Category: Match Reports 1s

Team: Angus, Tom Rowe, Rat, Browner, Will Lowe, Tilley, Woody, Dan Whiteman, Vanny, Ackers, Bosher  Subs: Femi, Denis

A disappointing 5-2 loss for the 1’s this week, who again had to shuffle the line-up due to unavailability and suspensions.

After the initial jostling, the opposition opened the scoring from a counter attack 10 minutes into the first half. Poor midfield tracking and static defending allowed their winger to find himself with just Angus to beat, and calmly slotted home to give Winchmore Hill an early lead.

A controversial free-kick then doubled the visitors lead just 5 minutes later.  Whilst Angus was setting his wall, their striker hit the ball early into the open goal from 25 yards out. Despite Merton’s prolonged protests the goal was allowed to stand, and a somewhat embarrassed Winchmore Hill striker trotted back to the halfway line for the re-start.

The terrible decision rallied Merton, with the lads coming close to immediately pulling one back when Bosher was denied by the fingertips of the W.H. keeper following some smart build up play and a defence splitting pass. Both sides continued to battle evenly for the next 20 minutes, creating half-chances along the way. Tommy Rowe contained and continued to kick their left winger, comfortably the best player on the pitch. Ackers battled and held onto the ball up top, whilst at the back Rat marshalled many a long ball, with Will Low putting in a reassuringly solid shift at left back.

With Merton looking most likely to score the next goal, a lack of concentration when defending a corner allowed two free Winchmore hill players to combine, the latter deflecting the ball past Angus from close range. Merton were 3-0 down and facing an uphill battle when the Ref, clearly hoping to rectifying his earlier mistake, continued his bad form when giving Merton a lifeline just before half time. Despite Bosh’s shot quite visibly (and audibly!) striking the centre half square in the face, the Ref awarded Merton a penalty, which Acker’s proceeded to calmly slot home. A buoyed Merton went into the break 3-1 down.

The battle continued after the break with Merton edging closer to a comeback. The opposing keeper was never truly tested however, and with 25 minutes to go another free kick from the visitors proved Merton’s downfall. This time, the flight of a cross-come-shot from the left touchline deceived everyone including the keeper, sailing into the top corner to restore the visitors 3 goal advantage.

This was short-lived, as good work from Vanny and (a recently introduced) Femi down the right led to Merton’s second, with Femi’s cross met by Dan Whiteman whose bullet header disappeared into the top corner. Merton rallied further and continued to push forward in numbers with the lads feeling a result could be attained. Despite a few half chances no goal came, but the over-commitment allowed Winchmore Hill one further chance on the break and they proceeded to put the game firmly to bed with 5 minutes to go. 5-2.

The result, a second disappointing losses on the bounce. With a massive cup final this coming weekend the lads will need not need any more motivation to get back to winning ways.

Dan Whiteman

As the score line suggests this was a pretty dreadful display by us. Nottsborough had a very good forward but he didn’t score any of their goals and we should’ve been able to defend the crosses he put into the box. We didn’t and were 4-0 by half time. Three of the goals were identikit back post headers which we should’ve learnt from each time. We regrouped at half time and most people raised their games. Not that hard given how poor the first half was! We scored twice but still managed to score an own goal and ANOTHER back post header to compound our misery. The most annoying aspect of the day was that they looked fitter and more committed than us and it’s very rare that’s the case. A bad day we need to put behind us, look forward to the cup final, and learn from to ensure we get the points we need to stay up. Thanks to Darcy and Tony who stepped up from the 3s and Cookie who went in goal for the last 20 minutes.

TEAM: Ryan Tomlin (GK), Cookie, Browner, Rat, Jonesy, Al G, Snooks, Darcy, Vanny, Bosher, Dan Whiteman. Subs: Alex Hope, Tony

I was told it was tough going to Winchmore Hill and getting a result. I didn’t count on that meaning a tediously slow journey through the City turning into road works at every turn. Woody now understands the point of meet times!!

When we finally arrived, with Van purple with pain as he needed a wee wee, we found a pitch in very good condition despite the rain during the week.

