Category: Match Reports 4s

Matt Haswell
0

4s vs West Wickham – 22.10.16

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!

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
0

4s vs Winchmore Hill 7s – 15.10.16

The Merton 4s. 4 games. 4 heavy defeats. That’s how this grim 2016/17 campaign had started. But, as with any wretched run, there is always the next game to break the cycle. This week it came in the form of the Cup, which presented an excellent opportunity for a much-needed win.

The oppo were Winchmore Hill, a club who, although seemingly hundreds of miles away in the deep, dark North, had an awful lot in common with the 4s. Bottom of the Div 2 Minor league, and without a win themselves, they were effectively Merton’s northern equivalent.
Sniffing a chance, the manager made an inspired call to gather the team for breakfast in Morden, with the boys travelling up together in a sound display of team spirit. Other inspired calls were made too. Danny Gridley was pushed back to a sweeper role in a back five, which would work a treat. Additionally, Scholesy also commissioned brother Colin as an extra set of managerial eyes, with plenty of experience to call on and valuable tactical advice to impart.
Anyway, onto business, and the game kicked off with Merton in a buoyant mood, for once taking the game to the oppo from the start. The defence looked solid, and midfield and forwards were pressing Winchmore with purpose. New finds Joe and Cam were looking particularly handy.
Then Winchmore got a corner out of nothing. No fear though, because Merton had spent more than half an hour practicing defending these before the game. So they had it covered, right?
Wrong.
In came the delivery, Mike could only deflect the header rather than clear, it popped off their striker (or off Danny Gridley, the panel is undecided), and into the net. 1-0 Winchmore.
Merton then responded well against visibly inferior opponents. But once again, said inferior opponents won a corner out of nothing. And yep, you guessed it, said inferior opponents scored again – this time off a second ball.
If it wasn’t so galling, it would be comical. This is a team who conceded just once from a corner all of last season. That figure is at least 7 already this time around, and now here they were, 2-0 down, against a team who’d barely had a kick.
They needed a goal to get back in it, and fast. It did take a few minutes to arrive, but eventually the magic of Dom Plumridge proved too hot for Winchmore to handle. Some good build-up play put him through, although he still had plenty to do. But a delightful toe poke slid past the keeper’s right hand, and thankfully ruffled the onion bag.
2-1. Game on.
After what had actually been a fine performance, parity at half time was the very least Merton deserved. And with just two minutes to go until the break, Dom was the man to deliver it. Once again, the result of some fine Merton interplay, a ball over the top, and then Dom putting in a truly clinical finish when one on one with the keeper.
2-2 at half time then, and, for once, an upbeat chat. This one was there for the taking, and they knew it.
The game resumed, Merton now into the sun, but no matter. Winchmore had a shot from the kick off – a dismal one at that, and it was arguably their last shot of the day. It was all Merton thereafter, and it felt like a mere matter of time before the third arrived. No prizes for guessing who scored it either. Dom once again with plenty to do, but coming in from a tight angle, finished it with pure finesse. 3-2 then, Merton were bouncing, and now Dom had the match ball (and jug of beer) firmly in hand.
But he wasn’t done yet. Just minutes later, a goal-mouth scramble ensued, with the Winchmore defence at 6s and 7s, now absolutely rattled by a vibrant Merton. It won’t go down as Dom’s most majestic goal ever, but he showed the most desire in amongst a sea of bodies to eventually scramble the ball over the line.
4-2. 4 goals for Merton. 4 goals for their superstar. Dom then departed the pitch to a warm ovation from his teammates. Well played lad. Yet despite Dom’s brilliance, there was much more to this performance as a collective. Clive had been tremendous at right back, Danny Gridley superb in defence, while Cam and Joe were both real finds.
The game felt all but over, although there was one more scare in waiting. Noor was unfortunate to be called for a high boot in the box, and a dubious penalty resulted. Yet the penalty taker never looked confident – and Kieran did. He held his ground, the dive almost redundant in the end, and he gathered the feeble effort cleanly in his midriff. 4-2 it stayed.
And just to put the icing on the cake, Merton found time for one more, and it was Cam who turned provider for the fifth goal. Luke, helping out from the 5s, had been on the park for just a couple of minutes, and was perhaps higher up the pitch than normal. But he was at the ready for a delightful through ball from Cam. He then gathered it on the run, and, despite being hassled by a defender, calmly rounded the keeper to slot home Merton’s fifth (and his first since 2012). Talk about an impact sub. 5-2.
Merton had a few more half chances in the final minutes, but, importantly, gave nothing away at the other end. It rounded off a rampant performance, one that typified all that had been discussed during the crisis meetings over the previous weeks. This is a highly capable bunch of players, and they knew it. All that was needed was a bit of confidence and self belief. That can only be gained from a win. And they delivered it on Saturday in emphatic style. Let’s hope it will now be a launchpad to bigger and better things.

