Category: Match Reports 4s

Actonians Association 6s vs. Merton 4s
SAL Minor Division 1 South
Saturday 6^th February 2016

John Gridley said it best after the men in Yellow had made the not-insignificant trek from the Actonians clubhouse to the fields where the game would take place: “This is going to be proper grassroots football today, lads.” Indeed, with ominous skies, a howling wind and a truly awful pitch, the 90 minutes that followed were never going to be a footballing masterpiece.

Nevertheless, the 4s, on the back of an impressive 3-0 win at Weirside Rangers, fancied their chances against the struggling Actonian Association 6s, and once again lined up 4-5-1. Starting off with much of the wind against them, they made a fine start, keeping good shape, working hard, and even showing some composure on the ball. 

The first 15 minutes were a bit of cat and mouse, with no real opportunities coming for either side. But Merton were just starting to build some momentum, and just shy of midway through the half, they hit their hosts on the counter. Some good interplay in midfield saw the ball find its way to Dulanie, who made a great run and fed Dom in the box. Hustled by a defender and with the keeper to beat, he made a decent stab at it with his left boot, but the wind took the ball agonisingly wide of the post.

Salt was then rubbed in the wounds soon after, as from about 30 yards out, Actonians took a shot that was seemingly well blocked. However, it lobbed up, rode the wind, and somehow snuck just under the crossbar. 1-0 to the men in blue, and a cruel blow for Merton.

But the lads seem to be made of sterner stuff these days, and kept their heads up from the resumption. They continued to work hard, and after some resolute defending, again produced a counter attack. Once again, it was Dom who found himself carving out a shot in the box, despite being circled by numerous defenders, only this time it was the keeper who tipped his effort inches wide of the same post.

But he wasn’t to be denied for too much longer. Five minutes before the break, Merton won a free kick 25 yards out, 10 yards to the left of the left post. For Dom, and a man who had scored his previous two free kicks, you could barely have placed it better. And so 10 men in yellow held their breath. The 11th, Dom, had no such doubts though. The ball once again absolutely flew off his left boot, seemingly picking up speed as it went despite the wind. The keeper dived despairingly, but never had a price. It smashed into the goal off the inside of the far post, and every man to a tee mobbed the little genius. 1-1, a crucial equaliser before half time, and unbridled joy for the lads.

Nothing much more doing in the closing minutes, and the talk was good at the interval. The 4s fancied putting 3 or 4 past these opponents, especially with a bit more help from the wind. But first and foremost, it was the three points which were needed. Actonians came out after the kick-off with purpose, but the midfield three kept digging their heels in, and, in truth, didn’t leave a great deal for the defence to do.

And the surging home side were always going to leave themselves vulnerable to a counter attack. This time it was good work from Joe and Jake up the right which led to a free kick in a dangerous position around 10 minutes into the second period.

Now it was Mikey who stood over it, and he delivered a menacing ball into the box. With a sea of yellow trying to get on the end of it, the Actonian defender appeared to be taken by surprise as the ball landed at his feet, and his attempted clearance resulted merely in a meek finish past the keeper. Own goal, Scholesy might just about claim the assist for a “flick on”, but Merton didn’t care a monkeys how it had come. It was 2-1, and another 3 points were in sight.

But there was still a long way to go, and the key was going to be to keep the focus and concentration up. No team really bossed it at any stage, but it’s fair to say the opponents spent more time in the Yellows’ half than the alternative. But each time any man was called upon to thwart the Actonians, they did their job, and the manager made some good substitutions too with Arnold and Billy showing good energy when they came on.

In truth, for 85 minutes, the home side weren’t even allowed a clear opportunity at any stage, with even their earlier goal being somewhat fortuitous and speculative. But a generally peaceful game had a bit of late drama, as Dom took exception to the harrying of an Actonian defender. He put an impressive rugby tackle in after the whistle had gone for a foul, which incensed the opponents. This in turn drew all in sundry to throw their handbags in – including those on the bench – with rumours that a punch had been thrown escalating things. 