With a few absentees we drafted in the club’s three top scorers, Will Taylor, Rayner and Big Jase. Left wing, left back and the bench probably weren’t where they thought their goals would get them, but that’s life. Even with the reshuffled pack we got off to a very good start and created a couple of half chances and generally controlled midfield. Winchmore Hill looked dangerous upfront though with a very clever centre forward and a quick, tricky winger who when he wasn’t falling over in the area with no one near him was their main source of danger. His quick feet and the wet pitch meant a number of Merton defenders ending up on their backsides. From one such episode a good ball was played across the box and put in at the back post. The rest of the half was reasonably even but Angus was definitely the busier keeper and pulled off a couple of very good saves.

We regrouped at half time, bringing on Jase for the injured Woody, and worked out a plan to snuff out their danger. With this we started the second half strongly and soon equalised through a drilled, Will Taylor effort, from just inside the area. We had two or three more good changes and again generally looked good, containing their danger men. With 15 minutes to go we conceded a free kick, midway into our half, and their centre forward scored a very good header from the resulting delivery. This galvanised us again and driven forward by Al G, captain for the day, we pushed for the equaliser. We were denied a stone wall penalty as Ackers turned his man and was brought down and then as we pushed on, gaps were left and they scored a third with minutes to go.

The score line suggests we were well beaten by a promotion hopeful but the performance told a different story. So, lots of positives to take into next week and more proof that we’re in the right league and just need a bit more luck.

TEAM: Angus (GK), Al G, Rat, Browner, Rayner, Will Low, Woody (Big Jase 44 (time he came on, not

Merton 3  (0)  Alleyns O.B.  3 (1)  AET Merton win on pens 4-2.

AFA Senior Surrey/Kent semi final  at the Hub Tooting and Mitcham Ground 14^th February 2015

Scorers :  Bosh 2. Ackers (pen)

This was a brilliant win for Merton securing a place in the AFA surrey/Kent senior final (14t March at Poly). It was done the Merton Way with plenty of drama. With the Hood unplayable the game was switched to a 4.15 KO on the 3G floodlit pitch at the Hub in Mitcham. We started quite well and it was a surprisingly physical encounter; 3G tends to be amore dainty affair but not this time. We more than held our own with greater possession but created openings with shots wide from outside the penalty area, whilst they missed a couple of chances but they went ahead after half an hour when some sloppy defending gave them  an opening which they finished well. Half time and no panic but we became guilty of giving the ball away too often and too easily. This lead to Alleyns seizing on mistakes and scoring twice to make it 3-0 with 25 mins to go. This did not look too promising particularly as we were unsettled and had lost our way a bit. Bosh replacing Vanny who had worked so hard and Dan Whiteman while Tills took a breather , came on and their fresh legs and industry made a change. But we also settled down and went back to patient passing and build up. Ackers and Rat were combining well down the right and Dan and Ali G down the left. This brought our rewards with Bosh finishing  twice in quick succession.  3-2 and very interesting. We pressed hard  for the equaliser and they had a hard job clearing corners and scrambling it away. We had a good shout for a penalty denied. We were dominating in midfield with Will, Snooks, Woody and Tills running their socks off. With time running out another handball and a penalty which Ackers coolly slotted  3-3 and extra time.  The 2 x 15mins flashed by and we could not finish it. Bosh came closest flashing a couple of chances wide. And so to pens. We started the shoot out and Ackers and Woody fired home brilliantly for 2-2. Then Woody stepped up and scored but their man fired high and wide and not for him very handsomely. Al G made it 4-2 and their man had to score or they were out. Real pressure and he started badly by putting the ball on the wrong spot at about 18yds and having to respot and then firing close to Angus who saved. Celebrations were cut short as the Lino was flagging for Angus moving forward. But their lad did no better the second time and it was a memorable well celebrated win.   Clappers did a brilliant job of organising the team and Browner’s pace was tested by their very quick, very young forwards. This was a brilliant all round team performance. It was not an easy game to referee but the officials did a good job. Well done to Clappers and the boys . Book the date 14^th March at Poly.