Team: Kieran Lee (GK), Ed Plaistow, Mike Todt, Dan Gridley, Will Harrison, Clive Corrigan, Noor Emad, Chris Outred, Joe Underwood, Cameron Brooks, Dom Plumridge

Subs: Luke Newman, Anam Hassan, Chris Dodd

MOTM: Dom Plumridge

DOTD: N/A – great performance

4s-15-10-16

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
0

4s vs Polytechnic – 08.10.16

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.

Polytechnic were the oppo, a side who’d made a good start to the season themselves, and with plenty of young blood in their side, were clearly not going to be a walk over. The game started with Merton making a point of pressing, keeping their voices up and trying to come out of the blocks fast.
Joe won a free kick early doors. Mike got a flick-on header onto the delivery, which the keeper fumbled. The rebound fell nicely to Mike, but unfortunately he wasn’t able to nutmeg the keeper and eventually a good chance was snuffed out.
Not long after, Poly hit back on the counter. A teasing through ball split the defence, but Kieran did ever so well to come off his line and clear it. Of course, this is a team not having things their own way, and as damned luck would have it, his clearance struck a Merton player in the back, deflected to the opposing striker just outside the box, and he lobbed the ball in to make it 1-0.
No one’s fault there, but the second goal was perhaps avoidable. Kieran didn’t quite get enough on his kick, but Poly were able to cut through the defence a little bit too easily. The other striker made no mistake as the ball fell invitingly to him and slotted it home into the left corner.
But unlike previous games, Merton weren’t about to fold like a house of cards. They came back strong, chased balls down doggedly, and created their share of chances. Dan had a goal disallowed, and there were numerous dangerous free kicks in the Poly half of the pitch.
It was through one of these that the goal arrived. This time Dan turned provider with an excellent delivery. The keeper palmed it off only as far as Sonny on the edge of the box, and he clinically volleyed it home to pull it back to 2-1.
It was the lift the 4s had so desperately been craving, and they came out hard after that, making life uncomfortable for Poly, who suddenly lacked the forward thrust they’d seemed to have earlier. Joe, Darcy, Sonny and Dom were closing them down like maniacs, and Dan was an ever-present to clean things up.
Unfortunately, just before the half, the new curse of corners struck yet again. The initial ball was dealt with, but Merton switched off at the far post, leaving a number of Poly players free. The free-est of headers resulted, and their man put it away to make it 3-1.
It was a crushing blow, and meant the half-time chat was a whole lot more negative than it might have been. Merton had been much improved on the events of seven days’ prior, but the scoreline was rather gut-wrenching. Onwards and upwards though, and they knew they were one goal away from being back in it.
They made a decent enough start, and created chances almost from the off. Poly themselves weren’t dealing with crosses and free kicks particularly well, while Dom and Darcy cut through their defence on more than one occasion. But in truth, Poly were having their share of chances too, and might have put the game away sooner than they did.
But miserably, it was a corner which did for Merton for the fourth goal. Mike won his header, but only managed to lob it back into the danger area. Under pressure, Merton weren’t able to get onto the follow up, and a man in red pounced to nod home.
4-1 soon became 5-1, this time Chris not quite able to get enough on his clearance, although the finish from the oppo striker was hugely impressive.
But 5-1 wasn’t the fairest reflection of how the game had gone; rather just indicative of mistakes made by Merton than any sustained Poly dominance. And the last 15 minutes proved that. Merton were all over the visitors, and chance after chance fell to the front three. Unfortunately, their keeper simply had a blinder, and thwarted each and every one of them.
On another day, those would have gone in, and three of four goals wouldn’t have flattered the hosts. But it wasn’t to be. In fact, the game ended in slightly acrimonious circumstances, with Dom taking exception to some pushing and shoving from the Poly defenders and keeper. Fortunately, the ref decided not to brandish the card we all feared.
And with Dom available for next week’s showdown in the deep, dark North, hopefully Merton can build on what was unquestionably an improved performance in the Cup next Saturday. This team isn’t as far away as they think. All they need is a win. Goodness me, let’s hope it comes next week.

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

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
0

4s vs Old Workingians – 01.10.16

Merton 0 – 8 Old Wokingians (AFA Cup)

A pair of 4-1 defeats had marked the start of a thus-far disappointing season for the 4s, but the AFA Cup presented a welcome distraction, and a good opportunity to turn things around against Old Wokingians 4s.

