Author: Matt Haswell

CAFC U10 Greens vs Merton U10 – 16.12.18

 

16^th December – Under 10s report

 

Merton made the short trip the home of Carshalton Athletic on Colston Avenue for today’s away match. The match was played on Carshalton’s FIFA 2* 3 G Pitch which meant that last week’s mud-fest at Joseph Hood would not be repeated. The pitch was quite narrow and Merton were playing left to right in the first half.

 

Carshalton made the brighter start and had the first two chances of the game; the first following good work on the left. Their shot at the end of the move flashed wide of Max’s right hand post. Close! They put their second chance wide of Max’s left-hand post.

 

These two chances provided a wake-up call for Merton and they responded in the right way. After six minutes, Dave had a shot saved and this was followed by a shot from Rio that was just wide of Carshalton’s left- hand post.

 

Two minutes later, Rio found Dave on the left and Dave shot to the bottom right of the goal. It went in!

 

0-1 to Merton.

 

Merton had clearly adapted to the playing surface now and were controlling a midfield as congested as the M25 on a Friday afternoon. With ten minutes played, Rio provided another assist, this time for Maxwell who’s first time shot was too much for the Carshalton goalkeeper. It went into to the bottom right corner of the goal.

 

0-2 to Merton.

 

After 11 minutes, Rio had another shot that went just wide of the left-hand post. Then Dave had a shot saved. Carshalton had a shot that they put wide of Max’s post.

 

After 16 minutes, Maxwell made an interception and headed off towards Carshalton’s goal. He shot to the bottom left of the goal. Goal!

 

0-3 to Merton.

 

Merton were playing well defensively as well as offensively; there was good work by Harry, Joe and Ollie that ensured that Carshalton did not find a way back into the game.

 

After 19 minutes, Dave hits a good shot to the bottom left of the goal. It went in!

 

0-4 to Merton

 

Twenty one minutes played. Up to this point, Faris had made positive contributions to the team with good tackles and runs but had not added his name to the scoresheet. He was about to change that.

He won a tackle and ran towards goal before unleashing a shot to the bottom left.

 

0-5 to Merton

 

Two minutes later, he was back at it again. Tackle, dribble, shot and goal. Bottom left placement again. 

 

0-6 to Merton

 

In the 24^th minute Maxwell crossed for Dave to calmly slot home to complete his hat-trick from close range.

 

0-7 to Merton

 

Shortly after the referee blew for half-time.

 

If the Carshalton boys did not come out for the second half it would have been understandable. No-one wants to be on the wrong end of such a hammering. Credit to them for keeping their heads high and coming out ready to go again.

 

When the second half commenced, it was clear that Merton had eased their foot off the accelerator. In fact, I would go as far to say that they had parked up and were having a picnic beside the road.  

 

Dave was now in goal and launching himself into all manner of dives to the left and right.

All of Merton’s players were enjoying themselves. Max was now an outfield player. 

 

After 5 minutes, Rio had a shot that was parried. Louis was first to react and smashed his shot into the net.

 

0-8 to Merton

 

Eight minutes of the second half played, Carshalton were now creating a few chances and   they managed to score. Dave ‘the cat’ parried the initial shot but their striker was on hand to slot home.

 

1-8 to Merton

 

Ten minutes gone, Carshalton won a corner. The initial shot is blocked but again they react first and their striker smashed home the loose ball.

 

2-8 to Merton

 

They could not come back from 2 -8, could they? This was their best spell of the match.

 

 

 

Faris was on a hat-trick and clearly keen to score again. With 14 minutes played, he went on a run and shot to the top left corner of the Carshalton goal. It went in!

 

2-9 to Merton

 

Incredibly there was still another goal in the game; after good work in midfield, Louis scored his second with a great shot to the bottom left of the goal.

 

2-10 to Merton

 

A couple of minutes later, the referee blew the final whistle.

 

Well done again, boys!  

 

Special shout out to Percy who wasn’t able to play today.

 

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!