[Show slideshow]

AFA Surrey/ Kent Senior Cup

This was a good performance from the 1s who came up against Lloyds who are top of the SAL third division and had only lost one league game this season. But we put in a strong performance and deserved the win that sets up a Semi- final tie against Alleyns to be played at the \Hood in a few weeks time. The pitch was very wet but playable and we settled quickly and got on top early on. Our first goal came from a very good move with Ackers setting up Woody who rifled it home from 20 yards left footed into the corner. Whilst we were on top Lloyds had their moments and created some opportunities and a bit of sloppy defending after 35 mins saw them equalise so we turned 1-1 at Half time.  With the wind behind us we played pretty well in the second half and dominated but Lloys were well organised and never gave up. We took the lead early in the second half when a well delivered Woody free kick was flicked  on and Al Gladkow finished well. We had a number of chances to increase our lead none better than Tills blazing over the bar shortly before he scored our third with a far post header.

This was a pretty good performance against a good side who look likely to be promoted to the Second division net season. Tills and Woody won a lot of the midfield headers and Snooks set up some good moves. The surface was never easy but both sides played some nice football . Everyone (both sides)put in a big shift on a very tiring surface. Phil Cook reffed the game very well . I think we were spurred on by our disappointing cup exit in our last game a fortnight ago.

Well done lads and now for the semi final but there is a big league game at Old Owens next week.

Team;   Angus (GK), Al G, Browner, Clappers, Rat, Tills, Woody, Snooks, Vanny (Chris Jones 70 mins), Ackers, Bosh  (Will Low 60 mins) ,

[Show slideshow]

This was going to be another stern test for Merton as we travelled to table topping Poly in Chiswick. Another SAL club with really good facilities and 6+ pitches. I was surprised to see the Uni side playing a training match on the 1s pitch as this has always been jealously protected and consequently it was not quite so good as in the past but it was still a very good surface. Poly have had a little dip in form lately losing in the cup last week at HSBC (3rd Div) and at home to Alleyns. We were out of the blocks very quickly and created a couple of openings and it was a few minutes before Poly got into the game. They are clearly a very good side and neither side really got on top, but just before half time of a pretty even contest a Poly break resulted in a penalty. Whilst it was not the best Angus saved it and we went into the break all square.

Poly started the second half better and created  and missed a pretty good chance and then scored with a really great strike after Angus had made another great save. We came back at them really well and played some really good attacking football, breaking from defence and passing incisively. None better than Will Low who was filling in at left back for Al Gladkow and was outstanding. Ackers got the ball in the net with a good lob but was penalised for offside or a push on the centre back, could have been either, probably neither. This was a short reprieve as another flowing move started down the left and swung across field opened up Poly’s defence and Vanny rifled it home. For the next 15 mins we created and Poly had a number of escapes with Snooks, Vanny and Tills all having chances. At the end  though Poly came back at us and a snap shot in the last moments went desperately close.

This was the best that I have seen Merton play. Clappers had the side really well organised and everyone did their job. The back four was excellent and Will Low showed his value to the side with an outstanding performance in an unfamiliar left back position. Snooks was magnificent in mid field well supported by Woody and Tills who battled well. Ackers lead the line tirelessly but a worrying hammy caused his substitution. Bosh and Vanny threatened down the wings, replaced with 10 mins to go by Dan Whiteman and Tom Rowe whose fresh legs were welcome relief. Angus in goal was our Man of the Match in an excellent team performance. The game was well reffed by Mr. Turnbull and Poly’s hospitality was very welcome.

[Show slideshow]

Three trips up and down the north circular, Victoria and Northern lines in three successive Saturday’s and this time we were off to Crouch End for a typically testing battle on their first team ‘pitch’ which hadn’t seen any football since November. The good news for Browner was that no matter where he found himself he always had an excuse for his first touch but for others it meant that playing any real flowing football was going to be a challenge.

We didn’t start particularly well with Tills and Woody getting over run through the middle and the front three of Van, Bosh and Whiteman struggling to get hold of the ball to feet or in behind the Vamps back row. It was at the other end where a lot of the action was and Sherbs had to be on his toes to keep the scores level with a couple of smart stops from half chances. As the half wore on we began to dictate the play morethrough excellent play from Al G and Rat from full back whilst Snooks was enjoying more success throug the middle. Chances were starting to fall our way and after another marauding run down the right from Rat his deep cross found Bosh in space which he expertly guided past the keeper with a smart first time volley to put us one up. The second goal wasn’t far behind and this time Whiteman delivered from the right to find Tills whose header cannoned off the bar and was first to the rebound to turn the ball home to double our advantage going in to the break.

