Author: Matt Haswell
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Alrighty, its results time (#lookawaynow)… the 1s lost a tough battle 1-0 to Civil Service. The 2s lost an even more titanic battle 3-2 after extra time against South Bank. Great effort lads. Rumour has it there were some tired legs by the end of it. 3s went down 3-0 against Broomfield. 6s lost 4-2 in a good game against Old Blues. No game for Clive’s magic 5s. However, they spread their winning mirth to the 4s by lending a few soldiers… after being 2-0 down against Winchmore Hill, the 4s stormed to a 5-2 win – thanks in no small part to the brilliance of Dom Plumridge, who banked 4 goals. Much needed win, well done boys!
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The Youth section have been flying the Merton flag high once again. Today’s results are as follows:
U9s match postponed.
U11s lost 6-2 against Molesey Juniors.
U13s beat Rocks Lane Utd by a resounding score of 14-0. Congrats boys!…
U14s were equally impressive, beating Stoneleigh Ath 6-1.
U15s lost 4-1 against Hanworth Sports.
Well done guys!
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Another frustrating score line for Merton 6’s going down 4-1 at home to Old Salesians 3’s with the result not matching the performance. It was a very evenly matched game played in a competitive nature where either team would have been happy to walk away with a draw. It just seems that the team is being punished for every mistake or lapse of concentration so far this season and our attacking play not yielding the goals it deserves. At least the cup games are giving the squad the opportunity to get these issues out of the system before the league fully gets under way.
Old Salesians pinched the league from a corner midway through the first half, a very good delivery came in and after a scramble which included a brave goal line clearance from Ty (well a ball flat in the face and little was known about it!) the ball fell kindly to an unopposed player to slot home. Merton nearly drew level when a delivery from Paul or Chris (Can’t remember who so both have the credit) found Pete who produced a spectacular volley which somehow the goalkeeper managed to save and to be honest it just hit him, again Merton really not getting the rub of the green.
The game continued to go back and forth with little other opportunities in the first half and Merton going in 1-0 down at half time. The second half begin with Merton on top but the side could not quite find the composure in the final 3rd to convert pressure into goals. Corners, free kicks and long shots came without a serious threat on target. The gaffer was beginning to throw his toys out of his pram as Chris tried his best with a few long range efforts into the children’s playground. Paul got down the flank countless times and delivered from the touch line without the players attacking to box able to convert.
And then it happened out of nothing Merton found themselves 2-0 down. There was no massive danger and the defence was well placed. A through ball blocked by Femi diverted out of the way of the collecting goalkeeper Lee with the ball almost in slow motion dribbling over the line, another massive slice of bad luck. It could of got worse if it wasn’t for another goal line clearance from Ram which this time diverted more kindly for us.
Merton’s heads remained high and the team continued to fight and then finally we were back in the game at 2-1. A deliver from a set-piece found the gaffer in space who leapt like a salmon to nod the ball over the approaching goalkeeper.
As the last 10minutes approached and with Merton chasing the game 2 quick goals came to kill the game. Less said about how these 2 goals came the better, lets just say all 4 goals that did come could have easily been avoided.
The positives are that despite the score lines games have been competitive, good football has been played and the team has always fought until the end. If it wasn’t for mistakes and bad luck all of the results could have been very different. Let’s hope the football gets the results it deserves when the league season begins.
Team: Lee, Ram, Chappell, Kevin, Femi, Ty, Jamie, Chris, Dan P, Paul and Pete.
Subs: George, Josh and Malcolm.
Dog of the Week: Even though he helped us out, Lee is awarded Dog for some flapping mistakes.
Man of the Match: Close this week with Kev, Chris, Jamie, Ty and Ram all having 2 votes each until the last vote came in. The final vote went to Ty somehow!!! Maybe it’s because I’m writing the match report or because I moaned at everyone for not voting but I promise it was no fix. Gaffer voted for me and said it’s because I always tried to do the right thing, not necessary that it always came off……
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Another Saturday, another game.
Aaron Byrne here giving you the weekly match report due to Luke’s mysterious disappearance. I have been told he is waiting to be released from daycare… Lets hope order is soon restored.
