Author: Matt Haswell

22 October 2016
Report by Martin Quinlan

Merton 7XI v Crouch End Vampire 6th Score 5 – 1

So, a new beginning for Merton with a 7th XI for the 3rd time since 1978-1979, and for those like me, who played in the 1978/79 team! As it happens it was against Crouch End Vampires (CEV).

The team generally turned up on time and it was just a case of working out who played in each position in the classic 4-4-2. One advantage Dan was A providing a goalkeeper, Jon, and the rest of the team seemed to sort itself out through until just before kick-off when we had to do a quick reshuffle.

My preparation was also hampered by trying to find a complete/clean yellow kit, but we ended up starting our new beginnings in Blue.

Once the game started, we soon settled as a team and played some good football with a strong central midfield pair of David and Andrew and two youngsters Billy and Emmanuel the wing. The defence was solid: Femi, Dan, Tom and Martin, which meant Jon in goal had little to do, and Malcolm and Scott up front. We created several chances before finally breaking the deadlock after about 20 minutes with a good move finished by Emmanuel. For the rest of the half we were on top, even making 2 subs. We scored 2 further goals: a header from David G, and a shot from Scott.

At half time we made further changes which initially set us back a bit as we took time to settle again and Crouch End Vampires did find their feet a bit. Once we did settle we did play well again and scored again with a goal – Billy off Malcolm; a father and son scoring in the same match.

We were then forced into changes after a clash of heads between Dave G and a CEV player; both having to go off. Since CEV only had 11 players we loaned them Emmanuel for a few minutes. Scott scored a cracking second goal or was it a cross? However I wasn’t watching as I was considering further changes. CEV did get a consolation goal.

In general it was a good team performance although there are things to work upon, as we did get overrun a bit in midfield at times, however CEV did play a very attacking formation.

Many thanks to Ed Plaistow and Mike Todt for refereeing, however you are better as players! Big up to Emmanuel for helping CEV briefly; in fact he played for 3 teams on the day, none in yellow, and also to CEV for coming down from North London and staying for a few drinks.

If we are added to the league the opposition will be tougher in most cases and we will even get to play our 6s for second time in just over eleven years. However, Saturday represented a great start, and a perfect launchpad for this new-look team.

Team: Jon T., Femi S., Tom R, Dan A., Martin Q., Emanuel, David G., Andrew D., Billy G., Malcolm K., Scott S.
Subs: Dusan B., Tiago C.

Goals: Scott 2, Emanuel, David & Billy
Miss of the day Dave with sore head

We didn’t do MOM & DOD this week but will in further weeks.

For those of you who regularly visit the flying fives’ reports to read about how much we’ve won by in the following week, look away now.
It had been 2 weeks since we had played as Polytechnic 9s unhelpfully called off last week. We played today like we had taken the two weeks off and gone to Ibiza, pulling an all-nighter before finally returning back to our home of Merton with puke down our shirt, blinded by the sunlight and still trying to find our friend named “Doug”. It was a performance that was reminiscent of last year, and one that we must be focused on reversing in the next game.
Their first goal saw the oppo player run onto a bouncing ball from just outside the 18 yard box. With Lenners committed, the player lobbed him from the left hand side to make it 1-0 after approximately 25 – 30 mins. Shortly after, they capitalised on a bit of luck. An attempted through ball hit our player and rebounded kindly to their player, who hit a lovely strike from 25 yards out that he won’t do again anytime soon. The third was also a happy blend of catastrophic & unlucky. A slide tackle to block the cross rebounded off our defender, hit their player and fell kindly in the box. A good cross ended up at the feet of their striker, who scuffed what should have been an easy tap in. As the ball painfully slowly approached the line, Steve Birchall got to the ball and went to clear. Unfortunately, the clearance hit Lenners on the back of the head and went in for Lenners’s second own goal of the season. Despite the luck attributed to goals 2 and 3, they deserved the 3-0 lead at half time.
The second half started a little better, with Merton calving out our first half chances of the day. The game was marred, however, by an incredibly unfortunate, serious looking injury afflicted to Tom who was having a very good game at an unfamiliar left back position at the time. We all wish him a speedy recovery, and he will be missed whilst away. The game petered out without much incident after, with both teams creating half chances, however the game ended 3 – 0.
In writing this report, I have realised how refreshing it is to be bitterly disappointed by a defeat where last season it almost felt like an expectation. We have performed incredibly well as a team throughout this season and next week provides us as a shot at retribution against a Poly 8s side that will prove to be tough opposition.

