Author: Matt Haswell

Sutton united 7-0 Merton

U16s today had a tough encounter in the first round of the county cup.
Premier elite, Sutton united.

Boys were keen to play the fixture on a pitch that hosted Arsenal not too long ago.

Message was clear, keep compact and stick together. First half we executed the plan superbly well. 1-0 down at half time, with Ollie going close before they took the lead.

We knew second half was going to be tough. In the end, Sutton running away with it. Kai pulled off some outstanding saves in goal, but all the boys can be proud of their shift today.

Good luck to Sutton

SCR colt next in the league invitation cup for merton

Match Report

Merton 7s v Corinthian Casuals Under 21

With four of the Merton teams playing at home, and the epic 5s v 6s encounter taking centre stage, our little gem of a game v CCU21 was going under the radar. Turning up early and taking the brisk walk to the changing rooms, it was noted that the Merton little league teams must have been running some sort of intensive drills outside the club changing rooms, as for the number of cones, poles and balls sprawled around, I pitied those who had to take part… looked ruthless!

Changing room buzzing, as having to share with the 6s made it all the more entertaining, the 7s tally up the latest injury list which see the squad lose Steve Burchell to an attempted SAS assassination which results in a few busted ribs, Luke Pellett and Daban to ankle injuries, Scott with a twisted knee thingy, New lad Chris Dodd  having to pull out on the day and Dan Alley loosing his hair products and having to make a late trips to boots… we do however welcome in on a new long term contract, Ryan Burchell (some say the better looking Burchell) Ram back from his overextended long arse holiday and on short notice Luke Mora dropping down to give us a welcome hand as well as the versatile Steve ‘Essex’ Harvey

Mangers David & Martin get summoned to the ref for the pre-game talk (a first, but gave away how the ref would be policing the game!). So, standing with our opposite numbers, the ref gave us fair warning and ask for any questions… at this point we first found out that the opposition plays in white! Not a problem, a quick rush into the changing room to mug the 6s of the yellow kit, this now makes new history of the first inter-club league or cup game where neither side will be playing in the traditional yellow! The second more concerning point was the CCU21 manager informing us that they will be continuing there warm up outside the changing room in there marked out area…

“Wait? What…. ?? that’s you warming up your team outside?! “

“Yes… Hope you don’t mind….”

“Erm… Nah…. Go ahead”

(Turns to Martin and whispers) ”You f###### kidding me… 2 hour pre-game warm up!)

Finally, out on the pitch and full 30 minutes before the game, with a mild jog across the pitch and back and half-hearted leg shake, we conclude the warm up. All eyes on the opposition as they take up residence on the halfway line. Looking prepared, there manager still going over notes with individual players with a leather-bound folder.. The 7s however are still being reminded by the gaffer they (CCU21s) took last week’s teams for 10 … we agree that no matter what, we not going to be a walk over.

Game starts as predicted, Kieran in goal is called into action straight away, good early handling and quick balls out to set the tone, the back four of Josh, Martin, David and Ram, see a fair bit of the early exchanges, David playing in the unfamiliar slot of centre back is soon on the back foot and in a foot race which the CCU21 strike, who wins at a canter, only for Kieran to be equal to the task.

Playing a compact 4-5-1 the midfield of Denzel on the left, Luke, Ryan on link up duty, tom and Jacob on the right,

With no more than 10 minutes played, and mostly on the back foot, it’s fair to say that the 7s was making a fist of it and still trying to play the ball on the deck, although being closed down at rapid speed, they still manged to counter attack with a few good passing moves.

With Billy up front, you’ve always got a chance, and now with a partner in Ryan to take some of the load off, they begin to split the CCU21s defence with some neat passing and running. A long ball up into the corner see Billy not only kill the pace of the ball in a touch, but with the second, passes the defender and gets a fierce cross in which Ryan almost meets but is beaten to by the defender. CCU21s openly talk that there’s the danger and to close the forward line down. Now with Ryan chasing every loose ball and Billy ghosting in behind, the 7s seem to be having more of the game.

On 30, Billy takes a high ball in his stride, somehow nutmegs the defender with a flick and gets on the end of his own ball, gets the cross over which beats everyone in the box, only for Ryan to pick up the pieces, drops a shoulder goes around the player who can only grab and pull him back by his shirt, clear penalty

Billy, steps up and hits hard and to close to the keeper, which results in a strong glove to push the ball back into the path of Billy who follows up at pace to slam into the roof of the net. 1-0 the 7s!!