Perfect conditions at the Hood, with barely a breath of wind, the occasional drizzle to slick the surface and nice mild temperatures. Sadly, the ground staff had seen fit to hollow tine the pitch during the week, so it was hardly at its smoothest.
Nevertheless, Merton were in a good frame of mind as the game kicked off, opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation which had a good feel about it. Yet it was Wokingians who dominated possession upfront, and pinged the ball around with a bit too much ease. That said, Merton were working hard, and seemed to have the measure of their opponents.
It made the opening goal slightly galling to concede. Kieran had done the right thing coming off his line, but the scuffed shot from their striker from outside the box just beat his fingertips, and the ball agonisingly nestled in the side of the net. 1-0, and pretty tough on Merton really.
Not so the second and third goals though. After not conceding from a single corner in 2015/16, the shocker conceded three weeks ago was followed by a calamitous Mike own goal here. Having initially lost his man for the corner, he recovered to get in front of him again. However, with his body facing the wrong way, he was faced with the choice of leaving it for their big ogre-like captain to tap in, or do the job himself. Courtesy of a high, ugly shin, Mike opted for the latter, and smashed it into the back of the net.
Will, who was one of the players of the day, might have done better with the third goal though. Having done well to get on the end of their corner, he wasn’t able to clear his lines, and just like that, it was 3-0.
It was pretty grim at that point – the scoreline more a reflection of three completely avoidable goals rather than any Wokingians’ dominance. Merton showed real character though, and produced a stirring 15 minutes where they closed their opponents down, and even looked a threat. The voices were becoming louder, and there was hope of nicking one back before the break.
Alas, when it rains it pours, and Wokingians scored twice more in the closing minutes of the half – the first a result of some good interplay and a great run from their little striker, and the second a thumping first-time volley.
5-0 at half time. What do you say? Impressively though, the talk was constructive at the break. There was still pride to play for, and the plan was to adopt a high line, and play some football in the opponents’ half for a change. And for 20 minutes, it really worked a treat.
Wokingians were being snuffed out, and Merton had some chances of their own. A teasing free kick from Dan lacked the finish from Mike in the box. Dom then found himself with a free header after a fine corner from Carl, but alas his powerful effort just went over the crossbar. Then Scholesy found himself on the receiving end of a long ball, and almost through on goal. However, his first touch just got slightly away from him, and the keeper did well to snuff out the chance.
Unfortunately things didn’t finish well either. Wokingians ‘beat’ the offside line a couple more times, and the score escalated to 6, then 7, and then at the death an 8th goal to add insult to injury. Grisly stuff indeed, and a sad way to end.
But all 14 boys gathered in the change room afterwards and engaged in what was a proper heart to heart. After three weeks with no improvement, something had to be done, and everyone to a man voiced their opinions about how to sort things out. Everyone walked out the change room feeling better than when they went in, and credit to the manager – and every player – for that.
Of course, it is actions on the pitch, rather than talk, which is needed to turn things around. But this is a team who know they can do the business when their tails are up. All it needs is a result to go their way. Hopefully that will come against Poly at the Hood on Saturday.
Team: Kieran Lee (GK), Ed Plaistow, Mike Todt, Will Harrison, Ryan Burchell, Chris Outred, Joe Plumridge, Dan Gridley, Chris Dodd, Sonny Kennedy, Dom Plumridge

Subs: John Gridley, Carl Kewley, Noor Emad

Booked: Dan Gridley

MOTM: Dan Gridley

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
0

4s vs Civil Service 6s – 17.09.16

Civil Service 6s vs. Merton 4s
 SAL Minor Division 2 South
Saturday 17th September 2016

So after last week’s disappointing result in the opening game of the season, it was time for the 4s to travel to Chiswick to face Civil Service.

Due to a four car pileup at Chiswick Roundabout, there was no option for everyone to park up at Barnes Bridge and walk to the ground. This meant a delayed KO with no chance to warm up.

We were with a few regulars meaning a step up from a few 5s players to help us out, namely Steve, Anam and Dave Golding. Noor Edam was also included in the squad after impressing in training during the week and recommended to us. Chris Outred deputised between the sticks following a ‘no show’ from our keeper. The joys of Saturday football!

We were on the back foot from the off of honest and Civil Service capitalised on this by taking the lead 15 minutes in. Conceding the goal seemed to give us a lift along with a slight change of positions due to Will picking up and injury with Joe converting to centre half. Arnold also picked up an injury forcing a change with Noor coming on in his place.