Merton FC Vs Old Coulsdon Colts Blazers
This was a league match at home. It was a hard match. They had quite a few players who were very good. We did not play that great in the first half as we did not communicate with each other. We all played a lot better in the second half we pressured and got more stuck in but we did not get tight enough to there players. The score was 2-2.The goal scorers were Keiron and Daniel. Keiron scored an open goal going past the keeper.Daniel scored a goal by a free kick cross by Theo then which lead to a half volley in the six yard box. One of there goals were from a free kick that should of been a foul because they were blocking the keepers sight. There second goal was from a goal kick which went through the midfield and then past the defence then it was a one on one with the keeper and

slots it away. Man Of The Match was Theo are CAM.
Match report by Milo (keeper).

This weeks edition of the Merton Way is dedicated to Nick Papanastasiou, a true boar who we sadly lost last week in a tragic accident whilst he was on his travels in Vietnam.

Those of us that knew Nick would agree that you will never meet a more happy-go-lucky guy whose big cheeky smile and positivity never failed to lift those around him. The outpouring of love from the 100s of messages and photos posted on his Facebook page are testament to this. “Loyal”, “One of a Kind” “Talented” “Charming” “Energetic” and “Intelligent”, are just a few words that help to paint a picture of the kind of guy he was.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
For someone of his age, Nick was a fountain of knowledge in a wide range of subjects, but undoubtedly his passion was in fitness and nutrition. He spent many hours explaining to me and anyone who would listen the benefits of eating the diet of a caveman and the best ways to “jack” your testosterone levels through exercise and eating animal fats! He is the only player I have ever known to do a 2 hour Olympic lift and squat session the night before a big game, cycle 7 miles from home to the match at the Hood on a Saturday afternoon and still be the freshest player on the pitch. When most players are struggling to walk after a game he would just hop onto his bike, usually to a friend’s BBQ for some meat (no carbs). I would challenge someone to remember a time off the pitch where he wasn’t holding a protein shake or a packet of pre-cooked chicken from Sainsbury’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As far as his football goes, Nick could really play – even when he was turning up after a heavy night at Fabric, running on fumes, with only after half an hour sleep! He had excellent movement, a great pass and could find the back of the net when half a chance presented itself. The 3rd of October 2015 springs to mind, where, away to Merton 3’s rivals Old Parkonians, we were approaching half time, when Merton, against the run of play took the lead with Chris P, Nick’s brother playing his part by nudging the goalkeeper (who had run miles out of goal for some reason) off the ball, which then fell to Nick, who still with a lot to do lifted the ball over the stranded keeper from 35-40 yards for a delightful finish to put the Boars 1-0 up at half time. It’s a shame this exquisite goal from Nick wasn’t emulated by the team in the second half and Merton ended up well beaten at 5-1 when the final whistle went. Nonetheless a memorable goal that is etched into the minds of the Merton 3s dream team of 14/15.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a friend and a teammate he had a great personality, excellent banter and was completely loyal. I’ve shared so many great memories with Nick, the infamous weekend in Berlin, Copenhagen, Skiing in Les Deux Alps, and Flaine to name just a few. He really knew how to live life to it’s full, seek adventure and find the funny side to everything.

