course to see out a game without making in mistakes or were they! Civil were awarded a free kick in a half decent positon. The wall was set and Swanny was ready to push his save out of the danger zone. Although Swanny had other ideas as he parried the ball nicely in front of him for the 2 following in Civil players to make it 3-1. Not sure where the defenders were tracking them back, in fairness they may have been sprinting back in but by the time they have done 1 yard a normal person has done 10 yards.

I have to mention that Swanny did make up for this with a cracking save from a long range effort and Merton went on the win the game 3-1. Back in the bar as we checked the other results coming in we were safely back on top of the table and with a couple of teams with games in hand we must keep winning to sustain a challenge.

Then the real tension started, who was going to get D.O.T.D! Forget the M.O.T.M award this was all about who would be wearing the newly purchased outfit decorated at the Chaplin household. It was never in doubt and except a couple of votes it went to Nick, alright for non footballing reasons but the lad was leathered on that underground.

M.O.T.M was a difficult one as there was no real stand out performances from a good all round first half and comfortable second. Step up Mr. Consistent Andy, what’s that 3 out of 4 weeks. Getting a little boring now, either do something amazing or really rubbish. Stop with the consistency.

Scorers; Chaplin 2, George B 1

Squad; Swanny, Andy, Grant, Kev, Fitz, Callum, Ty, Neal, George, Tony, Nick, Trey, Pete, Bobby.

D.O.T.D – Nick

M.O.T.M – Andy

Crouch End Vampires 1 – 0 Merton FC

This weekend saw the 1s make their third lengthy trip to north London against bottom of the table Crouch End Vampires. The game represented a great opportunity for the lads to gain three points and move up to fourth in the table after a number of decent league performances that so far had only led to five points.

The team welcomed back the likes of Jordan Cox and Harrison Ryle into the starting 11 after missing the game at Oilers and it was a first appearance for Gabby starting on the right wing.

Possibly because of Storm Brian the weekend before, the groundsman clearly hadn’t got round to giving the pitch a well needed trim; as it represented something like Chris Waddle’s mullet back in the 80s.

During the early parts of the first half it was a messy encounter with neither team really getting the ball under control and producing any signs of true quality. Crouch End in particular seemed to set up with no real structure in front of the standard back four, but it meant they were pressing high up the pitch and not allowing Merton to move the ball around in their usual style.

With the game quite frantic, it lead to few chances but without doubt it was the home side that enjoyed the better of play and created the better openings. A number of pop shots from 20 yards not finding the target. However, after a sloppy pass from James Gray in the middle of park just before the half time whistle, the Vampires had a real sight of goal only to be denied by a great last-ditch block from Harrison seeing the ball go wide of the post.

At half time the travelling side knew they had to produce something better if they were going to get anything out of the game. But it wasn’t the worst result to come in at half time 0-0.

The start of the second half certainly saw an improved Merton side who were having better possession in the right areas of the pitch and restricting the home team to very few chances. Much down to the work of Harrison and Rat on the right side of the defence.

On the hour mark, with Merton trying to press down the left channel an interception and subsequent long ball had the away side backpedalling. It was Gray who chased his man into the corner flag but with a rush of blood hacked him down giving a needless freekick; also receiving a yellow card. From the resulting cross it was The Vampires captain who leapt highest, as he had done throughout the game, to header home the opener.

It was real blow for the visitors who had been better in the second half but a fully deserved lead for the home side.

The remaining stages of the game were much more open as Merton pushed for an equaliser and Crouch End playing on the counter attack finding more space.

With around ten minutes to go a great piece of play from Sam Pritchard sees him bring the ball down on his chest and attempt a lob on the volley from the edge of the box. It looked certain to find the net but a great fingertip save onto the underside of the bar kept the Vampires ahead. 

Unfortunately, for the travelling team the game petered out with the result remaining 1-0 to Crouch End who secured their first win of the season.

Man of the Match: Harrison Ryle. Made several important challenges

DOTD: James Gray. THAT TACKLE!

Line Up: Siri, Rat, Harrison, Clappers, Jordan, Gray, Sam Harvey, Sam Pritchard, Gabby, Ivan & EJ

Subs: Browner and Adam

Match Report

Old Sales 3s v Merton 7s

Always a bit nervous having a week off, you seem to lose a bit of momentum and it’s like starting all over again. Last season, the 7s never fared well after breaks, and always needed a game or two to get back into the swing of things 

Today the 7s go back to the ground where they got thumped 7-1 in the cup to the Old Sales 3s, which on that day, Old Sale’s Reserves did not have a game and bolstered their 3s with half the squad! So, looking at the fixtures and seeing that, once again the reserves had no game and their 1^st team was also playing at home, you can understand the feeling of ‘Déjà vu’.