The fracas eventually died down and play resumed for the final few. Perhaps a now slightly distracted Merton side had their first real heart-in-mouth moment in the dying stages, as the opposing winger put a ball in that awkwardly trickled across the face of the goal in front of Sam. But with no blue shirt able to get on the end of it, that hairy moment passed as quickly as it had begun, and the sweet sound of the final whistle followed soon after.

And so it was… a 2-1 victory. Not one that will go down as an all-time classic. Far from it, in fact. But the steadily improving 4s had done what they needed to do, and largely cruised to what was now a 4th win in 5. This really is a team beginning to hit its straps, and although HSBC will likely present a tougher challenge next week, Merton will have every confidence that they can do the business.

FINAL SCORE: Actonians Association 6s 1 – 2 Merton 4s
SCORERD: Dom Plumridge, Own Goal
MOTM: Joe Plumridge

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Chris Outred, Mike Todt, Edward Plaistow (Billy Dowie), Jake Hewitt (Arnold Collier), Michael Elgar, Neal Davison, Mike Elgar, Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge

Weirside Rangers 3s vs. Merton 4s
SAL Minor Division 1 South
Saturday 30^th January 2016

Battered, bruised, and perhaps a little embarrassed. That’s probably how you might have expected the Merton 4s to have felt when they arrived at Weirside on Saturday given the 8-0 hammering that was dished out by Alleyn the week before. Yet there was a surprisingly quiet calm about them on the day. A strong squad was assembled, the mood was pretty positive, and after a strong team talk led by John Gridley, the lads took to what was a relatively poor pitch primed for battle.

The action got underway with Merton into the sun for the first half. There was a slight breeze off the right, but the biggest element to contend with in terms of flowing football was the heavy and slow field, which made crisp passing difficult and was sure to take a bit out of the players’ legs as the match wore on.

Nevertheless, the Yellows started solidly, if not spectacularly, against a feisty Weirside Rangers outfit. There wasn’t much attacking thrust, but with the manager having packed 5 into the midfield, there was a definite stability and shape about Merton from the get go.

Dan Gridley shored things up notably in the middle of it all, Mikey and Jake were working hard, but the main attacking threat came on the wings, with Dulanie and Arnold chasing balls tirelessly and thanklessly. Perhaps the only frustration came from the fact that the handy crosses the two of them were putting in were to a largely empty box. Yet this was no reflection on Dom, who, on his own upfront, was magnificent in his hold-up play, and carving out little bursts when he was seemingly swamped by defenders.

But in the opening period, Merton were largely restricted to half chances; a few shots from the edge of the area, while Mikey was unable to hit the target with a free kick in a good position. At the other end, Rangers had been well contained, but did squander two gild-edged opportunities to take the lead. The first saw a shot from 10 yards out sail over the crossbar, while, on the stroke of half time, a free header from point blank was skewed wide.

It meant the relieved 4s had parity at the break at 0-0, and there was a buzz about them as they strode back out onto the pitch. They knew that, with the sun now at their backs, this was their chance to crack on. They began the half steadily once again, snuffing out any threats from Weirside, working even harder to close them down, and, for the first time in the match, were beginning to get on top of the opposition.

In a tight game like this though, with neither side giving an inch, it was going to take something special to break the deadlock, and it was Dan who duly delivered the goods. He held up a longish ball on the edge of the box with ease. He paused. He darted forward. He turned. He shrugged off the defence. He dispatched. And, gloriously, it flew into the back of the net. 1-0 Merton and delirium ensued.

Once the joyous scenes died down, it was all about getting the heads back on and doing even more for the remaining half hour. “Back to 0-0, boys” was the call, and too right it was. The hard work continued, and every man to a tee was in sync. The defence had the measure of what was being thrown at them, the midfield – now with Seb and Joe on the park as replacements – were getting stuck in, but it was Dom who was providing the outlet going forward; simply immense despite the workload he was shouldering.