We were creating chances, some white Dom and Sonny should have easily put away but it was not meant to be. 5 minutes before the break we got a breakthrough. Dom surrounded by a sea of red shirt went to ground with the ref pointing to the spot. Dom picked himself up to slot the ball into the bottom left. 1-1 going into the break in the host were there for the taking.

The team talk at the break was a positive one. Keep doing what we were going before the break and we would get something out of the game. It wasn’t meant to be however.

Civil Service peppered our goals with shots from every opportunity and in the end it paid off. Positional errors and tired legs meant that another three goals were conceded. It could have been a lot worse had Chris had an off day in goal but he didn’t put a foot wrong, likewise either did Ryan putting in a Man of the Match performance for the second week in a row and making it very difficult for somebody to take the shirt off his back.

We realised that key to playing football is consistency and ensuring that you have the same guys week in week out. Let’s hope that going forward players are committed. If not then we can’t push forward.

We have a break from competitive football next weekend before our AFA Cup game away to Old Wokingians. Let’s hope for a better start in the Cup than we have had in the league. Come on boys!!!!!

FINAL SCORE: Civil Service 6s 4 – 1 Merton 4s SCORER: Dom Plumridge MOTM: Ryan Burchell

STARTING LINE-UP: Chris Outred (GK), Ryan Burchell, Will Harrison (Noor Edam), Steve Burchell, Edward Plaistow (Capt.), Arnold Collier (Chris Dodd), David Golding, Joe Plumridge, Anam Hussan, Sonny Kennedy, Dom Plumridge.

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
0

4s vs Actonians 6s – 10.09.16

Saturday 10 September. The day the season began for the Merton 4s. And a lovely setting it appeared to be for the launch of the 2016/17 campaign. The Hood was abuzz with yellow, with four teams playing at home on the day – albeit that the other three games were friendlies.

As a result, many eyes were on the 4s, who were taking on Old Actonians – a side with whom they had got relegated at the end of last season. Confidence was abound though, given that Merton had done the double over these foes last time around, so under gloomy skies and with a slick surface, it seemed like the perfect platform to launch the new campaign.

The only notable absentee was the manager (how big a miss he would prove to be). Sam in goal, a solid back four of John, Will, Mike and Ryan, with Dan and Joe plugging central midfield. Doddsy and Chris were the two wingers, with Sonny and Dom the two frontmen in a bog standard 4-4-2

Yet Actonians were barely recognisable from last season; littered with youth, and as soon as the game kicked off, it was abundantly clear that they were the side more up for the occasion. Merton were penned in their own half, and the visitors were winning every first and second ball. Frustrations were simmering, Dom and Sonny were receiving the square root of zero in terms of service upfront, and Merton couldn’t seem to find a way to gain a foothold in the match.

Yet for all of Actonians’ superiority, the defence were at least able to contain things, and the opponents couldn’t really lay claim to having any genuine chances. It’s what made the opening goal all the more frustrating. The corner swung in, and their striker nodded in a free header from point blank. It resembled a training ground exercise, and was almost inexplicable for a team who never usually concede from corners.

Nevertheless, it was 1-0, and the grumblings continued. Danny pulled up with an injury and had to be replaced, and the remaining 10 minutes of the half followed much the same pattern. Merton doing nothing, Actonians with all the endeavour, and goalmouth activity minimal.

The sanctuary of half time arrived, and the talk was largely positive. The plan was to go 4-5-1 for the start of the second half, with Sonny sacrificed to make way for a midfield three of Doddsy, Joe and Carl, with Arnold and Chris the two wide men. And for the first 10 minutes of the second stanza, it worked a treat. Merton were contesting balls in the middle, stringing together some passes, and keeping Actonians at bay.

And then came the chance – a glorious one. Joe found Carl’s feet, and he dinked a delightful ball over the defence. Arnold, who had timed his run to perfection, found himself one on one with the keeper. Unfortunately, his finish snuck past the left-hand upright, and the chance was gone.

What followed next set the tone for the rest of a bitter match. Actonians played a through ball, and their striker was almost certainly offside. Yet the defence made the classic mistake of not playing to the whistle. The finish was clinical; Sam with no chance, and 2-0 it was.

But then things turned ugly. The recriminations began, and they were somewhat unfairly targeted at Sam. Yes, he made some errors, and on a few occasions failed to come off his line when he might have done. But in a game in which almost everyone to a man put in a performance ranging from mediocre to poor, it seemed slightly ludicrous to pinpoint Sam’s faults – not to mention the fact that he made an outstanding save to keep it at 2-0.