The Clash –
Top of the table clash against Old Wilsonian’s. An away game with a lot at stake, could the magnificent 5’s actually top the table? With Merton 5’s on a roll, another day at the office, 4 from 4 was the mindset before the game.
“Can lighting strike four times?” was Dwayne Bedford’s motto before the game. Im sure the boy was itching to take another tumble 😉 Meanwhile Josh seemed intent on getting the match ball this week as he arrived with his game face on, maybe it was all the Zlatan comparisons that had him motivated. Our beloved Jayden Smith never fails to entertain and did himself no favours when he was quite frankly showing off his rear end to the lads during the stretches, lucky for him Lee Leenihan was not with us. If you’ve played for Merton 5’s before you should be familiar with Naked Lee Time by now.
The starting Line Up:
Sam was the man behind the sticks, Delman and Josh as our usual right and left back. Darren in centre back partnered with the experienced Steve Burchell. Ackers (Aaron) was our skipper, playing the holding mid role backed by Clive in midfield. I (Aaron Byrne) was as usual on the wings with Dwayne. Dulanje was up top, partnered with the return of the welsh assassin Rich who needs to get the ball rolling into the net.
Tom, Anam and Samurai Steve started on the bench.
First half-
Merton 5’s started the game on the back foot, allowing the home team to have more of the possession for the first 15/20 mins or so. We soaked up pressure the first 15 mins thanks to our marvellous De Gea in goal. Our amazing Sam did not seem to be affected by his birthday antics the night before, pulling off 4 fantastic saves in the first half! Both teams created a few decent chances, but the defence was solid.
Josh was reading everything at the back, not allowing his attacker a sniff of space. We even had Dwayne dropping back, with brilliantly timed sliding challenges, perhaps a potential change in position? Merton looked particularly deadly on the counter, bursting out from the wings, with good link up play with the two men up front. Ackers and Clive did a good job in holding the ball up in the centre of the park.
The goal –
The moment came around the 30th minute mark, Super Sam played a brilliant long ball from the goal kick, that flew over the whole midfield, into the path of the centre backs, allowing the tricky Aaron Byrne to latch onto it. Noticing the keeper sleeping of his line, he casually hit a brilliant 30 yard lob timed to perfection which dinked over the keeper into the back of the net. Poor keeper was caught up daydreaming probably thinking about his next pint, to be fair he did try his best to make it back, i’m sure lots of calories were lost in that moment.
Second half –
Another good half by merton, in truth the first 30 mins of this half were a lot easier than the remainder. This game should of been dead and buried by the 60-70th mark..
Striker Dulanje had a handful of chances that could of been in the back of the net on another day, I should have also added to my tally with a miss in the box that led to a throw in to the opposition. We both blame the rain for not having a brace each. Even Delman got in on the misses almost defying the odds with a goal, after making a great run. Rich played a deeper role in the second half holding the ball up well bombing forward like a mighty white Yaya Toure.
Substitutes Anam, Tom Reid and Steve Harvey all filled in well to grind out the result in the end, playing positions they don’t usually play in for the benefit of the team. Well done lads.
The last 15 mins was a tight affair, with the team going into defence mode to grind out the result, although a few counter attacking chances missed could of made it 2-0.
Full time, another clean sheet. 1-0 victory. 3rd (only on goal difference). Come on!
Man of the match-
Let’s thanks ‘keeper Sam Ripley for showing up and not going missing on his birthday like something you’d see in a movie! On this occasion he takes the match ball. 6/7 great saves in the match that earned him a clean sheet. Vocal, brilliant handling, and excellent delivery from his goal kicks, Add in his assist for the winning goal.
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NAME: Ed Plaistow (AKA Scholesy)
TEAM: 4s
POSITION: Manager/Left Back
BIRTH DATE: 3rd July 1986
BIRTH PLACE: Carshalton
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Tooting Eagles
1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I’m a Quantity Surveyor who works for a multi-discipline Cost Consultants based in Croydon. I class myself as a hard worker who is willing to put the time and effort in all I do to succeed…..even with Merton!