 

 

Author: Mike Pitt

Merton Res 1  Old Alleyns 3s  3

 

Despite all the rain the Hood pitches were just about playable. This was a good competitive game.  It was afairly even game but Alleyns took their chances and we did not, particularly early on. After about 20 mins Alleyns took the lead with a good run down the left and finish. 2-0 seemed a little harsh when we misjudged a ball over the top and their winger ran on to it and finished well and that is how it was at Half time, It became 3-0 when a good effort from outside the box dipped over the keeper. But straight from the kick off Woody scored from the half way line catching their keeper out and me as I missed it too. It was a very competitive game and the ref did well to keep the game going. A couple of worrying injuries their keeper took a nasty knock to his knee and in the same incident DQ did his collarbone. As I said good game to watch and both teams played some good football. Our man of the Match was Conor who had a running battle with their winger and the referee. As ever he did not see eye to eye with either of them but that motivated him to a tireless effort to turn the game around. Ben Cook was voted DOTD I am not quite sure why but it could have been for any number of reasons,; hung over, late, getting booked, but none of it stopped him playing pretty well. Thanks to Dan for organising the team and playing a good captains role.

Merton U10s vs Claygate Royals – cup match – Sunday 9^th December 2018

 

This was to be another hard lesson for our fast growing U10s side.  Today’s curriculum was based on the importance of taking your chances to avoid paying the price of cup defeat, albeit after the agony of penalties.

 

The game kicked off slightly early with Constant Merton pressure in the first 5 minutes. Shots came in from Farris leading to a good early save and Rio who went narrowly wide.

 

Farris then played in Rio twice in quick succession and he shot just wide again. Good passing from Merton followed and the onlookers wondered if this was going to be another strong performance following good form this season so far. 

 

Maxwell then won the ball in midfield and played through Rio who shot again and the keeper made a 3rd good save. The Claygate keeper was looking as solid as any we have seen at Joseph Hood Rec this season.

 

But elsewhere Claygate could not impose any control on the game and Farris made a nice turn after winning the ball on the touch line and was fouled. Merton failed to make use of the free kick and moments later it was Percy on a good run on the right and his shot was deflected for another corner for Merton.  Again the ball was cleared by a belligerent defence. 

Claygate had hardly entered Merton’s half after 10 minutes but suddenly they had an aimless pass forward which went straight through to Max for his first touch. 

Another good run by Farris led to a cross but again Claygate made a clearance.  As Claygate had a little more of the ball our defenders spent more time involved and their play in to midfield was excellent, especially from Ollie and Harry. 

Dave, Louis and Joe were subbed on in midfield and Dave had an early shot which hit the stanchion.  Then a good run from Joe and his shot was saved.  The Claygate keeper was having a blinder.

 

Ollie and Harry continued as solid as ever at the back.  The first shot by Claygate took 15 mins to muster and it was wide and tame.  They soon forced another shot and this one was an easy save for Max. 

Louis then went on a forceful run on the right and was tackled as he looked to play the ball across the Claygate box. He then linked up in midfield with Percy which led to a shot over the bar. Then another good move followed involving Dave, Louis and Joe who crossed for Dave who headed high for the Claygate keeper to save. 

Another good move followed after wonderful determination from Ollie to win the ball high up-field but the move resulted in a blazed shot over the bar again. Another shot followed by Joe but this time at the keeper. It was as if Merton could control the entire field but just could not hit the target.

 

After another good move from Merton broke down and Claygate broke away and forced a good saving tackle from Joe who prevented a shot at the expense of a corner which was cleared by a combination of Ollie and Joe. 

A good half ended goal-less with Merton on the attack through Dave and Maxwell.

As the second half kicked off Joe played a nice through ball early on to Louis who finally struck first blood for Merton in the bottom left corner.  1-0 to Merton.

No sooner had Merton scored than a mess up in defence led to a calamitous Claygate equaliser.  A body blow when commanding so much of the game.

The boys redoubled their efforts.  A good tackle by Louis won the ball and released Farris for a mazy run and shot wide.  A pattern we had seen plenty.

Play was then stopped for a foul as Louis clipped the back of a Claygate midfielder who stayed on the ground for a few seconds.

Attack after Merton attack led to saves and misses. Good play but not the goal. The onlooking supporters were transfixed but wondered if Merton might pay the price of their profligacy?

More chances followed but Merton didn’t manage to finish them off.  The tension was huge. 

Percy then made a good challenge and won the ball and crossed but it was cleared yet again.  More shots from Maxwell and Rio followed.

 

The ever calm and resilient Harry was having his usual solid game and in the next attacking move passed the ball well with Louis.  The move led to a shot from Percy but another save.

Another passing move between Harry, Louis and Rio led to Maxwell having another shot which was blocked yet again.