The third goal arrived amid the sea of negativity, with Actonians completing a deft manoeuvre down the right, and the little winger producing a superb finish to Sam’s left.

Ironically though, it was Sam who turned provider for Merton’s riposte. A high, handsome kick caused mayhem in the visitor’s defence, and Dom couldn’t believe his luck as he found himself one on one with the keeper. A man of his quality was never going to miss: 3-1 it was, and with 20 minutes to go, there was still hope.

But the negative atmosphere made that seem like a distant dream. The bickering continued; again, largely targeted at Sam, and the final quarter was actually thoroughly unenjoyable. The fourth goal came for Actonians towards the end. Another bit of irony in that one too, given that it came via an excellent chip that caught Sam off his line (just as he’d been ordered to be).

By the time the final whistle went, heads were well and truly down, tempers were flaring, and everyone couldn’t wait to get off the park. An attempt at mending fences by the skipper in the changing room afterwards didn’t go according to plan, and it remains to be seen whether the 4s have now lost the services of Sam for the season.

Whoever was right or wrong, it mattered not. This was a sorry affair, and a poor start to the season. It’s difficult to believe such fractious scenes would have taken place in the presence of the manager, and his return next week can’t come quickly enough. This is a team in need of some soul searching (and perhaps a goalkeeper), and will need to very quickly consign the day’s events to history, and start again.

Saturday 17 September. The day the season began. Let’s hope so.

Team: Sam Singer Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Mike Todt, Will Harrison, Ryan Burchell, Chris Outred, Joe Plumridge, Dan Gridley, Chris Dodd, Sonny Kennedy, Dom Plumridge

Subs: Arnold Collier, Carl Kewley

Goal: Dom Plumridge

Booked: Dan Gridley

MOTM: Ryan Burchell

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
0

4s vs HSBC 4 – 19.03.16

So our final league game was upon us and it resulted in a trip to Beckenham for a showcase against HSBC 4s. Having narrowly lost 3-2 in the reverse fixture a few weeks ago, we knew that they were there for the taking if he played the football we knew that we were capable of.

With our usual skipper side-lined due to a freak salad chopping incident, Dulanie wore the armband., and with a number or regulars opting for a stopover at Cheltenham Races, we drafted in the likes of Vin De Matteo, David Donovan, Darcy Yates and Tony Postlethwaite to deputise.

The game started well with both team using the unusually good surface to their advantage however  no real chances were created. The breakthrough did however come 10 minutes in. Sam was unable to keep hold of a direct free-kick that somehow found its way in between his legs. 1 – 0 to the hosts.

We were downbeat a little by going behind as we were the better team. We started to create chances however we unable to find the back of the next with Dave Donovan shooting agonisingly wide and Dulanie blasting an effort over the bar.

Something that we failed to do, the opposition managed. That was to find the back of the net.

Sam did well to stop a shot following a break on the right from the pacey number 3 (minute version of Asamoah Gyan)  however his parry rebounded off of their strikers knee and into the back of the net. Fortunate however still a goal.

Things got worse after half an hour. Tony reacted the wrong way following an aerial challenge and retaliated. Straight red card and Merton were down to 10 men with a mountain to climb. We conceded another before the break. An effort from 25 years to went in off of the far post.

The team talk at the break was a positive one. Even being a man down we knew that we could potentially get back in the game.

We started the second period well and with 25 minutes to do managed to reduce the deficit. Darcy was quick to find Dom with a quick free-kick who slotted home with ease. Five minutes later we found another. Dave Donovan managed to squeeze an effort under the keeper to make it 3-2. We were doing all we could to get back in the game and we had the hosts on the ropes. Until the 80th minute that is. Sam attempted a clearance on the edge of his box however the ball fell straight to their left football playmaker who found the back of the net from all of 40 yards. 4 – 2 HSBC.

The 5th goal Merton conceded was unfortunate. Sam thought he had judged the ball going out of play from a cross however following his step over, the ball hit the post and feel kindly to their striker for him to complete his hat trick.

Not the best way to end your season however we know what we need to do and what to work on if we are to challenge next season. All I can say is bring on the 2016/17 season!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all those that have been part of the 4s this season and look forward to next season already.

FINAL SCORE: HSBC 4s 5 – 2 Merton 4s SCORERS: Dom Plumridge, Dave Donovan MOTM: Darcy Yates

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), Tony Postlethwaite, Vin De Matteo, Joe Plumrudge, Edward Plaistow, Sevan Mutafyan (Billy Dowie),Danny Gridley, Darcy Yates, Dave Donavan, Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
0

4s vs Ibis Eagles 4s – 05.03.16

In the build-up to the match against Ibis, the Merton 4s had been offered a choice of venue. The pitches on Tudor Drive had been surprisingly decent the previous week, albeit that Merton had succumbed to a disappointing 3-2 defeat to HSBC there. So they were favoured over the Wimbledon Common Extensions. Sadly, though, they had been hammered by the rain in the build-up, and looked a bit worse for wear upon arrival.