With 15 minutes to go, the CCU21s are relentless to get an equaliser before half time, wave after wave of attack the 7s are now playing a 4-6 formation, Billy & Ryan are now in between the midfield and defence, chasing back to help out.

On a rare attack, Ryan wins another free kick, which is cleared by the CCU21s defence, and with Josh, David & Ram marking the opposition forward in the their half, the hopefully clearance sails over their heads and into the 7s half, Kieran decided not to come as the CCU21s forward has left David & Josh for pace and is now bearing down on goal. Ram, instead of heading to the player, goes straight to the goal as cover for Kieran is now made to come out and meet the forward 1v1, this allows enough time for Ram to get to the goal line just in time to meet the shot, however, being wrong footed and out of position, he improvises and manages to back heel the ball off the line and away from danger

However, with 5 minutes to go and from our own throw in, the wall of resistant’s is finally broken. Losing out to a 50/50 tackle, and 3v4, the CCU21s splice the back four apart and leave Kieran exposed for a well taken shot. 1-1 and half time couldn’t come quick enough

Half time talk, more of the same, keep it tight and don’t give up.

Second half starts the same as the first, notably a change of tactics from the opposition which now see them marking tighter up the pitch and closing the 7s down a lot quicker. Not even 10 minutes into the 2^nd half sees CCU21s go 2-1 up with some nice one touch passing. You can sense the 7s was there for the taking, but thanking fully for some woeful finishing and their inability just take the shot without trying some trick, always give the 7s the last-ditch chance to get the tackles in.

15 minutes in sees the score go to 3-1, again not much can be done when the oppo get it right, but they did seem to be getting frustrated at not scoring at will. Resulting in the first booking of the game for decent towards the ref

A change has to be made, Ram needing to catch a breather, Andrew steps in a left back, Luke too takes 5, and on comes Steve H,

Now the fitness is telling, Kieran was now the final line of defence. All the good work in the first half was being put to the test. Still, 3-1 was respectable in the scheme of things. David & Martin was taken great pleasure in reminding the opposition they had a combined age of over a hundred!! Still, they had the last laugh, with a break down the left resulting in an unstoppable cross/shot to make it 4-1. With the game petering out, and finally finishing 4-1, it was a moral victory for the 7s, one which can be built on going forward

Now that the SALC is completed, we look forward to the coming season and league fixtures. We welcome back OW8s for the first home game who we defeated 4-0 only 3 weeks ago and fully expect a stronger opposition to be turning up to make amends

MOTM: After missing last week’s game, he makes some sort of amends with today’s performance, although, once again, Josh putting in a sterling effort, Kieran takes the majority vote within the team.

Mention for Ryan, never stopped running and looks to be settling in alongside Billy, who himself done well against a strong defensive side (4 in 3 for the cup!)

DOTD: Anyone who lets in four… sorry Kieran, it’s your job to stop the goals!!

Team: Kieran, Josh, Martin, David ©, Ram, Jacob, Tom, Ryan, Luke, Denzel, Billy

Andrew, Steve H.

U14 MATCH REPORT – AFC EWELL V MERTON FC: SCORE 6 – 1

LINEUP:

GK – Milo

RB – Liam

CB – Entri

CB – Nikoy

LB – McKenzie

CM – Daniel

RW – Hugo

LW – Justin

CAM – Theo

CF – Kieran

ST – Fareed

MOM: Hugo/Justin

We came into the game looking for a reaction after last weeks disappointing defeat as we faced AFC Ewell. There were difficult conditions with blustery rain and a particularly suspect pitch and we didn’t get off to a good start. We were quickly 2-0 down after sloppy play, conceding one goal from a free kick and another after our defenders got outstrengthed. Kieran managed to get a goal back with a long-range strike that the goalkeeper should of saved to make it 2-1. Unfortunately clever play from the attacker forced McKenzie to give away a penalty after he stretched to win the ball and the attacker used this to go to ground. The penalty was excellently dispatched to make it 3-1 and just before half time Ewell made it 4 after some more disappointing defending.

In the second half Merton performed much better as they took the game to Ewell and had several shots but were unlucky not to score. Hugo had a fantastic game on the right wing, as did Justin when he moved to right back and the play between the two of them was the highlight for Merton. A sloppy back pass from Entri gifted them an undeserved goal to make it 5-1 and then their number 10, the standout player who looked dangerous all game, hit an unbelievable strike into the top corner that bounced in off the crossbar to make it 6-1 and that is how the game finished. The man of the match goes to Justin and to Hugo who both performed excellently in attack and in defence as they switched positions throughout the match. A difficult game awaits us next week in the cup, and hopefully our second half performance can inspire a good reaction next week.