Pitch side and waiting for a current game to end, we decide to have a warm up away from the pitch to get our game on. Discussion about the last game are at the forefront and it’s agreed a 4-5-1 is to be used.

Kieran this week steps up to the 5s and we have a great replacement in Lee Lenjhan between the sticks, once again, there’s a few later arrivals, so the squad is selected from those who turned up on time!! Josh again starting a RB, with Dan & Martin centre, steve on the left, the 5 across the middle starts with Ryan out wide, Jacob tucked in with David Centre and Andrew on the right, Luke Pellett back from his ankle injury far left, this leaves Billy up front, marauding around at will

As predicted, the OS’3 are a mixture of squads and start the better of the 2 teams, however, the new formation of 5 in the middle cuts out a lot of the play and for the first 10 minutes, the 7s do well to contain the OS’3.

Vocally, the 7s are improving and with ‘Lenners’ in goal, a further voice from ha back can be heard shouting commands. Although a few attacks result in shots from 20 yards or so, this does not faze the keeper and he confidently mops up these attacks from distances.

Still, it takes a full 20 minutes or so before the 7s get there first attack on the way, a good play worked down the flank is met by Billy and turned around for a corner, now in the OS’3 half, the game is being taken to them. Playing slightly higher up the pitch but still weary of the pace there possess, Dan and Martin are doing a fine job of containing the OS’3 striker. Closing down is quick and once again the 7s press and Billy is again terrorising the defence with Ryan and Luke now supporting

With the game swinging in the 7s direction, a good couple of chances go begging, one being a crazy first time volley from over 35 yards by the captain, who sees the fierce shot just sail over the cross bar.

Even when the OS’3 do break through, Lenners is there to calm things down and more often than not, launch balls over the top for Billy and Ryan to run on to, a weapon that we haven’t had before

Finally the pressure pays off, OS’3 trying to clear their lines sees David storm forward from the halfway line between 2 OS’3 players and first time volley a through ball to Billy to set him on his way for a 1v1, which is calmly rolled into the far corner. 0-1.

This seemed to have caused unrest in the OS’s squad, as now openly arguing and throwing in rash tackles, Billy is brought down around 20 yards out. Billy, picking himself up off the floor sets the ball and dispatches a delightful curling ball far right of the keeper for 0-2  

Being on top, half time comes and the squad are buoyant, one change is made in Martin coming off for Tom in an attempt to contain the ariel threat, the game is under way

From kickoff, OS’3 are rallying around, they team talk must have spurred them on as the 7s are pinned back in their own half, now playing with 2 wide men, OS’3 are dictating play. This pulls back Luke P and Ryan in a more defensive roll leaving Billy to forage on scraps, which he does so well being unlucky with 2 attempts from range, lobbing the keeper on both occasions, one hitting the cross bar. However the pressure pays off for OS’3 and sees them pull a goal back from a neat passage of play, 1-2.

Now it’s the 7s turn to rally around, not wanting to relinquish the goal lead, the tracking and man marking is back as the first half. Getting a grip of the game, the 7s push back OS’3 and start to gain territory, 2 quick corners come to nothing but keeping the pressure on sees Luke P curl a great ball in which finds Ryan with a huge amount of goal to aim at but manages to volley high, what a let off

Not to long after, Billy is once again off on his heels and bearing down on goal, keeping pace Ryan sets off on the opposite wing as back up, Billy now in the area curls a shot towards the far corner which the keeper palms away, but only in the path of Ryan who this time makes no mistake under pressure from the OS’3 left back, powers his shot into an empty net

OS’3 come straight back, flooding the 7s half with players in an attempt to get a quick goal back. A change is now made, bringing on Daban for Andrew, who once again has done himself justice in the centre of the park and Luke M for Jacob who is now carrying a knock from the first half

Late in the game and now tiring, Tom goes off after getting a knock in the gut and Martin is back at left back. The youthful OS’3 continue to probe around and are soon rewarded with another well take goal. 2-3

Less than 10 minutes to go, the winds been knocked out the sails of the 7s, the attacks are relentless and OS’3 sense that not only is the draw on, but a victory if they keep slugging away. A strange decision to give OS’3 a free kick when they player ran across David and trip over his own feet, none the less, the protest are waved away and the from 20 yards, a ball is flighted into the far post which sees 3 OS’3 players attack the ball and force it over the line 3-3… !