However, as is inevitable, there were some heart-in-mouth moments with such a slender lead. Sam nearly made a mess of his effort to shepherd a ball for a goal kick, which the Rangers attacker intercepted and then smashed into the woodwork. Mike’s diving clearance avoided the ignominy of an own goal by a matter of inches. And, with the Yellow defence caught unusually short at the back, Sam did ever so well to come off his line in a one-on-one which resulted in their striker tugging his shot wide.

But a heavy-legged Merton outfit were hanging on, scrapping and giving it their all, and the decisive blow came with just five minutes to go. They won a free kick about 25 yards out, and with the wind coming off the left shoulder, the call came for a left footer to do the business. The man for the job was Dom, who’d scored with his last free kick at Old Wilsonians. On that occasion though, it was a mediocre strike which had benefited from a favourable bounce. What could he produce here?

In short, a rampaging, thunderous, out-of-this-world belter that was still climbing as it flew past the helpless Rangers keeper and smashed into the onion bag. Take a bow son. That was as good as you’ll ever see. 2-0 and the boys were in ecstasy.

A slightly hairy moment or two followed though – Weirside charged up the other end from the restart and threatened. There was a scramble or two at the back, but Merton survived again with some committed defending. And with the hosts now caught short at the back, Seb led the counter. He fed Dom, who in turn fed Dan Gridley. There was only ever going to be one outcome. He dummied, he pulled it inside, and slotted the ball home from a tight angle to make it 3-0, with what was almost the last kick of the game. What a finish!

The final whistle blew soon after, and a tired but proud Merton side departed for the change rooms. What an unbelievable performance it had been. After the humiliation of last week, three goals, three points and a clean sheet. You simply can’t fashion a more emphatic response than that. What belief this will give the 4s for the remainder of the season too. It re-affirmed the notion that, when this team is at full strength and reading from the same hymn sheet, there aren’t many teams who can stand in their way. Bring on Actonians next week.

FINAL SCORE: Weirside Rangers 3s 0 – 3 Merton 4s SCORERS: Dan Gridley (2), Dom Plumridge MOTM: Dom Plumridge. So tough on Dan G, who was superb and scored 2 goals. But it has to go to Dom. Sensational performance.

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

Forty two long days had passed for the mighty Merton 4s since they had last trudged onto the field together. The Christmas break,  combined with the ongoing problems with waterlogged pitches had scuppered the momentum of morale-boosting, back-to-back wins in early December, so the task of toppling the table-topping Alleyn Old Boys on a dreadfully boggy Wimbledon Common Extensions pitch was a stiff one.

Nevertheless, with a near full-strength squad, the Yellows had no reason to fear, and made a steady, albeit defensive start to the match. Getting out of their own half was proving difficult against a visibly superior Alleyn outfit, who showed impressive quality passing the ball around on a woeful surface. It didn’t lead to any goals for the first 25 minutes though, as Merton dug in gamely.

But the breakthrough had an air of inevitability about it, as one of their pacey strikers beat the offside trap and slotted home clinically to make it 1-0. The second came 10 minutes later; again some good interplay that proved very difficult to deal with. The finish was clinical too, Sam had no chance, and 2-0 it was.

Yet while it wasn’t exactly an unfair score line, it was a little tough on the hosts, who had done well to carve out some decent chances of their own through direct football. Dulanie got on the end of a fine cross from Mikey, and was unlucky to see his header on goal well saved.

There was also some controversy, with Dom brought down by the last man when it appeared he was clean through on goal. A free kick, but no card, and it became a bit farcical as Billy’s subsequent effort with the dead ball was deliberately handled on the outskirts of the box – again no card from the official though.

And seconds before the whistle came for half time, a delightful overhead flick found Mikey just a few yards out, but a difficult finish to execute slid agonisingly wide. Still, the heads were up at the interval. At 2-0 the game was far from gone, and with the whole team working hard and Dom and Dulanie chasing down and holding up long balls admirably, there was hope.

