Author: Matt Haswell

Civil Service: 2

Merton: 2

The concept of a game south of the river has become a foreign concept to the 5s as we travelled a short distance away to “uncharted” territories. “Uncharted” in this instance has a very ironic meaning, as we’ve been in Chiswick so much this season, that there have been rumours of Merton council looking to expand their boundaries across the river.

This week saw a different line-up from most weeks as we enter the festive season. Our reliant leader, Clive, filled in as a nostalgic left back while a rare partnering of Anam and Ackers in the centre of midfield. Up top we had familiar Pete who was making a return of sorts having previously played for Civil Service many moons ago, while Dulanje provided support behind. The game started rather poignantly with a moments silence was held due to the tragic news received in South America. The game kicked off and it seemed that a few Merton legs were less than receptive than usual, perhaps due to the cold weather as Civil looked to exploit our sluggish start. While they drove forward not many chances were created in the first 15 minutes. We began to become more involved in the game with good possession and build up play, but the initial sharpness in the attack was still rather blunt. Half an hour had been played when Merton looked to break on the counter from a corner. The ball fell to Dulanje on the left wing, with Clive bursting forward to his right looking to receive a pass to propel the momentum further. Unfortunately trying to take on a player instead saw the ball pinched from Dulanje’s toe, leaving a big hole behind which was exploited in numbers as Civil had yet to register the break meaning many players were still forward. Goal. One-up to the home team. Not the usual Merton start. A few more attempts were brilliantly dealt with, as the opposition’s centre forward proved a handful for our centre backs. Half Time.

A brief talk from our manager highlighted where we were going wrong and the boys came out looking to get back into the game. Down the left hand side Dwayne superbly provided cover as the Chiswick team looked to bombard with pace. 10 minutes into the second half, we brought on Noor for Darren Avey, as Clive stepped into central defence, Dwayne filled in at left back and the fresh legs playing in front. This seemed to tighten the back line, as it allowed Dwayne to provide more pace on the flank, while Clive could organise positions. A Civil attack saw Clive slide in strongly to stop the ball and play forward to Anam who then brilliantly saw space down the right flank for Dulanje. Our ever present attacker broke down the wing and played a ball across goal to Noor, who laid the ball for Aaron B to shoot. Deflection! The ball bobbled past the keeper looking to go clear, when Pete charged in at the back post and slotted home. 1-1. The home team looked around and collected themselves as they looked to get back into the game. This half however Merton had stepped up to play at their usual standard. More chances were made both ends, but the next goal came rather controversially. The home team looked to break down our right flank and whipped a ball in which was easily caught by Sam. As the ball was caught, our ‘keeper was bundled by an oncoming runner (who could not stop in fairness, momentum taking over). The ball was dropped and the ball rolled in. Normally play would be stopped and a foul would be given – not today. Without looking to condemn the referee, this was against the improvements we imposed during the half, with the match official later admitting he made the wrong decision. A few cries of encouragement saw Merton come back, not looking disheartened as the team of last season would have been. The away team pushed and pushed looking to pull back another equaliser, with Pete coming very close with a 1 on 1 which the on-rushing keeper brilliantly saved. It looked like despite our efforts, the goal was not going to come. Anams passing continued to be a threat with Aaron B making many dangerous runs creating space. Last 2 minutes of the game and the equaliser had still not come. The ball fell to Pete on the far edge of the right hand side of the box, he beat a player, looked up to set the ball and placed it across goal into the net. Back in the game, but not enough time for the winner.

Team: Sam, Delman, Steve B, Darren, Clive, Aaron B, Aaron Ackerman, Anam, Dwayne, Dulanje, Pete Sub: Noor

MOM: Pete for his two goals which very well could have been a hatrick! Anam and Dwayne weren’t too far behind but I think the importance of Pete’s goals proved he just scraped ahead.

Home v Alexandra Park 4-1

A slow start to the day, as we sat in the changing room for 15 minutes waiting for a key to arrive. Not ideal, but worthy of DOTD?

With a strong wind and low sun this was an ideal toss to win. Which, of course, I didn’t. Not ideal, but worthy of DOTD?