2. How did you end up at Merton FC?
I used to play in the Price Georges Youth Football League in Morden for a team called Tooting Eagles (managed by Clive Roberts who some might know from his time at Merton). After competing at U16 level it was time to move on with a number of us, including my brother Dan Plaistow, selected to represent the league against Merton. I’m not sure if it was the 1st XI we were competing against however we did manage the win! I liked what I saw and the camaraderie of the players and I haven’t looked back since.
3. What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
I would have to say leading 5th XI out in a SAL Cup final. Unfortunately we lost in extra time albeit against a strong Polytechnic side a number of leagues above us!
4. If you could play for a professional team,which would be it and why?
Would have to be the mighty reds of Manchester! Been a fan literally all my life.
5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Funnily enough I have none!
6. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Unfortunately we were relegated last season so this season improvements need to be made. On paper were are in an easier league however with the first few results you would think otherwise. We are working hard to determine where we are going wrong and I have no doubt that once that first win comes that it will be one of many and we will hopefully be title challengers. A good cup run would be a bonus too!
RAPID FIRE:
Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football):
Childhood Team: Manchester Utd
Favourite team in the UK: Manchester Utd
Favourite team outside the UK: Don’t have one.
Childhood Hero: Paul Scholes
Favourite Food: Indian
Favourite Drink: Jack & Coke
Favourite Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers
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Main message after last weeks result was to see a reaction. A strong start was made, and we raced into a 4-0 lead within the first 30 minutes. Jake D scoring a hatrick, after Malcin had scored a long distance free kick for us to take the lead.
At this point we started to: take our foot off the pressure but made some changes to keep everyone active in the game. Hampton began to put pressure on us and carved out a goal on the final kick of the first half.
Second half began and we continued to be sloppy at times on the ball, handing possession over on numerous occasions. Hampton capitalised on a mistake and made it 4-2.
We began to improve and took a 5-2 lead, but again gifted a goal away and let them back into the game. We handed – literally – them a penalty, which Esteban excellently saved to keep our lead at 2 goals. We scored the final goal of the game to make it 6-3; to which it ended that way.
A good performance with things to work on. Well done again
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then the half time whistle went at half time the score was Merton 1 Coulsdon 0. In the first 15 minutes of the second half Marcus scored Merton’s second of the match after a great cross from Hugo then Coulsdon scored after a little mistake at the back and made it 2-1. Further on into the match Marcus scored his second and Merton’s 3rd and made it 3-1 to Merton m. In the dying moments of the match Freddy our centre back cleared the balk of the line Keeping the score 3-1 to Merton then the final whistle went and the final score was Merton 3 Coulsdon 1
Match report from Alfie Barnett (centre back)
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As with last week, some pre match mind games were employed with Ryan and Jason walking off to the far side of the field together. The seemingly romantic stroll turned out to be a pitch inspection, followed by a request to move the game to said pitch. The team made the trek over to said pitches only to find a pitch full of ankle breaking ruts and trenches, once again making us wonder what Ryan and Jason were really doing…
Back on the miniature pitch, Merton lined up in a 4-4-1-1, with Glenn given a free role and told to go win us the game. No pressure lad! With Sherbs away Fitz gallantly took on goalkeeping duties and Jason moved from Cf last week to partner Pearcey at the back.
After a even first ten minutes, Merton started to dominate, with Dan leading the line and closing down the opposition, backed up by Alex and Joe in wide positions and Glenn helping to link the play. Behind them, Ryan and Stoney were snapping into tackles and the back 4 was looking solid.
Chances came quickly. First great work from Joe down the right resulted in a shot for Glenn from the edge of the area that flew just wide. Dan very nearly latched on to a poor backpass, blocking the attempted clearance with the supporting Alex just unable to take advantage. Another flowing move saw the ball held up by Dan and then worked from left to right via Glenn,Joe and Alex. The resulting cross was turned goalwards on the stretch by Dan from a narrow angle only to be cleared off the line.