The first 15 minutes after the restart were decent too, with Merton putting in some good tackles and working hard. But the third goal was the straw that broke the camel’s back. A simple through ball managed to squeeze through the defensive line, and the Joleon Lescott-esque Alleyn forward simply had too much pace, and tucked it away to make it 3-0.

The heads hadn’t quite dropped at that stage, and Merton charged up the other end soon after and had half a chance to pull one back. But with that attempt foiled, Alleyn counter attacked, and with the Yellow’s caught short, the opposing striker again found himself one on one with Sam and made no mistake.

That made it 4-0, and the rest, quite frankly, was a nightmarish blur. The goals flew in from all angles. Among them was a goal where the player was clearly offside, but like the South African cricket team losing wickets, the scoreboard kept ticking over. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Mercifully, the referee may have called an end to proceedings a few minutes early, with the damage kept to single figures. A cold shower afterwards seemed like a fitting end to the dispiriting two hours of football before it.

But the lads should also keep a cool head when assessing the performance as a whole. The opponents have a 100% record in the league, and for an hour, we held them at bay and caused them a few problems of their own. Yes, the wheels came off for the final half hour, but that’s best forgotten about. There are winnable games to come – let’s consign this one to history, and continue the run we started at the end of last year.

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 0 – 8 Alleyn Old Boys 4s SCORER: None MOTM: Dom Plumridge

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Steve Burchell, Mike Todt, Edward Plaistow, Chris Outred, Mike Elgar, Seb Lechanoine (Arnold Collier), Billy Dowie, Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge.

There was a certain swagger about Merton 4s as they arrived at Old Wilsonians, and understandably so after a first win of the league campaign the week before. And while Saturday’s opponents had hammered them 5-0 only a fortnight ago, the belief was there that a different outcome would be in the offing.

Relegated to the windswept, secondary pitches away from the clubhouse, it became clear that it would be a game of two very different halves. A huge slope, backed up by a stiff breeze meant that the team with the elements at their back had 45 minutes to make it count.

Lining up for Merton was Sam in goal, Mike and Steve Burchell at centre back and with John Gridley and Scholesy at fullback. Dan Gridley and Aaron were to occupy the centre of the park (although Aaron was replaced by Mike Elgar early on after an unfortunate injury), with Billy and Chris on the flanks. And it was left to Dulanie and Jake to provide the goals upfront.

After the coin toss, Merton were into the wind first half. Very quickly it became clear that this 45 minutes would be purely about damage limitation, and a lot of hard work. But the Yellows started very well, keeping their shape impressively, dealing with the enormous goal kicks, and largely restricting Old Wilsonians to passing it around in front of them, failed through-balls and hopeful long-range efforts.

Unfortunately, on 25 minutes, it was one of those hopeful long-range efforts that provided the opener. The hosts’ striker made great contact from 25 yards, and despite Sam getting a good hand on it, the awkward bouncing ball snuck into the bottom-left corner.

1-0, but no cause for panic. Certainly a single goal had been bargained for in these conditions, and the 4s thus kept their heads up, and stuck to their tasks manfully. There were even some handy moments upfront, reminding Old Wilsonians that there was still a goal threat to consider.

 

But it was at the back where much of the good work was being done, and for all of the home side’s dominance, clear-cut chances were actually few and far between. John in particular was outstanding in cleaning up loose balls, and keeping the left winger in check. 

It’s what made the circumstances for the second goal all the more unfortunate though. With just two minutes to go until the break, Sam played a goal kick short to John, who was immediately under huge pressure. He tried a dummy stopover, but unfortunately the Wilsonians striker read it, intercepted, and calmly slotted the one-on-one past Sam. 

2-0, and a crushing blow. 1-0 at half time would have felt like a lead, but a two goal deficit felt no better than par. The chat was good at the break, and Merton knew that with the wind at their backs, the chances would come. But, in truth, they were a little flat when the game resumed. By no means poor, but for 20 minutes there just didn’t seem to be much happening. No sustained possession, no real opportunities. In fact, about 10 minutes in, the ball fell kindly to a Wilsonians striker at the other end, and he ought to have done better with his shot from close range. 