Kicking into the aforementioned wind we defended well and go the ball forward early, as Ally Pally were playing a very high line. One such attack sent Jonny through. Jonny’s running style doesn’t scream speed but he leapt, pranced and bounded away from his man, who in turn pulled him back. Penalty! A definite pen but not all refs would’ve given it. This ref did.

Woody stepped up. 1-0.

Despite the elements we had the better of the half and looked comfortable yet still found ourselves 1-1 at half time.

A break down their right saw a bobbled cross sent in. Browner (Brauner for the newer members) lifted his leg to clear and the ball duly went under it and the AP centre forward dispatched it. Browner let out a very long and low “Oh no” and then berated himself under his breath for the rest of the half.

We started the second half with the wind and a lot of purpose and very quickly took control of the game. An under hit corner from James was played back to him and his delightful curling cross was headed home by Jonny. 2-1 and looking good.

Then came a key moment in the game. Bosher chased down a through ball and as their keeper gathered the ball on the edge of his box he stepped just outside his box. A definite hand ball but not all refs would’ve given. This ref did. It wasn’t finished yet though, as the ref then sent the keeper off. Certainly not all refs would’ve done that. This ref did. Having hit the bar earlier in the half, from a similar position, this time Woody smashed it in. 3-1 and see MFC Facebook for video evidence. Much discussion, both on and off the pitch, as to whether it should’ve been a red card and if the freekick was direct or not. Which shows none of us know the rules and therefore shouldn’t berate refs.

With 10 men and an outfield player in goal AP were never going to get back into the game and we duly scored a fourth with a break down our left, a ball across, and a rebound of Charlie. 4-1 and game over.

Other notable points from the day.

– Everyone’s concern for Tilley’s well being as he jogged around nowhere near his man for most of the game. Sore back? Or Xmas do on Friday night?

– Two moments of praise, yes you heard it, praise for me from Siri.

– James Laughton finding out Santa doesn’t exist. Sorry James (sad emoji)

– Chaz turning up for the Xmas party. Necking a number of quick drinks and then going missing in action.

– Ivan coming to the party for a couple of hours. A good effort from Merton’s self proclaimed “Massive Lad” when it was clear he wasn’t really allowed to be out.

– Will Low sleeping under a towel.

Team: Siri, Rat, Browner/Brauner, Clappers, Will Low, James L, Woody, Tilley, Bosher, Jonny, Charlie. Sub: Milo

MOTM: Woody (Clappers a close second)

DOTD: Clappers (harsh)

Merton 2-3 Old Wilsonians

This Saturday’s game was led by minute of silence to commemorate the members of Chapecoense FC, who died in a horrific air crash a week ago. Both teams showed their respects before kick off.

With the usual 3s formation (4-5-1), Merton started the match well, pushing for goals with the super fast wingers Glen and Emanuel and not that fast Denys up top. It did work out quite well as a lot of chances were created and lots of ball possession for the home team. And first shot on goal came from Darcy but that wasn’t that dangerous for opposition goalkeeper, few chances for young Emanuel went nowhere as well. Under such a pressure from Merton, we didn’t have to wait long, as Darcy picked the ball from a rebound and hammered it into the top corner, 1-0. Worth saying that our defence with Ben and Alberto was doing well, controlling the game; one of their clearances were picked up by Mustard, who dribbled the ball on the left side up to the oppo goals and only the bar saved them from the 2nd goal.

After the break Merton were looking for a much needed 2nd goal and as a result of constant attacking Neil’s cross was headed by a Wilsonians defender into their own net, 2-0. Having scored 2 goals Merton relaxed a bit and it cost them. The oppo keeper cleared the ball and it was picked up by their left midfielder who made his way towards the Merton goal and coolly lobbed Darren (goalkeeper), 2-1. With being 2-1 up Merton missed a couple of good chances for the 3rd goal, the best one from Denys, tried to lob the keeper but didn’t hit the ball properly, as a result, a throw in for Wilsonians and DOM.

Wilsoninas increased their tempo and pressure over Merton and one of their free kicks ended up with a cross to the box where one of the oppo players headed a ball into the net, 2-2.