On the Merton 2 and 3s WhatsApp group the heartfelt tributes in response to the premature loss of our friend has been overwhelming and it’s clear that Nick will be sorely missed. His bother Chris has expressed a wish to do something within the club to commemorate Nick at some point in the future but in the meantime we will be holding a minute’s silence before all games on Saturday as a mark of respect.

Last week we lost a brother, a great friend, a teammate and a true boar. Let’s show our respect by going out there this week and making him proud. We will observe a minute’s silence before all games at the weekend as a mark of respect.

I’m going to miss ya buddy

Tom Benham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Finchleians 3 – 2 Merton 3’s

The day started as usual with a vigorous warm up running side to side on the pitch dominated mainly by the 12 players trying to learn each other’s names (of the 12 only 3 played the week before and there were a couple of debutants). Once the game had kicked off the Boars, starting out with a 442 formation, were straight on the front foot keeping the ball and creating a couple of half chances. After 15 minutes of back and forth the game kicked in to life when a relatively easy one on one save by the Boars keeper (Gubby or Gabby who you will hear about again in due course…) and quick throw out to Alex at left back, led to a counter attack goal smartly finished over an oncoming keeper by DK
After a couple of half chanced by the opposition, a free kick was given away on the edge of the Boars box which was smartly converted over the 4 man wall in to the top corner of the Boars net to draw the game level. The Boars lost their early momentum at this point and when another free kick was given away, a ball deep in to the Boars box found an unmarked opposition player who converted his free header back across the goal to make it 1-2.
After 2 goals in relatively quick succession, the Boars started to find their feet again winning a free kick in a similar position to the last won by the opposition and an equally delicious delivery led to a carbon copy header by Ross to level things up at 2-2. Ross nearly turned provider as he broke down the left and managed to square the ball across the box towards DK for a tap in, only for the keeper to get a hand to it and divert it away. All agreed as we went in to half time that the Boars had had the better of the first half and if not for a 10 minute period of set piece madness or if we had converted some of our numerous half chances, we could have been in front. One chance in particular stands out.
Unfortunately, the Boars didn’t come out in the first half with the same momentum and the opposition were on the front foot from the kick-off, aided by the opposition keepers superhuman kick distance. This guy was reaching the edge of the Boars box or further with kicks off the floor and out of his hands, playing to the height advantage the Boars were giving to the opposition on the day. After about 20 minutes of half chances from the opposition, the Boars keeper (told you that you would hear about him again) spooned a goal-kick to the opposition forward and then followed the mistake up by not winning the following challenge with the striker, giving him an open net to put the opposition up 3-2.
The opposition continued with the pressure for the rest of the half after the Boars reverted to a more familiar (as I am told) 433 formation. Apart from a few half chances, Andy L having a shot blocked on the line by a combination of keeper and defender and a few other half chances that all seemed to get blocked before they could finish their path to the top corner of the oppositions net, the Boars didn’t really threaten the opposition keeper enough. Gubby was given the chance to turn from zero to hero (kind of) by pulling out a Gordon Banksesque save to get down and tip what should have been a tap in from 6 yards around the post. A few more saves towards the end of the game kept the score at 3-2, but in truth the second half performance was the Boars downfall on the day.
Some positives can defiantly be taken from the performance. On a day where the team knew each other better, a couple of half chances had been converted and fitness was maybe at a higher level, the Boars could have walked away with at least a point from a game like this.

MOTM – Keeper Gubby

DOTD – Keeper Gubby – A rare double on debut of keeping a team in it and throwing it away for them

TEAM – Gubby, Gabby, Mustard, Vin, Alex, Neal, Darcy, Andy L, DK, Denys, Iain, Ross

Merton FC 1-2 kingstonians

Excellent performance that ultimately ended in a defeat for a hardworking and battling side today.

The team had to regroup and start again following the result last week and message of the day was to get the enjoyment back in the team, and have fun playing football.