With the clock ticking, something inspirational was needed. Or so we thought. Dan did ever so well to win a free kick on the edge of their box, and after a bit of conjecture, it was decided that Jake would be the man to take it. He’d probably admit it wasn’t his career-best strike, but somehow it bounced and bobbled it’s way past the keeper and into the net. 2-1, and Merton had a lifeline.

But if the first was fortunate, the equaliser was pure class. The ball was scrambling around in midfield, and 25 yards out Dulanie did ever so well to control the ball. What followed was sensational, as he smashed it with his left foot into the right corner of the net. One of those strikes where it’s in from the second it leaves his boot, and no keeper in the world had a chance, let alone the host’s average one.

2-2 it was, and Merton were jubilant. They had all the momentum, and could smell victory. Yet with 10 minutes to go, disaster nearly struck at the other end, as, from open play, the ball ended up loose in the Yellows’ box. Fortunately, their two strikers rather got in the way of each other, and when the trigger was eventually pulled, Sam was able to make a good save.

Moments like that confirmed in the lads’ minds that maybe, just maybe, this was to be their day, and with five minutes to go, that magic moment arrived. Wilsonians were becoming increasingly troubled by long balls, and one found its way to Jake near the edge of the box. He controlled, he stopped. Time stood still. And then he dispatched it gloriously home, rattling the side netting, and setting off massive celebrations. 3-2, what a sensational comeback!

The home side were beaten, and they knew it. They offered nothing in reply in the final minutes, other than a nasty challenge on Chris. But he was okay in the end, and when the final whistle went, joyous scenes ensued. What a tremendous win! Two on the bounce, and evidence that, on their day, this spirited Merton side can beat anyone. One more game to go before the Christmas break. Can they make it three in a row? In this kind of form, you wouldn’t bet against it.

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 3 – 2 Old Wilsonians 4s
SCORERS: Jake Hewitt (2); Dulanie Richards
MOTM: Again, bloody tough. The whole team. Steve and John outstanding at the back, and Dan Gridley immense. Probably has to go to Jake though. Great effort son!

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley (Ryan Burchell), Steve Burchell, Mike Todt, Edward Plaistow, Billy Dowie, Aaron Ackerman (Mike Elgar), Danny Gridley, Chris Outred, Dulanie Richards, Jake Hewitt.

Dreadful, blustery conditions greeted the 4s as they arrived at the Hood on Saturday, with Storm Desmond (the quality of names of these storms seemingly deteriorating) baring its teeth. The grey skies summed up the mood for a side still looking for its first league win of the season, and coming off the back of a 5-0 reverse the previous week.

But this was a gilt-edged chance to put things right given that they were up against fellow strugglers Actonians Association 6s. Sam starting in goal as ever, with a back four of Scholesy, Glen, Mike and John Gridley in front of him. Dan made a welcome return to central midfield alongside Jake, with Aaron and Chris Outred manning the flanks. Dulanie and Billy were all set to do the business upfront. But as the game kicked off, a Merton team low on confidence were tentative, and it showed. Actonians were much the better side in the opening quarter, and nearly went ahead but for a fine save from Sam. The goal was to arrive soon after though, as a pass somehow found its way through a sea of yellow, and the Actonian striker who picked it up made no mistake in dispatching his finish in the one-on-one with Sam. 1-0, and a crushing blow. But heads stayed up, and so did the spirits. And it showed in the play too, with Merton offering a palpable response. Jake was tireless in midfield, and Billy’s relentless running eventually won a corner. The cavalry went forward, and after a delightful ball in from the skipper Chris, Mike managed to nod home; the keeper and the man on the post offering a lame attempt to keep it out. Either way, it was a much-needed equaliser, and the Yellows were right back in it at 1-1. The rest of the half offered few chances, with the home side showing tremendous discipline and shape. One opportunity did come later on via a goalmouth scramble, with the wind causing havoc. Unfortunately Billy wasn’t quite able to get enough on the loose ball, but when the whistle went for the interval, the chat was good. The 4s could sense that this one was there for the taking, and they were buoyant as they strode back onto the pitch. It was about to get a whole lot better though, as a dream start to the second period was to follow. It was all Merton from the kick off, and five minutes in, Jake made a menacing run through the middle. With him all but through on goal, the hapless defender had little choice but to trip him up. In turn, the referee had little choice but to point to the spot, and this was their chance. The captain bravely stepped up to the plate, and clinically – nay, emphatically – hammered the penalty into the bottom right corner. 2-1, and Merton were soaring. Barely three minutes later, a third was to come. Dulanie won a throw in on the right side in the opposing territory, and Dan spiralled in a beast of throw. The defender miscued his clearing header, and it sailed tormentingly over the keeper and nestled into the side of the net. A bonus indeed, but at 3-1, the home side cared little and had some much-needed breathing space.