Claygate then got a free kick on the edge of the Merton box right on the point of full time but it was blazed over. 1-1 and penalties which proceeded as follows:

Maxwell – narrow miss wide

Claygate scored 0-1 

Rio scored 1-1

Claygate score 1-2 

Louis shot saved 1-2

Claygate shot saved by Max 1-2

Harry shot saved brilliantly by keeper onto the post 1-2

Claygate score 1-3

Dave shot saved 1-3 and Claygate are through

 

The opposition manager summed up the morning nicely as he shook Neal and Roy’s hands and said “I’d hate to play your team on a great pitch.”

Match Report

 Merton 6s v Old Parks 9s

 

After a good few days rain, an 8am pitch inspection is required to confirm that the SAL Cup 2^nd round game can proceed, with an extensive walk around the park, the groundsman and his dog gives us the thumbs up and we confirm the 130pm ko… game on

Even as late as 1130am, the 6s went form 10 players to 14, but settle on 13 for the game. Without fail, MQ turns up with the gloves, this week he gets to look at the back of the heads of Steve B at LB, Ricky at RB, and Tom comes back to partner Joe at CB, a change in formation see 3 in midfield, left is David, Right is Ty and centre is left to Phil, with the an attacking 3 of James on the left, Daban on the right and Lewis straight down the middle

As clouds begin to accumulate in the distances, the games underway and OP9s are pressing from the start. 2 early corners are dealt with well and cleared, the formation sees Ty and David sit in a more holding roll with Phil just a bit further forward, although most of the play is OP9s but without any real threat. Joe and Tom deal with the OP9s CF well, but the big has a good few tricks up his bag and keeps them on their toes

On the half hour mark and honours even, it takes a piece of luck for the break through, from a OP9s goal kick, a straight forward ball that should have been dealt with between David and Ty, sees the OP’s speedy winger nip in and steel the ball, racing towards Joe and Tom, a quick 1-2 sees the ball run loose and a 50/50 challenge lets the ball bobble forward to the advancing MQ, unfortunately the OP9s striker managers to scuff a toe and make some luck as the ball changes direction and goes under the advancing dive of MQ, with just enough power to stop over the line and for a 0-1 lead

Not undeterred, the 6s are not playing bad, in fact, some of the play is remarkable good, composed around the back and towards the middle, with the forwards making good runs in behind the defence, it’s just the end product that’s missing with as well as a bit of luck

Still with minutes to half time, some good play from M6s, sees Phill roll the ball into DG path’s, who picks out a curling ball over the top and into the path of Lewes, albeit having to use all of his pace to get to the ball as the keeper changes his mind and back tracks, now clear on goal and keep in no man’s land, rifles a low shot to bring the scores level t 1-1

Halftime and a change in personal, Daban moves out to allow Matt to go right back and Ricky to go forward, Phil, who for once is not at the races (so he is human after all!) makes way for Ed on the left and DG to move centre

Takes a few minutes to adjust, back the game is back in full swing and end to end. To make things more interesting, the heavens opens up with a freezing cold shower which in turn bogs the pitch down. Still trying the passing game, the balls from both sides are largely over hit or taken by the wind, some of the tackles, although not malicious, are going in thick and fast.  A corner swings over and a melee of players climb for the header, DG wins the battle but falls awkwardly. With ‘el cappo’ departing the game, Phil comes on in his place. Still with 20 minutes to go the game swings back again to end to end stuff, OP9s having the better share of the game, but M6s looking dangerous on the counter.

With minutes to go, and penalties looming, it seems both teams have settled for a draw, ref indicated  a minute to play, OP9s with a chance shot from 30 yards and Phil’s there to head away, but with the driving rain and greasy conditions, the ball deflects and clips the out stretch hand, the ref ponders and finally blows up for a penalty, MQ divers the right way but is still short by a yard as the balls nestles in the net for 1-2

With just seconds M6s don’t even get a chance to have one last attacks as the ref brings the game to a close, a sad loss but in fairness a very good game played between 2 teams that like to pass and move

Next week we welcome HSBC to the Hood (pitch inspection pending!) for the AFA Cup game, a team that has scored 35 goals in 4 games at home yet has lost 3 of their last 4 away games….! ‘Interesting’

 

 

MOTM: Joe D, stepped up and played well and was by far the outstanding player for the day

DOTD: Phil, apart from apologising to the oppo after every (miss timed) tackle, the icing on the cake was the clearance header on to his hand… it was like his noggin was replace by a Dairylea Triangle!