We made a solid start despite kingstonians having a lot of the ball. Holding strong under immense pressure at times, whilst kingstonians knocked the ball around at comefortable ease.

We nicked a goal and took a 1-0 lead, albeit against the run of play, but something that we had worked hard for. Bradley applying the finishing touch after the ball bobbled around in the area. Following the goal we continued to battle and could have had 2 or 3 more goals had we taken our chances.
A free kick was given 5 yards in our half, not much danger for us; or so it seemed! There skipper pulling out a cracking free kick that flew past estaban in goal.

1-1 and it was game on, an even contest that both teams battled for the upper hand in.

2nd half and we continued to play well, battling and showing our quality when we had the ball. Challenge from last weekend was to create more chances than we did last time, and we did. Continuing to create chances, and getting closer to their goal.

Midway through the 2nd half, Jake running in on goal. K’s goalkeeper came rushing out and handled outside his area. Ks were rattled and Merton carried on pushing for the second goal.

We began to run out of ideas and ks began to increase the pressure on our goal.
We continued to battle and hold out until 79th minute. When we lost our player in the box and he fired in the winner. Undeserved winner – couldn’t be prouder of our players for their attitude and battling spirit.

Massive well done to all players, great attitude and spirit. Especially when opposition challenged the respect campaign to its boundaries!! Keeping our heads and continuing to do what we do best.

Well done lads. Up the Merton

Merton FC 2 – 3 West Wickham

Fresh off a much-needed win the previous week in the Cup, it was back to league matters for the Merton 4s against West Wickham at the Hood. The game was delayed owing to a horror injury for Tom Reid (wishes from all of us for a speedy recovery mate), but the game did eventually get going about half an hour late.

Dan Gridley was missing this week, which was a shame, but a similar formation was adopted with Will sitting in as a midfield screen once again. It became apparent within the first few minutes that it would be a game of few chances though, with both teams very evenly matched – almost cancelling each other out. But Merton were giving as good as they got, looking solid in defence, and occasionally threatening with their pacy legs upfront.

But as has become typical, they conceded an awful first goal that came largely against the run of play, effectively undoing their good work. An entirely innocuous cross came in; Mike left it thinking Kieran was coming to claim, the ball bounced awkwardly between the two, and the striker, who couldn’t believe his luck, bundled it over the line.

A clusterfuck really, but it had nothing on the second goal. Once again an awkward ball came in over the defence. Again it bounced awkwardly, and the striker nodded it onto the crossbar – somewhat gently. Kieran did well to get a palm to the rebound, but succeeded only in doing so onto the back of the unsuspecting striker’s head. And, as is the way, this inadvertent ‘header’ somehow found it’s way into the goal.

2-0 down. Unbelievable Jeff. West Wickham had barely had a shot in anger! It was cruel on Merton, but now they simply just had to find a way to get back into it.

And they did just that. The spirits stayed up, the work rate never dropped, and, after a good sustained 10-minute period of plugging away, the reward came. Carl dinked a delightful ball through for Dom, who ran onto it with his usual ease and grace. Even from a tight angle, there was only ever going to be one outcome, and he slotted it past the keeper to pull it back to 2-1.

Merton pushed hard for an equaliser before the half, but, in truth, it was mostly with long balls and crosses, which their keeper had no problems dealing with.

At the break, the talk was positive; rueing the shambolic and unfortunate goals conceded, but with the belief that, with a bit more ball on ground football, a victory lay in wait.

Unfortunately, soon after proceedings resumed, the curse of the cheap goal struck yet again. Wickham won a free kick in a dangerous position, but the delivery was fairly bog standard. However, with a clever dummy run by one of their strikers, Kieran was put off, and the ball went directly into the net.

3-1. So unfortunate again, but also very frustrating. The visitors had barely carved out a single decent opportunity, and yet somehow had three goals to their credit.