NAME: Luke-Diego Mora

TEAM: 3s

POSITION: CM/RW

BIRTH DATE: 21/10/1997

BIRTH PLACE: Croydon

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Mitcham Park, Genesis, Banstead Town, FC Predators

1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself? 
   I’m a quiet guy, like to spend time with friends and family, like to travel a lot and try new things.
2. How did you end up at Merton FC?
   A friend who I played for Mitcham Park with (Mario) asked if I wanted to come down to training and from there I started playing!
3. What do you like most about Merton FC?
   The organisation of the club is the main thing, also they are a nice bunch of lads and easy to get along with.
4. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

Arsenal, my childhood team and just love the way they play.

5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
   I wear socks under my socks, shorts under my shorts and wear a top under my top! Always have done.
6. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

Hopefully to find a regular starting place and most of all gain promotion

RAPID FIRE:

Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Thierry Henry/Ronaldinho

Childhood Team: Arsenal

Favourite team in the UK: Arsenal

Favourite team outside the UK: Linense Balompedica (local Spanish team)

Childhood Hero: Ronaldinho

Favourite Food: Paella, or spaghetti and meatballs

Favourite Drink: Fanta

Favourite Band: –

IBIS Eagles 5s vs. Merton 4s
SAL Junior Division 4 South
Saturday 23^rd September 2017

Coming off of our biggest win ever last week away to Polytechnic, we were back in Chiswick again however this this at Chiswick Cricket Club to face an IBIS Eagles side that were playing their first league game. This was our third.

Without Michael Gubby, it was down to John Gridley to step in between the sticks with Ryan Burchell taking up the RWB position. Feeling worse for wear following a heavy night prior, Dom Plumridge slotted back up top to partner top scorer Adam.

Lining up in the same formation as last week, we didn’t start as we had hoped. We allowed the hosts too much time on the ball which in turn created a number of chances however a mixture if wayward shots and John Gridley kept the score goalless for 25 minutes.

It was the host that did finally take the lead after worldy from clearly the youngest player in their squad. Nothing that John….nor De Gea for that matter, could have done about it. Shortly after we found ourselves two goal behind. This time from a corner. A combination of not tracking your man and remaining static on the post contributing allowing a simple header to find the back of the net. 

We knew that we were better than the performance that we were putting in, last week’s performance backed that up. We were encouraging each other to get a goal before the break and courtesy of Adam we were able to do so as he side footed through the keepers legs to half the deficit.

Frankie came on to replace Ryan in the RWB role at the break.

The second half was a better performance than the first. We were able to pass the ball around by finding little pockets of space which put the opposition on the back foot for a while.

Twenty minutes into the second period, we were awarded a thrown in from the left. Dan Gridley taking centre stage to deliver a lengthy ball into the box which Dom managed to get a head on to. Or was it Dom’s goal? Dispute at the end of the game suggested that it may have been an own goal but with Dom being adamant that he got the final touch, it was awarded to him.

Having dug deep to come from two down to level, all that was nearly thrown away when the host were awarded a penalty when Dan Gridley took out their striker.

Up they stepped…….what a save!

John Gridley not falling for the eyes managed to get a strong hand to it to keep the score level and ensure that we went home with a point.

We could have taken all three had Dom not missed a sitter in the last minute which resulted in him picking up the Dick of the Day award.

Next week were visit Old Dorkinians in the AFA Cup in the hope that we continue our impressive start to the season.   

FINAL SCORE: IBIS Eagles 5s 2 – 2 Merton 4s
SCORER(S): Adam Collings, Dom Plumridge
MOTM: John Gridley – Solid performance between the sticks including a penalty save.

DOTD: Dom Plumridge – How could he miss that sitter?!

STARTING LINE-UP: John Gridley (GK), Joe Plumridge (Pete Quainton), Dan Gridley, Michael Elgar, Ryan Burchell (Frankie Kalogirou), Edward Plaistow (Capt.) (Joe Squire), Sonny Kennedy, Aaron Loftus, Michael Vogt, Adam Collings, Dom Plumridge

Home versus Cambridge Heath
23-9-2017
1-1

At least once a season, a team should be left short of a goalkeeper. It’s one of amateur football’s unwritten rules. But Merton 2s proudly boast at least two men who will take one for the team and take a turn between the sticks when their team is in need. Take a bow Pearcey (for the first half) and Dom Preece (for the second).

Alan Clowes was on a mission from the start that neither stand-in sticksman would have to lift a finger. Deservedly Man Most Handsome, Clowesy was outstanding.