 

Team: MQ, Ricky, Joe, Tom, Steve, Ty, DG ©, Phil, Dabs, Lewes, James, Matt, Ed

It was a miserable, rainy day perfect conditions for
a derby game and we blew it. We lined up with Iain
in goal, Nathan LB Mustard RB, Neal and Mike at
CB, Sam S and Vin CM, Britney LM, Sam K RM with
Aaron and Fitz up top.
A lot was spoken about tactics before the game
but that all went out the window when a really poor
defensive error by Mustard let them in for an easy
chance to make it 1 – 0 to Carshalton. A simple cut
back from the byline was slotted in and we’d gone
behind early, AGAIN.
We had started trying to play football but were
struggling to keep the ball during the first 15 mins and
were 2 – 0 down before we got started. Poor marking
from a corner left them with an extra man and he
made no mistake smashing a decent half volley in the
top corner. Jimmy came on for Fitz after 20 mins and
made a difference but we were still chasing the game.
We managed to rally after that and started playing
some good football without creating many clear
cut chances. Then just before HT the ref (worst this
season) decided to sin bin Sam S for ‘harrassing’ him
(in my defence i’ve done worse this season and stayed
on the pitch) HT 2-0.
So we kicked off the second half with 10 men and
did well despite being a man down for the first 10
mins. We dominated the ball for long periods but still
couldn’t create much for the strikers. As we chased
the game it became more and more open and they
scored a terrible 3rd goal. A mistake from Neal gave
them a chance to square it in the 6 yard box, the ball
spun off Vin and nutmegged Iain for their third. Sums
up our season so far really.
Last modified: 07:40

Merton 3   EBOG 1 (HT 3-0)

This was a cracking performance and win for our first team against a very good EBOG side who were unbeaten in the league so far and looking very likely to go back to the first division at the end of the season.

They started very slowly and we created some good opportunities and took the lead after about 15 mins. This was a deft Jimbo back heal from a Jonny cross. Soon after their left back decided to take the ball past George who took the ball off him and crossed for Jonny to score. Then just before half time we had a really good passing move down the left which seemed to have broken down and was half cleared to the other wing where Max fed Josh who finished decisively to make it an improbable 3-0. During the later stages of the first half EBOG had settled and played some good football carving a few good openings and missing them although I seem to recall that they got their taste for hitting the crossbar.

The second half got under way with EBOG scoring far too early for comfort and playing some good passing football. We defended resolutely, Scott and Browner at the heart of the defence with Max and Jordan doing well on the wings. EBOG created some great chances and were very unlucky and the crossbar came to our aid on at least three more occasions. But we carved out a terrific opportunity to make it four with a slick quick passing movement but Jonny shot narrowly wide. Isaac came on For Jordan with Vanny proving effective at full back and Isaac’s fresh legs working some relief. And we held out.

This was a good all round team performance and everyone put in a good shift with Josh playing a captain’s innings and being Man of the Match. In fairness you could make out a good case for almost all of our players.

EBOG looked a really good side and should in all probability be promoted at the end of the season. They were well organised and had three or four really good players who pulled the strings. They lacked alittle bit of discipline but I understand their frustration as they did not have much luck all afternoon. The ref had a good game,  it was not easy and gave them a good share of free kicks. But they got on his back and picked up a sin bin. Still a great result for Merton and a great team effort.

Team: Sherbs (GK), Jordan, Browner, Scott, Max, Josh (Capt), Jimbo, Joe, Vanny, Jonny, George Sub Isaac for Jordan .

Merton 4s vs. Actonians Association 7s
SAL Junior Division 4 South
Saturday 24^th November 2018

Following last week’s draw at home to West Wickham, it was another home game for the 4s in the form of Actonians Association 7s.

Having reviewed last week’s result something has to be done formation wise. As a collective, we opted for a 3-5-2 formation. The back 3 consisted on John Gridley, Joe Plumridge and Darren Avey with yours truly (Ed Plaistow) and Thomas Murphy taking up the roles of left and right wing back respectively. The midfield three was made up of Andrew Stears (start Full deserves following last week’s man of the match performance), Roman Bilivskyi and Andrew Minkevich. The strike force was made up of Denys Zhurbiy and new recruit Isaac Ssebugwawo. Callum Fisher arrived last so had to settle for a place on the bench.