With the game now coming to a close, both teams are giving it there all, Ref announces there’s 3 minutes of injury/overtime to play, OS’3 have the 7s on the rack with corners and throw ins in the 7s last third. Still undeterred, the 7s aren’t given up without a fight… once again Lenners pulls off a last ditch save and release the ball, this get worked to Luke P, who has 2 players keeping him company but still manages to release Ryan who has the legs to out sprint both the centre backs… keeper advances out just as Ryan approaches the 18 yard area, Billy keeping pace gives the keeper a decision to make, stand his ground or try and cut out the pass.. No need as Ryan makes the decision for him by ‘calm as you like’ slots the ball pass for 3-4 and the last kick of the game… Wow, what a contrast from the first game… and what a finish by Ryan to secure all 3 points for the 7s

After this epic encounter, we find ourselves at home next week against a Civil Service side, which you don’t quite know what you’re going to get. They have a mix of results so far. So, the only thing the 7s can do is go about their game like they did today, fully committed and not worrying what turns up… we shall see.

MOTM: Usual suspects getting nominated, but mentions have to go to the old boys, Martin and Steve, who are playing against strikers half their age and still keeping in touch. Josh & Billy once again head the votes but showing the composure to nick it at the end, it has to go to Ryan

DOTD: Turning up 45 minutes late and then arguing with Steve that his ‘done his warm up cycling here’…  well done Tom J for making this easy!

Team: Lee, Josh, Dan, Martin, Steve, Ryan, Jacob, David, Andrew, Luke, Billy

Tom, Dadan, Luke M.

Normal morning wake up call met the boars group chat this week with Mustards very burnt toast being included in his pre match prep. Also the very eagle eyed Neal spotting the absence of last weeks match report from the merton way. Guess that’s another thing that managed to slip through Dan Bridgeman’s fingers last week. I believe in ‘Karma’, what goes around, comes around…until it’s your turn for it to strike.

This weeks music theme “greatest karaoke songs” chosen by Neal, last weeks M.o.M. Looking for a good ole’ sing-along this week. 

Music rings around the changing room. Fitz walks in, being asked by the very inquisitive Mustard. “What time do you call this?” Fitz late, Glenn later and ‘where’s Darcy?’ Sounded out around the changing room. Ah yes! Late again. With yet another shit excuse. 

Out onto the pitch we went…goals carried out, warm up complete, match tactics discussed. A strong boars squad this week along with the new addition to the boars Milo. 3-5-2 was the set up. Fitz in goal. Vin, lofty and stone made up the back 3. Glenn and Neal held the wingback positions. Mustard, Dan and Mario in the middle. Benham and Denys up top. ‘Solid’ was the cries. 

Kickoff. As the ball broke down our left. Lofty cleared the ball via what seemed a deflection, or so we thought. The ref decided otherwise. The OPK’s throw was taken neatly, which couldn’t be said for his counterpart on the other wing, who had clearly been attending the same foul throw in classes in Fairlop as Mustard, yet none were penalised. Ball broke through kindly for OPK’s. A neat cut back and tap in into the roof of the net. 0-1. 

Merton started to find some good passes and what seemed like a heavy touch from Mustard led to a quick bit of thinking by Mario, playing it back to Mustard, who drove a shot towards goal. Keeper parried, but only for Tom to pounce and slot home the rebound. 1-1. 

From what seemed like a hopeless ball forward. Vin found himself chasing down the ball and being chased himself. “See it out” the cry. Nah I’ll pass it back to the keeper even though it was practically out for a throw in anyway. Fitz dealt with it somewhat initially, you’d have thought so anyway. A good first touch by their number 8 as he then unleashed a volley a good 30 odd yards out which looped over Fitz. 1-2. 

Once again Merton were putting together some good passages of play. Space was starting to be found. Stone see Glenn out left and found him with a quick switch of play. Glenn took on his man down the line and whipped in a peach of a cross to the back sticks. Dan opted for the volley and rightly so. Bottom bins. 2-2. 

Boars we’re starting to find their feet. A corner being won from yet more good play. However a wayward header sent OPK’s away on the counter. As the ball was sent over the top. Offside seemed to be in the wings after some good line keeping from lofty. However out of nowhere came their number 10. It’s now 2v1 on Fitz. Not quite the way he’d expect to be against one of those scenarios. A cracking shot into the top right corner. 2-3. Half time. 