His performance was typical of a hard-fought game played in good spirit. Cookie, too, had a lovely time in midfield, tackling hard and using the ball effectively. Still, few chances in the first half saw Merton go in a goal down.

The introduction of Adam Crawshaw and Chris Rayner at half time shook things up. Merton looked an altogether meaner machine. Sustained possession and no little pressure gave the men in yellow the break they were looking for: Gabby’s first Merton goal – a blast from 30 yards – was well deserved for his boundless energy alone, even if it was helped in by the keeper.

Ackers was incredibly unfortunate to be the first 2s man this season to experience the Sin Bin. He spent his time-out prowling the touchline, twitching and flexing like a prize fighter, itching to get back into the action, and wondering if the ref was an Uber driver.

That seemed to drive the temporarily 10 men of Merton on. Rayner, fresh, slotting in behind the front two, his sat nav for goal fully functioning, found the freedom to ping one from 25 yards. The keeper could only watch and pray as it hit the upright.

DQ had another excellent game, perpetually in fifth gear. He ploughed on up top alone in Ackers’ absence, again creating chances all by himself through sheer force of will. The goals will come for our man, but not today.

Ackers’ return couldn’t quite break the deadlock. Still, a point each was not unfair, and Team Handsome remain unbeaten.

Squad: Pearce (1st hero GK), Draghici, Murphy, Grew, Clowes, Rist, Cook, Willgoss (c), Preece (2nd hero GK), Quainton, Ackerman, Crawshaw, Rayner

Match Report

Old Salesians 3^rd v Merton 7s

Away, and against a very good Old Sale’s side who’s reserves had no game, you just knew the team will be bolstered with a few senior players. With a 3oc kickoff, most of the team arrived in good time and high spirits after the opening day victory, although Daban managed to get lost and turn up 15 minutes before kick-off and the ever-illusive Kieran doing his best to never turn up, we need a quick reshuffle of the starting line-up that was originally planed.

Martin dons the gloves and a back 4 of Josh, Tom, Dan & Steve, with Jacob on the right, Andrew, David making up the centre with Luke on the left, this left Billy and Scott up front.

From the start, OS3 took the front foot, passing around freely and creating problems with their slick 1 touch triangles, not long into the game, OS3 was in behind the back four which, lucky for the 7s, came to nothing, but this was going to be the start of things to come.

No more than 15 minutes gone and from around 25 yards, a hopefully cross/shot from OS3 midfield seemed to have caught Martin flat footed and dipped just under the bar for 1-0. A further few minutes later, and another break into the box, Dan tracking his man sticks out a foot and clearly trips the attacking player which results in a well taken penalty for 2-0. Dan, having a stiff talking to by the Ref, subbed himself for Daban which creates a reshuffle, and sees David drop back in to the back 4 and Daban going centre

Although down but not out, the 7s keep probing, with Billy being some nuisances to the OS3 back four, snatches a good chance to make it 2-1, followed up by a decent 1v1 which the keeper done well to save. Finally, Billy gets released down the left, skips past the right back and gives the keepers the eyes before curling a left footed, outside of the boot, low into the far corner. 2-1.

This made OS3 step up there game and with 2 pacey forwards, it was not long before the offside trap was (debatably) sprung again, with Steve still appealing, the forward bearing down on Martin dispatched a neat curling shot from 18 yards that curled into the top corner for 3-1

Half time, a few words and reshuffle of the players, Luke comes centre and Dabs going wide left, the 7s start with intent. Billy still having a good battle with the oppositions defence was always a threat and now Luke playing centre started to pull the strings and slot some neat through balls for Billy to run on to.

Still, with all the possession at the start of the half coming to nothing, OS3 being a threat on every attack, it was only a matter of time before it become 4-1, still not giving up, a further change sees Denzel come on for Andrew and slotting on the left and Dabs coming centre with Luke,

With chances being made, Billy once again showed skill with a neat back heel to Scott, with only the goalie to beat, sees his shot go high and wide. Soon after, Billy himself found space just inside the box, only for his tame shot to be straight at the keeper. Now tiring, the 7s being pulled apart by the forward line of OS3, shipped a further 3 goals before the end of the half.

Full time and frankly p***** off, the score does not reflect the effort the guys put in, although never looking likely to win, if the 7s took their chances and possibly had their first-choice keeper, it may have been more respectable. With a home game next week v Corinthian Casuals Under21 who beat todays opposition 4-3 and took OW8s for a 10-0 stroll, it looks like this motley lot will have another busy day to look forward to.