The game started well with Merton on the front foot from the off. It wasn’t until half hour mark however that we manage to grab our first goal of the game. Isaac, causing a nuisance in the box was clipped and as a result the referee pointed to the point. Up stepped Denys to convert under the keeper into the bottom left. 1-0 and that’s how it remained going into the break.

We kept the formation and personnel the same going into the second period. The plan was to pick up where we left off in the first half, however this was not the case. A lapse in defence allowed the visitors the chance to equalise which they did with ease following a 4-on-2 situation in favour of Actonians.

It wasn’t long until we regained the lead, Romans right footed half-volley squeezing under the keeper. Once again, Actonians upped the ante and managed to equalise for the second time in the game. I can’t remember in what fashion they did but they did!

Fortunately that was as much as Actonians had as it was all Merton from then on.

With 30 minutes to go Merton took advantage of the game. Roman played a delightful ball from left to right which was met by the skipper. The control of the ball was Messi-esque however the finish…..words won’t do it justice! Having beat the left back a composed left-footed finish from all of 20-25 yards beat the keeper….he might have rushed out leaving the goal gapping but the finish was of the highest quality! (Not to blow my own trumpet).

3 soon became 4 when Darren Avey got on the scoresheet, bundling home following John Gridley’s header back across goal. That goal was followed up with a 4th from Isaac and then a 5th from Andrew Minkevich.

All in all it was a great team performance and one we hope we can take into next weekend’s game away to Polytechnic 6s where we hope to better the 1-1 draw from the previous meeting. 

 

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 6 – 2 Actonians Association 7s
SCORER(S): Denys Zhurbiy (pen), Roman Bilivitskiy, Edward Plaistow, Darren Avey, Isaac Ssebugwawo, Andrew Minkevich
MOTM: Andrew Minkevich

DOTD: Edward Plaistow

STARTING LINE-UP: Kieran Lee (GK), John Gridley, Joe Plumridge, Darren Avey, Thomas Murphy, Edward Plaistow, Roman Bilivitskiy, Andrew Minkevich, Andrew Stears, Denys Zhurbiy, Isaac Ssebugwawo (Callum Fisher) 

Merton 4s vs. West Wickham 6s
SAL Junior Division 4 South
Saturday 17^th November 2018

Following a break from league action last weekend, this weekend we welcomed West Wickham to Joseph Hood.

With the 5s having defeated them earlier in the season (albeit against 10 men) and us having defeated the 5s already this season, on paper this should have been a routine three points, everyone knows however that football doesn’t work in that way…

With KO delayed by 5 minutes due to the opposing keeper running late, it gave us that little extra time to discuss the best formation possible. We opted to line up in a 4-4-2 formation with Kieran in goal, from right to left the defence was made up Ed Plaistow, John Gridley, Joe Plumridge and Thomas Murphy, the midfield from right to left was Callum Fisher, Roman Bilivskyi, Andrew Minkevich and Lewis Riches. The driving force up top consisted of Nick Englefield and Denys Zhurbiy.

It was West Wickham that started the game on the front foot, passing the ball around with confidence and finding gaps that seemed to open up our midfield. This confidence on the ball resulted in the first goal of the game. How it came about was a blur….

So was the second!!!!

Shortly after conceding, a change was forced upon us. Dan Kelly came on to replace Joe Plumridge. This meant that with no other option, Denys slotted into the heart of the defence alongside John. Dan Kelly partnered Nick up top.

If we were to get something out of the game, we knew that we had to pull our fingers out, work as a team and graft.

10 minutes before the break we managed to get ourselves bank in the game when Nick rifled in a right footed shot into the top corner. Nothing the jeep could do about it. I don’t know what was more remarkable, the technique to finish how he did or the fact that he managed to get through 90 minutes without getting injured!

Having reduced the deficit to the single goal, we were forced into another change before the break with Roman suffering an injury. Andrew Stears came on in his place.

Due the second half and it seemed like it was a different Merton team that took to the field. West Wickham we’re starting to tire early on which allowed us to take advantage. Although chances were created, composure in front of goal let us down. A prime example was when Dan Kelly blazed over the bar following a peach of a ball from Andrew Minkevich. It was harder to miss than score! That miss awarded him with the Dick of the Day award.