Sadder still was Merton’s own build-up to the kick-off. Late arrivals meant there was no time for a proper warmup, and the lads began the game with 10 men, including the much anticipated return of a slightly ring-rusty Doddsy, who hadn’t played since November.

And the Yellows looked exactly like a team who was cold and unprepared in the opening exchanges – so much so, that no one was particularly surprised that Ibis registered a goal inside three minutes. The goal itself had the intensity of a training ground exercise. A couple of triangle passes exposed the vast swathes of space in front of them, and a neat through ball left the striker with just Sam to beat. He made no mistake. 1-0. Too Easy.

Fortunately, the cavalry arrived a couple of minutes later, and back up to full strength (and full numbers), Merton began to dig in. Although they were still getting somewhat overrun, the defence showed good shape and discipline in the face of the onslaught, and for all their dominance, the visitors didn’t really carve out much in the way of clear-cut opportunities.

At the other end, chances were few and far between, but some good interplay did set Dulanie through on one occasion. Unfortunately his well-hit strike sailed just over the crossbar – the keeper seemingly not too interested in knowing much about it.

Merton continued to be dogged in their defensive work though, sticking to their task. Alas, with about 5 minutes to go before the break, the Ibis striker managed to double their advantage, as a blocked clearance fell kindly to him in the box; his finish leaving Sam with no chance.

At the break, the lads were a little bit flat, despite only being 2 goals down. Of course, on the previous occasion that these two sides had met, Ibis clawed back a three-goal deficit in the last 15 minutes to steal a draw. Could Merton do something similar, and get their revenge?

Unfortunately not. They started the second half poorly, and the goals flew in. Four of them in fact. Details on the goals? Hazy. They all happened so quickly that they kind of merged into one.  The third was a bit unlucky, as, on the edge of the box, Merton got a touch on a pass in a bid to intercept, but the ball merely fell fortuitously for an unintended player in red, and he stroked it home.

After that, a hapless Merton outfit watched on as the net continued to bulge. Four, Five. Six. One was a scorcher to beat Sam at his near post, another a deflected free kick. The other – hold my hands up, can’t remember it for the life of me. Nevertheless, at 6-0 with 20 minutes still to go, it had the makings of another cricket score-type humiliation.

But for once, the heads didn’t drop. Maybe Ibis took their foot off the gas, but Merton started to do some good things. They passed the ball around, they harried in defence, and, at long last, began to carry a goal threat. And after some sustained pressure, the goal finally came. Dom put a lovely through ball in to Jake, who did ever so well to beat his man and get to the byline. He then put in an excellent cross, and Ryan, who had made a lot of ground to get into the penalty area, slid in bravely and slotted the ball home. 6-1.

Buoyed by this consolation, Merton got even better, and forced a couple of corners. And the second one was a thing of beauty. With a sea of yellow jerseys in the box, Mikey thumped his set piece in high, handsome and curling. Amid the melee – and a very cunning block on the keeper by Scholesy – the ball simply sailed straight into the goal. 6-2, and there were smiles in Yellow everywhere now.

Despite the still-embarrassing score line, Merton began to look as though they were starting to really enjoy themselves, and although the game was gone, were beginning to rattle Ibis in the closing minutes. Unfortunately no more goals were forthcoming, and the referee called time on what was, overall, still a forgettable encounter.

A shame too, as a season in which Merton had really started to hit their straps midway through appears to be rather petering out. Safe from relegation, perhaps, but this team knows they are better than the recent performances they have been putting in. One more match against HSBC left in order to finish on a high note. It really has become a must-win game to restore some pride and confidence in this team.

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 2 – 6 Ibis Eagles 4s SCORERS: Ryan Burchell, Mike Elgar MOTM: Ryan Burchell

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), Ryan Burchell, Mike Todt, Steve Burchell (Jake Hewitt) Edward Plaistow, Chris Outred (Capt.), Chris Dodd (Mike Elgar), Glen Porter, Billy Dowie, Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge.

 

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
0

4s vs HSBC 4s – 27.02.16

The match against HSBC 4s was classed as a home game, but the very identity regarding such a phrase was rather dubious. Initially the fixture was due to take place at the Hood – a venue the Merton 4s could barely remember. It then changed to Wimbledon Common Extensions, a site where the lads had shipped 17 goals in just two games.