Team talk began with a barrow of comments. Fitz, mustard and lofty attempting to change the line up for the 2nd half. Denys injured from the 1st half, Jamie already being introduced. A chance for Darcy (who was Dropped from the original starting 11 for being ridiculously late due to yet again, another wardrobe malfunction) and Emilio to also be thrown into the fold. Boars now lining up in a 4-3-3 formation. Neal, Stone, Vin and Glenn the back 4. Mustard, Mario and Darcy. Emilio, Tom and Jamie up top. 

The boars started the 2nd half brightly and looked dangerous down the left hand side, with Glenn and Milo offering the legs and pace to threaten most right backs. OPK’s pressured early on and won a corner, which was whipped in towards the back post. As the attacker was climbing all over the back of Stone. No free kick. It ricocheted and dropped kindly to Number 8 who hit the bar with a header before following up to poke the ball past Fitz. 2-4. 

In typical fashion, the boars dug deep and carried on playing some good football, sometimes overplaying it too much. Ball was sent long over the top, Neal covering, got the call from Fitz, who was coming to collect. Except the ball was never making it back. Neal had to  head it on back and spinned off. Looking for what should have been a simple roll out. Fitz carried on the curse, and probably for the one and only time this season seemed to be ahead of play and was too close to Neal. Fitz fumbled it and somehow nutmegged himself. Tap in for OPK’s. Funny thing was. I had no idea what had just happened but I remember mumbling Meg-nuts to myself. 2-5. 

Some good play in the middle, along with a good run from Milo followed up with the determination to set Tom away to finish neatly led to the boars 3rd and final goal. Tom’s 2nd. 3-5. 

OPK’s were piling on the pressure and were breaking in numbers as the boars tried to claw back the cup tie. A 3 on 2 attack led to a good left handed save from Fitz down sharply. “How did he save that?” Was the cry from the shooter. I’m not too sure I knew either, after the 1st blunder that led to the last goal. 

With the boars seemingly getting another foothold in the game came the biggest howler of them all. A quick break from OPK’s and what seemed like a tame and comfortable shot to take. Come a move straight from Army camp. The throw as you roll. Fitz caught the ball but only to spin it into his own net on impact onto the floor. 

I thought I’d get away with the first howler but I knew that I wasn’t escaping the match report duty this week. Even with time to make another smart save down to the right this time and despite only picking up my first ever D.o.D nomination last week. Let’s just blame Vin. Who seemed far from happy receiving his nominations for not clearing his lines leading to their 2nd goal. 

Back into the changing room for the boars and the playlist back on to lighten the mood. ‘We are the champions’ was quite the ironic mood changer we weren’t looking for. 

Still the day had time to turn its attention to the topic of anal in the group chat. I knew then that today was my day (Ha Ha.) All be it for the wrong reasons and on that bum note. Time to get back to business in the league. Away to City of London up next. 

Line up: Fitz, Vin, Lofty, Stone, Neal, Mustard, Dan, Mario, Glenn, Denys, Tom. 

Subs: Milo, Jamie, Darcy. 

D.o.D – Fitz

M.o.M – Glenn a.k.a Party Boy. 

Merton 4s vs. IBIS Eagles 5s SAL Junior Division 4 South Saturday 21^st October 2017

Having won so convincingly against West Wickham last time out, we were up against an opposition who had already given us one of the toughest games so far this season in IBIS Eagles. With both teams on 10 points going into the game, the victors would sit comfortably at the top of the table.

A shortage of centre backs meant that we had to seek assistance from the 1s and draft in Alan Clowes. We also had Jordan Cox on the bench as cover for John Gridley who had already played 90 minutes of football for the vets.

We lined up in our usual 3-5-2 formation with Michael Gubby in goal, a back three of Alan, Joe Plumridge and Mikey Elgar. John Gridley and myself were the wing backs on the right and left respectively. Sonny Kennedy and Adam Collings were the holding midfielders with Frankie Kalogirou getting a chance to shine in the number 10 role behind Aaron Loftus and Dom Plumridge.

The first half was one of few chances for both teams and this was evident going into the beak with the score goalless.

We knew that we were shading possession and that it would only be a matter of time before we broke the deadlock, all we had to do was continue the way we was playing.

About 20 minutes into the second period we were able to break down the visitors when Adam clinically converted a scissor kick into the roof of the net. 1 – 0 and in all honesty cruising.

The way the game was going it had 1 nil written all over it. Or so we thought….

A lapse in concentration and a long ball from the back caught Joe flat footed. This allowed the striker a one-on-one opportunity with Gubby which he took with aplomb. 1 – 1 and we were gutted.

Coming to terms that we were only going to take a point from the game, we were showing signs that the equaliser had got to us. Cue the 85^th minute and a sucker punch! Another lapse in concentration produced a peach of a chance for IBIS which they took.