This week we were without a number of regulars, the Gridley’s were unavailable due to injury and work, Mikey Elgar was giving it a rest after picking up a groin injury a couple of weeks prior and we were also still without Jake Hewitt due to work commitments. Giving us a helping hand were Yomi and Joel from the 3s.

Whenever a performance is not going our way I am one of the first to show my frustration, that is the passion of the game coming out,  however watching from the side-lines is so much more frustrating. The reason for this is because you are able to view everything as you are in the best position to do so.

With a make shift back four of Ryan, Steve, Joel and the skipper Chris, it took time for them to adapt and get the communication going. This showed as ten minutes in we were already 3 – 0 down. The wind did play a part however we should have been able to anticipate the long ball game from the off. We should definitely have been able to anticipate it after the first time!

There were not many positives to take from the game apart from a good fifteen minutes spell that we had in the second half. Another 2 goals from the visitors resulted in them comfortably claiming all three points.

Joe was unfortunate to receive a yellow card following his reacting to a bad challenge however then situation was taken care of straight away to prevent it from getting worse as Aaron was brought back on, having been replaced by Sevan at half time, for the final fifteen minutes.

Next week we host the lower Actonians Association side with a much needed win required. Not only will this hopefully kick-start our league but it will give the guys a confidence boost that is long overdue.

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 0 – 5 Old Wilsonians 4s SCORER: None MOTM: Joe Plumridge

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), Ryan Burchell, Steve Burchell, Joel van Oosten, Chris Outred, Aaron Ackerman (Sevan Mutafyan), Joe Plumridge (Aaron Ackerman), Glen Porter, Billy Bowie, Dulanie Richards, Yomi Alalade.

There’d been a media frenzy all week about Storm Barney, and Britain awoke to a white Saturday countrywide. Thankfully, the Alleyn Club near Dulwich had dodged the snow, and it was game on for Merton against the table-topping Alleyn Old Boys – albeit with the mercury barely above zero degrees

Strapped for numbers, the 4s were grateful for some help from 2s’ stalwarts Paul and Oli. The former took his place in the centre of defence with Saffer Mike; Ed and John on the left and right respectively. Oli and Joe lined up in the middle of the park, with skipper Chris and Mike on the wings, and Dulanie and Dom sat upfront to complete the 4-4-2 formation on what was a tight – and very slippery – pitch. The game began with Old Boys in the ascendancy, as was perhaps to be expected. But Merton had a certain calm about them, and the home side were reduced to passing it around in front of the defence in the face of some tough and committed tackling. The Yellows showed endeavour too, keeping it on the ground were possible, and making some surging runs up the flanks. But if the league leaders didn’t know they were in a game already, they certainly did after 15 minutes. A well-earned corner was teasingly swung in by Mike, and at the far post towered Dulanie. His header from the tightest of angles then thundered into the back of the net, leaving the hosts in disbelief and Merton in raptures. 1-0, and game on! Old Boys came out stronger after that, and missed a glorious chance from point blank shortly after. But a sign of things to come came midway through the half, as a ball bobbing around the edge of the box was launched into an evasive Joe. A harsh penalty was the result from the unconvincing referee, despite there being doubt over both the intent and his position in the box. But the Alleyn striker never looked confident as he readied himself, and smashed his ensuing effort from 12 yards into the crossbar – a let off for Merton, although perhaps justifiably. The visitors continued to have the measure of their opponents in what was increasingly becoming a niggly contest. The tackling was as immense as the determination, and the equaliser thus required something rather special. A loose ball bobbing around outside the box ought to have been cleared, but the strike was nonetheless dispatched with aplomb into the bottom right corner, with nothing Sam or anyone could do to stop it. 1-1. But if the first was quality, the second for Alleyn was a source of major controversy. From midfield the ball was cleverly looped over the defence to a striker who may or may not have been offside. However, the player he nudged the ball to as he bore down on goal was unequivocally in front of him, and with no defenders in the equation, his tap in should never have stood. Merton rightly argued their case, but the referee turned an infuriatingly deaf ear. The 2-1 score line was desperately cruel on the Yellows, who’d battled with all they had.