Since being introduced into the 4s setup, Andrew Stears has adapted to the competitive nature of the league and stood out on more than one occasion. This was the case again as he was calm and composed on the ball at all time and picking the right pass 99% of the time. And it was The same person that contributed to our equaliser. His ball from the left was squared to Lewis Riches, who was in acres of space down the right. With pace to burn, he beat of challenger and delivered a low ball into the box. Attempting to put it out for a corner, the opposing defender didn’t get enough on it and unfortunately for him it nestled in the bottom corner.

A difficult game but I think a far result. That is now our 4th draw of the season so we need to think about what can be done to turn the draws into wins.

Next week we host Actonians Association which is when we hope that 3 points, rather than 1 (or none) are award in favour of Merton.      

 

 

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 2 – 2 West Wickham 6s
SCORER(S): Nick Englefield, OG
MOTM: Andrew Stears

DOTD: Dan Kelly

STARTING LINE-UP: Kieran Lee (GK), Edward Plaistow (Capt.), John Gridley, Joe Plumridge (Dan Kelly), Thomas Murphy, Callum Fisher, Roman Bilivitskiy (Andrew Stears), Andrew Minkevich, Lewis Riches, Nick Englefield, Denys Zhurbiy 

Merton 3s vs Polytechnic 5s

The Boars returned to the hood against the team currently top of the league. Another much changed squad was depleted further by late withdrawals of Joe Vaughan for work related reasons and Adam Lynch whose better half disobeyed strict instructions and gave birth to their daughter, a massive congrats from all at the club. A positive was the return to fold of Dan Kelly who after his world tour.

Due to the multiple ins and outs most players were asked to play out of position.

First half-

The game kicked off and it didn’t take long for the visitors to take the lead, the ball was lost in central midfield and the ball was played through for the Polytechnic forward to side foot the ball past an exposed keeper, 0-1. After that early shock to the system the boars started to gain a foothold in the game, moving the ball around well and creating a couple of chances but not testing the keeper.
But all the good work was undone by a second goal for the away team, after breaking free down the right wing the ball was delivered to the back post where the opposition player headed home, 0-2. It then got worse as shortly after Polytechnic scored a third after failing to clear a corner the ball was worked back into the box where the opposition player rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the in guarded net, 0-3 at half time.

Second half-

The boars retook the field after lengthy team talk, just the one change was made, Fitz took up residence between the sticks and Iain was called into action outfield with Dan Kelly making way.
But the positive start to the half Merton were looking for didn’t materialise and from a direct free kick on the edge of the box Polytechnic scored a forth and really ended the game as a contest.
The one bright note was the performance of San Peace over the 90 minutes and that performance was rewarded with his second goal in as many game. It was a great finish from a good 25 yards out that caught the keeper unawares, 1-4.
The scoring was completed when more space down the Merton left was exploited by the Polytechnic right midfielder, the ball across the six yard box was stuck away, 1-5.

MoM – Dan Peace
DoD- Iain Evans

A bad result but no time to feel sorry for ourselves as the small matter of a local derby against Carshalton coming up, a must win in every sense.

Match Report

Bank of England 5s v Merton 6s

Bank of England, must be one of the best locations to play a game of football on a Saturday at any level. No matter which pitch your allocated, the groundsman does a remarkable job, as well as the free half time oranges and post-match hospitality, yes, BoE is a fixture you look forward to

With numbers low compared to the previous week, a thread bear team rocks up at the BoE for a testing game against a team that is unbeaten in the league, but was turning over in the cup to a heavy defeat the week before, maybe this was a good time (or not) to be taking the boys in (dark) blue on

The 6s turned up in dribs and drabs due to the local road works, with the final player managing to get to the pitch with 10 minutes to go. MQ, as ever, ready for his favourite roll between the sticks, the back 4 this week see Steve B at left back, Scott stepping up at short notice to the right back roll, Mark Chappell answering the call at less than 24 hours’ notice at centre back, paired with Joe D and his glass foot, wheeled in from the treatment room to complete the back 4.

Midfield welcomes the new signing of james E, the young left winger/forward also being thrown in to his first game at short notice, right wing sees Daban retain his place ahead of Andrew who starts on the bench and making up the centre pairing is the Phil T and DG, who drops back into last season roll (needs must!), this leaves the newly signed 6s striker, Lewis, up front with the retuning BG, recalled at an hours’ notice to make up the numbers

Looking towards the oppo, the team looks strong and unaffected at the loss in the cup last week to a team no less than 7 divisions or so above ours, looking unfazed they kick off and retain the early possession. A few probing balls over the top to their ‘big man’ up front is dealt with by the 6s centre backs, making light work of the early attacks and looking very composed, good communication between the defence and midfield close the gaps and contain the BoE5s game plan

With the 6s first real attack, BoE realise that 6s have a formidable attack with no less than 4 players that have more pace than your average gazelle in the south London wilderness! Lewis, being marked by Hagrid’s smaller 9ft brother, will never beat him in the air, but in a foot race… see ya pal!