Nobody wanted to draw or lose the game, as both teams started counter attacking football. The luck was on Wilsonians side, once again a set piece, crossed into our box and goal, 2-3.

Sad but true, another loss for 3’s:( Onwards and upwards though.

Team: Darren, Alberto, Ben, Mustard, Dan, Neil, Darcy, Ian, Glen, Emanuel, Denys, Jordan, Alex

MOM – Dan, Ian, Neil

DOM – Denys

More Results from the Hood in ‘The Jump Off’ as Toddy described it in an attempt to inject a little humour into a quiet,sober evening at the Hood.The winner was Connor Murphy, Runner up Mr Darcey and in third place was Woody. With many highly commended by the Judges. Thanks to Matt, Natalie, Sherbs and Amanda and all those who helped out on both sides of the bar. See pics of Christmas Jumpers

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Another strong set of performances from the Youth section today. Here goes with the results:

U9s lost 6-4 against Corinthian Casuals
U11s beat Ashford Town 4-0
U13s beat Tooting & Mitcham 5-4 in the Surrey FA County Cup and move forward into the last 8. Huge congrats guys.
U14s lost 3-1 against RPV
U15s beat Brockham Badgers 1-0

NAME: Richard David Thomas Gibbs (Gibbo / ChuChu!)

TEAM: 5s

POSITION: CF/CAM/LM/RM/CM/ CDM (utility man!)

BIRTH DATE: 13/02/1989

BIRTH PLACE: Cardiff

PREVIOUS CLUBS: a couple in Wales and a couple in Nottingham

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

Outside the club I work as a Finance Manager for BT Openreach. I think I come across initially to people as someone quite intimidating (probably due to the Gibbs frown!) and it’s probably why people often can’t tell when I’m taking the piss! In my spare time I try and play as much sport as I can (Football, Skiing, Tennis, FIFA) and love to travel!

How did you end up at Merton FC?

Mike Stone invited me to come along one day when I was looking for a club to join – never looked back since despite it being a 1 hour commute – great group of lads!

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Scoring a hattrick on my debut for the 5s – I then had to watch them loose 6-4 despite being 4-1 up after 20 minutes after I came off injuring sliding into the goal post to get my third!
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

Borussia Dortmund – I couldn’t imagine anything better than playing in front of the infamous Yellow Wall!

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

Join in the general banter of the team ripping one another to shreds until we go out and do the business on the pitch (we all like each other really!).

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

It started of being to beat Dulanje’s total and retain the golden boot however finding myself playing a much more defensive role and having 0 to date has meant a revised goal of getting at least 1 and helping the 5s Win the league!

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Dwayne Bedford – Dwayne’s come a long way since last season and puts a huge shift in every game – he’s also learnt to head the ball – well kind of!

Childhood Team: Arsenal

Favourite team in the UK: Arsenal

Favourite team outside the UK: Dortmund

Childhood Hero: SuperTed

Favourite Food: difficult one – probably a Ribs and Wings combo!

Favourite Drink: Vino – red wine all the way

Favourite Band: Guns N’s Roses

NAME: Siraj Durrani       

TEAM: 1s

POSITION: Goalkeeper

BIRTH DATE: 28/08/1992

BIRTH PLACE: Slough

PREVIOUS CLUBS: We could be here all day.

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I currently work as a Data Security analyst, so I deal with internal and external threats to a large American Insurance firm. My work colleagues know me as a very reserved guy, which I totally agree with. My childhood friends know me as the dictator which says something for my footballing demeanor.
How did you end up at Merton FC?
I moved to London around July and was looking for a new team. Had a look on Gumtree and here I am.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Getting Motm vs BoE and saving two pens in said game.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Eibar. Small ground, ¼ of the population at every home game. Small budget, yet fight way above their weight.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Never wear the same brand boots and gloves and always tape left knee before right.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Get promoted and have a decent cup run.

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Chaz Martin / Ander Herrera.

Childhood Team: Manchester United

Favourite team in the UK: Wigan

Favourite team outside the UK: Eibar

Childhood Hero: Santiago Canizares

Favourite Food: Pizza

Favourite Drink: Rose Milk

Favourite Band: Erra