So when it was finally moved to King George’s, it was with some surprise that a half-decent pitch greeted the men in Yellow. Although the pitch last week wasn’t an excuse for what was still a poor performance, the key would be to put that one behind us, and get back on track against a side that didn’t look too flash, and were also struggling in the lower reaches of the table.

Game on, and despite having much of the wind against them, Merton began on the front foot. Still 4-5-1, the midfield looked superior, with Joe, Dan Gridley and Mikey working hard. Neal Davidson and Dulanie on either wing were finding themselves in acres of space, and were creating all sorts of problems for the HSBC defence, and goalkeeper.

It seemed only a matter of time before the goal came, and so it was. Except it came at the other end. The visitors launched a nothing long ball, but Mike miscued his header. However, the finish that followed was a thumping, first-time volley with the left foot from 25 yards, which left Sam no chance. Sometimes you just need to tip your cap to the oppo. 1-0.

However, no excuses for the second goal. This time Mike misjudged yet another long ball, which sailed over his head, allowing the opposing striker to get in behind. His touch was good, and his finish in a one-on-one with Sam was even better. 2-0 midway through the half. Scarcely believable given Merton’s domination of the play. Was it just going to be one of those days?

The Yellows kept their heads up though, and put their noses to the grindstone. And they continued to pose a significant goal threat. Other than one break away chance for HSBC, it was all Merton. Set pieces, long balls and even some good interplay in the opponents half seemed to produce the same agonising result time and again. The ball would bob around the face of goal, but no one could get a toe, head or anything onto it and the visitors would somehow hack it clear.

The whistle went, and a beleaguered home side trudged off for the break wondering how on earth they were losing this game. But they were determined. They’d come back from a deficit like this before against Old Wilsonians earlier in the season, and on this occasion they could definitively claim to be the better side. It just took one goal, and they knew everything would change.

So when play resumed, Merton went for it. And it was good football too. They used the width, they bossed the midfield, and they carved out an inordinate amount of half; even three-quarter chances. But time and again, without relent, the ball just would not fall for them on the countless occasions that it bobbed around in the HSBC box. And when it did, the defenders or goalkeeper would get in the way of it – more by accident than design.

They came even closer when, after a weak HSBC clearance, Scholesy latched onto a loose ball just outside the 18-yard area. With his allegedly weaker right foot, he unleashed a rocketing curler that had the keeper beaten all ends up, and looked destined to nestle into the right-hand corner. Excruciatingly though, the ball snuck past; mere centimetres wide of the post.

But if that was frustrating, what followed was truly galling. On a rare occasion that the visitors found themselves in the Merton half, they won a free kick in a dangerous position. The marking was pretty shoddy, and an HSBC head got on the end of the delivery. The looping header bounced and bounced and bounced, and somehow snuck in off the post. 3-0. Smash and grab. Heart-breaking, and completely at odds with how the game had actually gone.

A broken Merton side could have easily given up the ghost. But, with 15 minutes to go, they threw caution to the wind. The chances kept streaming in, and, FINALLY, one of them ended in a goal. The ball bobbled around agonisingly from a Dan Gridley free kick that rebounded off the post, and even though the HSBC defending was appalling, it threatened to escape the clutches of a Yellow player YET again. However, after a goalmouth scramble, the ball fell to Dom, who smashed it home. 3-1. 10 to go.

And a few minutes later, Merton had their second. In similar fashion to the scrappy opener, the hosts this time won a corner. And once again, the ball hopped around the penalty spot after a fine delivery from Mikey, not falling for anyone in particular. Eventually it came to Dom again, in an almost identical position to the one he was in just before, and managed to sneak the ball over the line.

Merton hurried back to the halfway line while the visitors were claiming that the ball hadn’t crossed the line. It was a tight call by the referee and HSBC were right to appeal, trying their utmost to protest by virtue of demonstrating where the divot from the clearance was. Nevertheless, the decision stood. 3-2 with three minutes to go.

It was a Yellow siege for the closing exchanges, but this time, the lads were unable to carve out any chances of significance as they camped in the HSBC half. The final whistle then closed the curtain on what had been a desperately disappointing afternoon. This really was three points that got away, against a side that were there for the taking, and had pulled off a swindle on Merton.

But it is the scoreboard that counts. Two games left to make it right – one of them, as it turns out, against the same opposition. A good opportunity to exact revenge, and, more importantly, some much-need points.