However, its BoE5s who get the lucky break, from what looked like a tame attack came a weak penalty, MC marking the striker close. reaches in and catches the players shin, the contact was far more audible than the tackle, with the player not even going over, the ref points to the spot, the pen is dispatched and MQ dives the right way, but the ball is just out of reach for 1-0

Down against the run of play, the remaining of the half is mainly the 6s, with the odd BoE5s attack thrown in, Phil and DG boss the midfield and win almost every Ariel attack, the 2 working well together with DG ‘breaking’ up play (or just bulldozing the oppo off the ball) and PT skipping around the challenges, its only bad luck and poor finishing form the front that keeps the score 1-0 at have time

2^nd sees Dobby comes in for the injury Daban who took a nasty knock to the foot, and Ricky replacing Scott at right back, the 6s restart the game as they finished the 1^st. Although BoE are more composed and looking more effective its 6s who gain the early exchanges and now test the keeper. The formation changes from 4-4-2, to a 4-3-3 with James tucking in with Lewis and BG, and dobby slotting beside PT and DG.

The phenomenal pace of the front 3 are just one pass away from being great, countless times the BoE are made to look static as each player slips in behind, but can’t quite make the final ball count, and once again, against the run of play, BoE make a set play count when there 9ft defender ambles forward and gets on the end of a corner to plant a soft header above Ricky on the far post and into the top corner for a undeserved 2-0 lead

With 15 minutes to go and 2-0 down against the run of play, the 6s step it up a notch, midfield retain possession from BoE and the counter is on, BG steps on the after burners leaving a few in his wake, delivers a cross, Lewis who is also a MAC1 arrives in the box to firmly side foot his shot into the bottom corner for 2-1 and less than 10 minutes to go

BoE have their backs against the wall, 6s are now stringing the passes around and its not long before the pressure pays off, again the midfield win the battle, PT goes on a mazy run, a couple of 1-2s out wide and the ball is threaded inwards to DG, with one touch, fires in a solid pass to Lewis, with back to goal, flicks the ball between the 2 defenders and into the path of the advancing James, with composure takes a calming touch, waits for the keeper to commit and slots the ball home for a debut goal which brings the game level at 2-2

On top and probing, the 6s pass and move is tearing the oppo apart, PT and DG, again in the thick of it, are instrumental in the build up to another fine move, once again the front 3 terrorise the BoE and it would seem the winner is beckoning. Some quick passing sets James free inside the box, selling his man a one ticket and only the keeper to beat, find himself pushed wide and on the weaker peg, this results in the keeper winning this battle and keeping the score at 2-2, but ‘o’ so close…

With the final minutes beckoning, it’s a BoE attack which looks like nicking the game, 6s pressing for the winner are caught out as BoE go 3v2 at the back, a goal mouth scrabble and a few lucky moments sees the ball go for another corner, the 9ft’er steps up but the ball is hit short, the clearance now put 6s on an 2v2 attack, BG breaks away and threads Lewis through only for the ref to blow the whistle, no way could he be off side as he was still in his own half, bemused and ready to protest, its only them realised the game has been brought to a close for full time… finishing 2-2.

Great game and by far the best the 6s have performed, even with a make shift team. Bank played their part, and will no doubt be pushing towards the top as they do play some neat, tidy football and on any other day would have rolled the 6s over, just that today it finally clicked for the boys in yellow and although down, but not out, was unluckily not to nick it at the death.

No game next week due to the Merton Vets game, where no less than 6 players from the 6s will take part in some way, shape or form, we return the following week in the AFA cup, against last year’s runners up!

MOTM: Close call as it was great team performance, Mark C, Phil T having strong games but getting booked in the process, Steve b also just missing out to the final winner, Lewis, great to have him back in the fold, and 4 goals in 2 games is joint top score for the 6s with DG

DOTD: Mark C. Gave away a pen and got booked for an ‘amazing’ last ditch tackle which not only up ended the player but managed to spin the poor chap 360* mid-air…! (apart from that, he had a great game)