The second half began in the same vein as the first but this time the Vamps found a way past Sherbs (for the first time in three appearances)after some poor marking in our penalty box. We didn’t panic though and soon regained control of the game through decent spells of play down both flanks before Whiteman picked out Van with a pin point cross and his header squirmed through the keepers grasp to restore our two goal lead. Woody then polished the afternoon off nicely with a cross/shot from the touch line which found the far corner of the net and that was that. The hard work that a lot of the squad are putting in on Wednesday nights with Nathan is really paying dividends as we are looking stronger and fitter as games go on. With seven fixtures to go and promotion still very much up for grabs we must not take stop working hard and playing the football that has got us this far. Next week sees us return to action at the Hood against EBOG and thankfully the North Circ will be given a break.

MOM:

Team:Sherbs, Al G, Clappers, Browner, Graves, Tills (1), Woody (1), Snook, Van (1) (Marsh), Bosher(1), Whiteman (Manton)

Written by:James Tilley

It is a lovely place to go and play football on a sunny autumn afternoon. Again injuries and absenteeism meant another shuffle to the back four and Arturs stepping in for Angus in goal. We knew it was going to be a tough game. BOE have been getting good results in SAL Division 2 and would fancy their chances against us. After some good initial possession we started to pass the ball well and put some good attacking moves together but could not convert them. After about 10 moins however the ball broke to Ackers who volleyed it home from about 14 yds giving their keeper no chance. We continued to play some good football and a particularly good passing move with a cross to the far post saw their defender pushing Snook to the ground and conceding a penalty which Ackers put away to give us a 2-0 lead. But while we were still contemplating this BOE struck back straight away. A good move down the right and a cross with a good first time strike changed the game. We were no longer in control and BOE came at us and we looked far from assured. They took advantage of a misunderstanding in our defence and it was level. Both sides had chances to score as the very open cup game went from end to end. This was how the game continued into the second half. I felt we had the worst of a couple of off side calls but with no linos it is bound to raise some controversial moments. We went head on the hour a very good move starting from a Rat clearance and a good quick passing movement saw Vanny running on to a through ball and finishing very neatly. Ackers completed his hat trick and ended the scoring when he turned in a corner that BOE failed to clear. We held on but it never quite felt comfortable. This was agood away win but it would be nice to get some of our injured players back in the team and BOE are having the same difficulty. Our midfield of Tills, Snooks and Craig Usher did very well. Rat again organised the back with another dominant performance. Bosh and Vanny were always running at the BOE defence but a well deserved Ackers hat trick was the highlight of the day.

Team; Arturs (GK), Connor Murphy Al G, Rat, Will Low, Snooks, Tills (Capt.) Craig Usher, Bosh, Vanny (1) Ackers (3), Sub rolling Mike Kelly.

[Show slideshow]

(Surrey Premier Cup)