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 2 – 3 HSBC 4s SCORERS: Dom Plumridge (2) MOTM: Dom Plumridge

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), Billy Dowie, Mike Todt, Chris Outred (Capt.), Edward Plaistow, Neal Davison (Ryan Burchell), Joe Plumridge (Sevan Mutafyan), Mike Elgar, Danny Gridley, Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge.

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
0

4s vs Polytechnic 5s – 20.02.16

Another grey, wet Saturday; another day of authentic grassroots football in the mud awaited. With the Hood once again out of commission, the venue was Wimbledon Common Extensions – a place where the Merton 4s had suffered an 8-0 defeat a month before.

The opponents for this fixture were the table-topping heavyweights Polytechnics. However, with two successive wins in their back pocket, and four from their previous five, Merton had reason to feel confident of giving the pace-setters a run for their money. The line-up was announced, 4-5-1 formation it would be, and the lads were ready to go.

And as dream starts go, you’d struggle to have topped this one. Poly kicked things off, Merton pressed forward as one and intercepted. The through ball for Dulanie was too long, but he never gave up the ghost, laying siege to the advancing goalkeeper, who panicked, tumbled, and fumbled. Dulanie gleefully lapped the ball up, rounded him, and walked the ball into the net. 1-0, with less than a minute gone.

And then the referee blew the final whistle, and the Yellows celebrated a great win and 3 fantastic points!

If only.

A minute later, an almost identical goal ensued for the visitors, with Sam unable to cling to a long-range shot. Their striker walked the rebound in, and after two minutes – which may as well not have happened – the score was 1-1.

And a few minutes later, it got worse, much worse. Play resumed, and Poly were allowed to advance. They cut through midfield, put their striker through, and he rounded Sam. However, his resultant shot was weak, and Mike, who was tracking back, had the easiest goal-line clearance in the world to make. Yet he somehow failed to connect with the barely-moving ball, and it trickled through his legs and over the line. 2-1. Unbelievable.

Play resumed once again, and while 10 men in Yellow were probably still rueing the fact that Mike hadn’t stayed with the 3s after all (or just stayed at home!), Poly made it three with a bit of magic. Nothing much was happening as they advanced through midfield, until their striker unleashed a thunderbolt from 30 yards. It soared; it swerved and snuck in off the underside of the crossbar. No chance for Sam and a shell-shocked Merton were suddenly 3-1 down.

Things settled down somewhat, but the Yellows weren’t really at the races. The visitors’ defence was nothing too flash, and they gambled by playing three at the back. But the hosts were struggling to build any sustained interplay and thus never put them under much pressure.

But Poly had no such problems before the half was finished, their rampant attack added a fourth, and then a fifth, to leave a hapless Merton side digesting a 5-1 score line at the break. Game long gone, all that could happen now was an attempt to restore some pride. The plan to do so was to press higher, and set the offside trap.

And for 15 minutes of the 2nd half, it worked a treat. Merton advanced as one, squeezing their opponents, who seemed perplexed by the home side’s new-found savvy tactics. Spirits were steadily rising, the Yellows were cajoling each other, and with Arnold and Dulanie game fully chasing everything down, there was a significant goal threat to boot.

But then just after the hour mark, a poor bit of refereeing brought all of that crashing down. Poly had possession; the Merton defence squeezed forward once again, and played their strikers offside when the through ball came. Sadly, the ref didn’t see it that way. The silence of the lack of whistle was deafening, and the big Poly lad couldn’t believe his luck as he coasted onto the ball and put past Sam in a one-on-one.

6-1 it was, and it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. In amongst the humiliation of watching the scoreboard tick over from 6, to 7, to 8, and then 9, Merton were able to pull one back. The tireless Jake did ever so well to intercept in the opponents’ half, and he clinically rolled the ball past the keeper with his left foot to double the Yellows’ score.

But, his amusing goal celebration aside, it was scant consolation for a Merton side who were thoroughly thrashed on their home turf. Yes, the pitch was appalling, and yes, the opponents were clearly strong. But this had been a poor, poor performance. Dom said it best afterwards: “We’ll put this one down as a mishap boys.

Indeed, no point harping on about it, and this match was best consigned to history. After all, this team has done some good things in the last couple of months, and with three games still to go, will be hopeful of climbing up the table with significantly easier opposition awaiting. It starts next week against HSBC.

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 2 – 9 Old Wilsonians 4s SCORERS: Dulanie Richards, Jake Hewitt MOTM: Arnold Collier/Dulanie Richards

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley (Arnold Collier), Mike Todt, Chris Outred (Capt.), Edward Plaistow, Sevan Mutafyan, Joe Plumridge, Mike Elgar (Glen Porter), Jake Hewitt, Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge.

Posted in Match Reports 4s