MOTM: Special mention to Daban, who came on and was full of energy but just couldn’t find that final ball, Billy again, always looking like a threat and now with 3 in 2 was out voted by 1 in favour of Luke, who was outstanding in centre midfield pulling the strings and frankly, never gave up.

DOTD: Made easy for not turning up, this week goes to Kieran ‘Lord Lucan’ Lee. Thanks to Scott who voted for himself after another blank day, where he squandered be far the easiest goal chance this season (will have nightmares about that one!)

Team: Martin, Josh, Dan, Tom, Steve, Jacob, Andrew, David ©, Luke, Billy, Scott

Denzel, Daban

Merton FC 3 Actonians 4

The game started off as bad as it possibly could. Right from the kick-off they scored. It wasn’t long after that after a good string of passing and possession and clawing back into the game that they struck again. This time, it was through a contentious penalty decision that the ref gave based on ‘how guilty we looked’. If decisions were made this way we should simply smile and laugh when players go down in the box – food for thought for the next time we have this ref. Despite Sam’s best efforts, their striker put it away at the bottom left corner of the goal. It was about to get worse. Again, after clawing back and picking ourselves up they struck again. This time it was from a through ball from lost possession in the midfield. And then another right after that that is too painful to recall. We were on the ropes and half-time couldn’t have come sooner. The boys were distraught. There was so much hope and chat before the game about how well we can play and how we should come out firing but the exact opposite happened. We gave the ball away far too often and they were clinical in putting their chances away – plain and simple.
The half-time talk wasn’t bleak, it was one of uplift. We’re a better team than this, we’re better individually and there is a huge belief in each other and how well we can play if we just do the hard work, run for each other, stay calm and believe in ourselves. Games like this will happen but what happened next far outweighed what I thought was possible. Everyone was fired up and we came out swinging. Lenners moves into CB and Josh moved from LB to CM. Lenners barking precise orders at us gave us stability and direction whilst Josh gave us some much needed confidence in the middle of the park. One, two, three passes were strung together and switches of play ensured to an unmarked Dwayne ‘Forrest’ Bedford out on the right wing. Something he had been screaming for the whole game. We gained more confidence. More possession gave us more confidence as the wingers stayed wide and the midfield stayed compact. We finally managed our breakthrough goal from a great through ball from A-aron to Gibbo who finished with extreme patience and composure. Then our second arrived. It appeared scrappy, but a miracle ball from Dwayne found Gibbo in the the 6-yard box who showed his composure once again to bring the ball down and pass it to A-aron who finished and brought a huge roar from the capacity crowd (Bambi, Chris, Butters and Tiago). The third was a replica of the second. A beautiful ball from A-aron unleashed an unstoppable Gibbo. What the team felt then was pride. We came back from 4-0 down to going close to pinching a draw when the game seemed destined for a cricket score. There’s only one message this result sends to our team and it’s we’ll never give up.

MOTM: Aaron ‘my haircut will be right one day I swear’ Byrne. Every time he touched the ball and ran at the opposition it gave the team a renewed sense of confidence. His assists and goals were perfect but it was his drive and confidence that gave us the lift we needed. Special mentions: Lenners. Amazing performance as a CB nearly MOTM worthy that helped resurrect us from the brink of a drubbing to a proud performance. Delman or Duracell. He just keeps running. I think I counted twice when he sprinted back to thwart their attack singlehandedly and one (or two!) off the line clearances. Great performances by these two.

Motspur Park v Merton FC U14

2-0

Lineup

GK – Milo

RB – Liam

CB – Nikoy

CB – Entri

LB – McKenzie

CM – Eddie

CM – Daniel

RW – Hugo

LW- DIEGO

CAM – Theo

ST – FAREED

MOM: Justin

This was the first disappointing match of the season for Merton as they never really got into the game. The first half was uneventful with no clear-cut chances for either team as Motspur Park consistently tried to get the ball over the top and their strikers in behind. The only real shot for Merton was Fareed’s shot, set up by some nice passing but it went over the bar. After half-time it got worse for Merton as Motspur park scored two goals with no reply. The first came from a throw in looped over the defenders that caught Merton off guard and their player slotted it past Milo. The second came close to the end of the match when Merton was pushing for an equalizer, another calm finish from a Motspur Park player. They frequently won the midfield battle and were first to every loose ball, including all 50/50 tackles.

Unfortunately for Merton none of our players were on their game and the passing was often sloppy and rushed. Overall it was a frustrating game that the team will wish to put behind them. Man of the match goes to Justin who came in at an unfamiliar position of right back and did a great job. Hopefully a good reaction will come in the next match against AFC Ewell.