The final whistle went with the opposition celebrating like they had just won the FA Cup, celebrations which continued into the dressing room. This shows how important the win was for them as they knew that we were the toughest competition that they would have to face in the league all season.

It wasn’t our day but we played some good football. We need to brush ourselves off and get back in our stride against Civil Service next week.

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 1 – 2 IBIS Eagles 5s SCORER(S): Adam Collings MOTM: Michael Elgar – Solid as always at the back.

DOTD: N/A – Everybody put in a shift to be proud of.

STARTING LINE-UP: Michael Gubby (GK), Joe Plumridge, Michael Elgar, Alan Clowes, John Gridley (Jordan Cox), Edward Plaistow (Capt.), Sonny Kennedy, Adam Collings, Frankie Kalogirou Aaron Loftus, Dom Plumridge

NAME: Andy Williams

NAME: Nick Englefield

TEAM: Merton 6s

POSITION: Forward

BIRTH DATE: 12/08/1987

BIRTH PLACE: Kingston

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Ashtead, Merton, Raynes Park, Tooting and Mitcham Wanderers

I’m a General Manager of a Leisure Centre in Merton so I spend most of my time in and around gyms, so I have to keep active, I workout every day and do the odd triathlon. When I have time I go fishing and would go a lot more if I could, in fact the thought of sitting by a lake for the rest of my life, getting fat on fried food and catching the odd fish sounds idyllic, but unfortunately that won’t pay the bills and I’d probably be horrendous at football.

I had all but retired from football , and ready to spend my weekends fishing when I was asked by Kev and Ty to come back down to Merton and play with the 6s and I’m glad I did. They are a great bunch of lads and we have started off the season on a high, I have a couple of goals under my belt and enjoying every minute of it.

I like the size of the club and the fact that all the teams seem to really get on well with each other. You can always see a few of the lads from the other teams watching from the sidelines cheering each other on. Post match food is always good to.

Manchester United I guess, I think every lad would want to play for the team he supports.

I always have a pre workout drink during the warm up, I don’t think it’s a ritual, more an attempt to make sure I have enough in the tank to try and keep up with the young lads sprinting up and down the wings every 10 seconds throughout the match.

I want to win the league and I want the 6s to have the top goal scorers this season (meaning me) but Tony Chaplin is well ahead at the moment. He will say that its not a competition, but he would, he’s winning. 

RAPID FIRE:

Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Swanny, deceptively cat like.

Childhood Team: Manchester United / Kingstonian

Favourite team in the UK: Manchester United

Favourite team outside the UK: AC Milan

Childhood Hero: Eric Cantona

Favourite Food: Sausages

Favourite Drink: Beer

Favourite Band: Not sure, I’m a big fan of Smooth Radio

2 weeks on from our last outing – a sobering defeat to the very determined and organised 6’s – we were focused on setting the record straight. This season has started poorly with 3 feats from 4 games, so this is a must win game to get our footing back in the league.
Shockingly most of the team were on time and looking sharp, although with white socks and flip flops Dwayne clearly still gets dressed in the dark. Soon enough Darren’s filthy baselines blared out in the clubhouse as we were getting pumped for redemption on home turf.
Another week and another new defensive line, we looked set for another leaky sieve defence, however strong possession play and far more composure on the ball lead to dangerous moves on the other end of the field, Josh and Dwayne combining well only to find the square heads of Gibbo and Dulanie only coming close with their efforts.
Dogged displays in midfield and dominant defending lead to a complete shut out for City of London, who looked short of ideas to break us down and couldn’t match us for strength or skill. Somehow through missed opportunities City made it to half time without dirtying their sheet, but Merton were knocking on the door enough to be confident a goal was imminent.
As the second half began it looked like City were going to try and take the game to Merton a little more, as they looked to transfer from defence to attack quicker, but any loose pass was easily mopped up and helped to open up the game for us, and our front three looked more and more likely to score, Aaron eventually popping up at the back post to nod home the inevitable opener, and from his celebration you could see what it meant to us.
The commotion of scoring distracted Sam in goal from his sudoku as he probably hadn’t had to make a save for about half an hour, and since the goal through a series of sloppy play we somehow managed to keep Sam far busier, almost wasting the lead at the death.
The final whistle blew and we had done enough, more room for improvement but a clean sheet for the 5’s is not something I expected today from yet another changed backline.On the day we made life hard enough for what was in truth a fairly poor opposition, and against stronger side we need to be far more clinical with our chances on goal if we are to challenge for promotion later in the season.