Infuriating as it was, Merton just had to keep going. And they did just that, in fairness. No one switched off, solid work at the back provided a good base from which to build and everyone to a man worked their socks off. Ryan Burchell came on and provided a good outlet down the right too, and although much of the game was being played in midfield, Merton used the space out wide well, and got to the bylines on numerous occasions.

Chances were few and far between though. Ryan had one effort which went just over the crossbar, while Dom was well thwarted a few times having latched onto some scraps upfront.

Merton really played some good football in the final 10, and put Wickham under immense pressure. But time was running out, and the second goal arrived a bit too late. Dom got the ball just outside their box, and played a delightful through ball to Will, who’d made a lung-busting run down the left. Will took it on the run, rounded the keeper, and did ever so well to put it away from a tight angle.

3-2, with just a couple of minutes left on the clock. Merton then threw bodies forward, but unfortunately weren’t able to create anything. The whistle eventually went, and a gutting, narrow defeat was the final outcome. Undoubtedly, it was a disappointing one to lose, and things could have been so different.

But there were plenty of positives to take too, and Merton need not be too downbeat. The standard of play has improved dramatically since early season, the team spirit is far better, and you can’t help but feel that a decent run of results isn’t too far away.

Team: Kieran Lee (GK), Ed Plaistow, Mike Todt, Joe Plumridge, Will Harrison, John Gridley, Chris Outred, Joe Underwood, Cameron Brooks, Carl Kewley, Dom Plumridge

Subs: Noor Emad, Chris Dodd, Ryan Burchell

MOTM: Will Harrison

DOTD: Mike Todt, for the cock up in the first goal, and for giving Chris the spoon in the bar afterwards!

Todays Youth Results.

The U9s who have just beeen promoted four divisions lost 3-1 to Carshalton Athletic (Up against the big boys metaphorically speaking -they are still U9s). U13s drew 2-2 with Old Coulsden Colts and the U15s lost 2-1 against Kingstonian Youth. U14s Result is still awaited. Well done boys a good effort.

Todays Results and A red letter day with Merton fielding seven full teams and subs.

Pride of place goes to the 7s who beat CEV 6s 5-1 on their debut. Well done to Martin and the boys. Great performance and thanks to CEV for coming all this way for the game. Match report

The 6s won 2-1 at Old Wilsons a great win.
Clive’s 5s were brought down to earth by South Bank 3-0 but Tom Reid suffered a nasty injury, taken away in an ambulance.

The 4s (h)and 3s (a) both lost tight games 3-2.

The 2s lost 7-2 in the cup to NUFC oilers Res who looked very sharp.

The 1s fought out a high quality competitive 0-0 draw with EBOG. Bar buzzing afterwards and a really important step forward for the club.

This League game was and is going to probably be our easiest. Rock Lane did have 1 or 2 good players but as a team they were not complete. We took advantage of that in the first half, passing well, using tactics from training and playing as a team. In the 1st half we scored 6 goals, the scorers were Theo with 2, Isaac with 2, Justin and Kieron. The 2nd half we did not play as well (Passing/positioning wise), but we did score another 8 goals, the scorers were Theo, completing his hat-trick with another 3 goals, Marcus coming on and scoring 3, Justin and Nikoy. In the 2nd half Steve took a player off to make it more fair. 10 minutes into the 2nd half and we started losing shape and playing very messy, just aiming for goals. 10 minutes before the final whistle we decided to play possession and to not score anymore, we gathered our shape a bit and started playing nice passes and good football. So the match overall was ok, had some good and bad moments with our performance, yes we did win but I think Steve and I want to see some more thought going into the game and start playing as we train them. The match had only one Injury with number 3 from Rock Lane getting a Nose Bleed. Apart from that both teams were very respectful and sportsmanship was very nice to see, Rock Lane are a very nice bunch of players. I would give the man of the match to Justin as he played outstanding in CM (Central Midfield), which is not where he usually plays as he is a Left/Right Mid but Steve and I loved the way he played there.