A goal was coming and it duly arrived on the half hour. More great work from Joe down the right saw him help a ball inside towards Dan. The ball sat up and as keeper (who had spent the opening half hour alternatively swearing at his teammates or flying out of goal to claim every ball remotely near his box), defenders and striker all converged Dan lifted a calm finish over the lot and watched the ball dip into the top right corner. 1-0.
Dan was afforded only a brief celebration before being hooked for Tom, as Merton decided to add further pace to proceedings. More chances came – Alex shot straight at the keeper from 12 yards after another great team move, Tom screamed down the left ala bale (beating two men for pace despite being forced off the pitch and over the bags at the side of it) only for his shot to be blocked/saved. Glenn also put another effort at the keeper from 18 yards.
1-0 at half time and the consensus was that 3 points were there for the taking. Rainer came on for Joe as one further change was made.
Unfortunately the oppo had also had the chance to assess things at ht, bringing their keeper on up front in a maverick move (sadly they found someone else to go in goal). They started the second half better and the game felt a lot more even than previously, with the back 4 under more pressure and the game quite stretched.
In honesty there was a bit of cheating from both sides in terms of not tracking, especially as the game got stretched, but Merton remained very dangerous and continued to create chances when the ball was won high up the pitch. First, Tom overran the ball when it looked like he was clean through, and when he made amends in a similar situation to cross the ball to the back post, Glenn agonisingly just failed to reach it (think gazza in 96).
At the other end Fitz had made a couple of solid stops from st James counters, and bone crunching tackles were flying in from Jason(y),Pearcey,Clowesy and Gresty among others with the magic spray making its first appearance of the season.
This eventually forced a change as Jason limped off to be replaced by the returning mustard (great to have him back from injury). Clowesy moved to cb with mustard going to rb.
The impact was immediate but unfortunately not in a good way. A long diagonal saw the oppo striker and mustard chasing the ball towards the corner. As the ball looked to be running out of play from mustards initial interception, a desperate hook of the boot from the oppo forward flicked the ball against mustards hand from all of 6 inches away. Everyone prepared for a corner only for the
Merton tried to respond immediately with another couple of promising attacks resulting in wayward shots, but it was the home team who continued to press and took the lead. A corner was cleared to the edge of the box, where an unmarked opposition player calmly took an age before passing through a crowd of players into the corner. 2-1.
Merton rallied with a series of attacks that still failed to yield a goal. Glenn absolutely laced a cut back from Alex just over the bar (the noise was quite something) before Tom seemed destined to equalise as he was played in one on one with the keeper on a slight angle. The keeper stayed rooted, tom kept coming and 6 yards out it seemed a certain goal. As the crowd began to celebrate the shot instead clipped the outside of the near post and went behind for a goal kick. Tom looked at his boots in astonishment.
Going into the last few minutes, Dan was recalled from the bench as Merton loaded the area and went 433. He almost got a second after a quick throw from Ryan but a defensive block saw only a corner and despite an almighty late scramble the home side held out for the win.
It was a very disappointed Merton team that returned to the dressing room. Even more so when it turned out we had the dubious honour of being the first team to lose to St James in the SAL. The only silver lining came in the form of the abundance of food left over by an Irish christening party going on in the bar in the bar – a buffet the likes of which will never be seen in the SAL again. Our hosts excelled themselves.
Motm: Alex. An almost constant threat down the left.
DOTD: The man, the returning (slimline) handball legend that is mustard.
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Another mild day at the Hood cast the perfect setting for the 4s to start turning their season around. The Vets before them had shown how it was done in an entertaining exhibition, but after a heart to heart the week before in the dressing room, and the decision to arrive earlier for the warm up (which almost everyone adhered to!), everyone was ready to simply get a win.
Team: Kieran Lee (GK), Ed Plaistow, Mike Todt, Chris Outred, John Gridley, Noor Emad, Joe Plumridge, Dan Gridley, Darcy Yates, Sonny Kennedy, Dom Plumridge
Subs: Carl Kewley, Ryan Burchell
Booked: Dom Plumridge
MOTM: Sonny Kennedy
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Merton FC Stats End of Season