It’s a long journey down to Ash (nr Aldershot) on a Tuesday night but the lads all made it with varying times to spare. Traffic on the A3 was a nightmare. They started better than us and squandered a good breakaway opportunity but we quickly got into the game and it was an even contest but on 30 mins they were awarded a penalty. Nothing dubious about it, as everyone agreed after the game, it just was not one. They scored and immediately from the kick off, with a sense of burning injustice, we conceded a free kick and they chipped it across the box for a very good headed goal.Our heads did not drop but we responded really well to that and pulled one back just before half time with Ackers dispossessing their defender and tucking it away. A great run down the right from Vanny set up Snooks at the near post but their keeper made agood save to stop us going in level at half time. We equalised pretty much straight after half time when Bosh ran through from the half way line beating 2/3 defenders a one two and shot which keeper did well to parry but Snooks slotted the rebound home. We pressed very hard for the winner and had some good chances. Angus had to make a couple of important and brave saves but we looked the most likely to win it but we failed to clear another generously awarded  free kick and eventually it was rifled home from close range for the winner. We looked a very good side. Rat organised our defence really well and had an absolute stand out performance. Ben Cook and the full backs Connor and Tony were disciplined and solid.  The midfield of Will Low, Tills and Snooks really played well together and controlled passages of the game with passing and movement. Will is having a great season. Ackers was back to his old self with some great control on a difficult surface. Bosh and Vanny were a handful with pace. Peter Quainton came down to help out knowing he would be on the bench but it is help like that a team needs and he did well when he came on. Tills captain stood in as main organiser and motivator and did brilliantly. So why did we lose. Well Ash were a decent side they had two or three very good players, strong and skilful and were well organised. They took their chances and played to their strengths and had a good slice of fortune. That, I am afraid, is football. Ash is a nice friendly hospitable football club and even though it was a defeat it was a pretty good evening.  The Ref and Linos did not have a bad game but unfortunately for us he got one big decision wrong and you only have to watch Match of the day on any given Saturday to know that is football. Thanks to Steve and Mckenzie for coming down and helping organise and to our travelling army of supporters and to Ash Utd F C for their hospitality.  Max Herbert

Team: Angus Lees (GK) Tony P, Connor Murphy, Rat, Ben Cook, Will low, Snooks, Tills (Capt) Bosh, Vanny , Snooks. Ackers. Sub Peter Quainton.

Saturday saw the 1s at Old Salesians new ground in East Ewell. It is just as hard to find as their old one but not nearly as nice as their old ground and it’s not their own. It is a great shame for them and it is good to see them making the best of it. This is a story that is being repeated all across amateur football in London and is a worrying trend with old established clubs losing good grounds that are not being replaced. The game was massively important for both sides who were at the start of play the bottom two in the top division. The first half was pretty evenly balanced with I thought Merton playing the better football but Old Sals having the better chances. We had the ball in the net (Will Low) which was given offside. It was very tight. Our good passing play broke down in the last third but Old Sals had good chances which they generally blazed over the bar. The second  half was a much more open affair with all the goals. We went ahead very early in the second half. It really was a scrappy goal, very much the type we concede rather than score. Woody tricked his way past a couple of their defenders on the by line and closed in on goal but then slithered backwards to the ground desperately trying to get a shot away. It was as if the invisible man was pulling him down from behind. In the understandable confusion all this caused in the Old Sals defence Tee managed to poke the ball into the net at the near post.  Old Sals came back at us but we seemed to be dealing quite well with this and created chances of our own. But a through ball saved by Angus but Old Sals struck the rebound away tidily. So with the game opening up Tee was played through and strongly holding off their defender crashed the ball past the keeper from the edge of the box and that is the way I hoped it would stay. Whilst both sides had chances; we hit the post they hit the bar we seemed to be holding on quite well. But then with time running out they equalised in the 90^th minute. We failed to clear a free kick and the ball pin balled round our six yard area off players and post and ended up over the line. Angus managed to grapple it out but the lino judged it over the line (correctly). Angus exclaimed  ‘Why  does it always happen to us?’  A fair question but I don’t know why but it does. Luckily the lads did not ponder this conundrum but set about getting the winner. The ref had added on a generous amount of time for our time wasting and with 4 minutes of it both sides had chances  to win it. The game was won in the 93^rd minute when a terrific crossfield pass from Al G found Snooks racing on to it on the left and clipping it first time on the half volley past their keeper. Brilliant stuff and a worthy winner of an entertaining game. Pat Ryan reffed it very well as he does with explanations of decisions and the linos did a good job. All our lads put in a terrific shift to overcome a determined opposition. Vanny and Will Low ran themselves into the ground yet again and  Tee did very well holding the ball up and using it well. But this was an all round excellent team performance and a very welcome 3pts. And so back to the club to find the 2s had won their game and there were no incidents.

Team Angus Lees (GK), Jonesy, Ben Cook, Rat, Al G, Will Low, Tills (Capt) Snooks, Woody, Chisanga (Tee) Vanny Tom Rowe, Bosh (Well done to all of you)

[Show slideshow]