And with the break approaching, further salt was to be rubbed into the wounds. Alleyn were correctly awarded a free kick on the edge of the area. Less correct though, was the player who took it being permitted to do so before the whistle had gone, with Sam still organising his wall and not ready for it. But again, the goal stood, and 3-1 at the interval left Merton facing an undeserved two-goal deficit.

Talk was positive at the break, albeit brief, as neither team fancied standing around in the freezing cold for too long. Yet the men from the Hood came out with purpose when play resumed, taking a particular interest in ferocious, but fair, tackling, and attempting to rattle the opposition.

Again though, it was a crucial decision that scuppered their momentum. Alleyn managed to find a way into the box up the right, and Bill – whose tackling, heart and aggression had been central to Merton’s good start to the half – slid in to intercept just inside the box. Perhaps he missed the ball, but the theatrical dive that followed from the Old Boys striker was more akin to what you might see in El Clasico than in English Saturday league football. Nevertheless, the obliging ref pointed to the spot, and this time the Old Boys striker made no mistake. 4-1. Brutal. Unjust. But so it was.

Yet rather than dispiriting Merton, it pulled them even closer together. They continued to fly into the tackles, but more than that, they began to gain a foothold in the game by using the wings. Dulanie’s hold up play was superb too, and Dom continued to find ways of eluding defenders and putting dangerous balls in. Corners came thick and fast, and so did a series of half chances. Eventually, the reward came, as Ed’s crossfield ball found Chris in acres of space. While the beleaguered Old Boys defence cried for offside, Chris calmly slotted it past the keeper in a one-on-one to make it 4-2. Buoyed by the richly deserved lifeline, Merton ramped things up. The talking was loud, the tackles were harder, and the goal threat greater than ever before. Alleyn were no longer passing it around calmly, and were instead hacking it away in a panic.

Perhaps the key moment came with 10 to go, as a corner came from the left which Dulanie met with gusto. It absolutely flew off his head from just 6 yards out, yet somehow the keeper pulled off a reflex save for the ages to deny him. It truly was save of the season material, and perhaps the Yellows knew there and then that it just wasn’t meant to be.

Such a suspicion was confirmed 5 minutes later, and in fitting circumstances. Alleyn won a corner, and with much tussling going on in the area, one of the blues absolutely hurtled into Paul to take him out. Yet incredibly, no foul was given, and the ball ended up in the back of the net to make it 5-2. Another shocker, a flattering score-line, and the nail in the coffin for both Merton and any sense of decorum in the contest.Alleyn – not the kind of guys you’d be interested in going for a beer with too often – had already amassed 4 yellow cards for indiscipline. But also in the book were Joe and Dom, and in the last 5 minutes, they were given their marching orders for a second yellow, although both men could lay claim to having had at least one dubious caution against them.

It was a bitter end to what had already been a rather distasteful match, in which the referee had lost all semblance of control. The last 5 minutes petered out with 9-man Merton simply waiting for the whistle to go. A couple of good saves from Sam was the only notable action before things finally came to a conclusion.

Looking back, it certainly wasn’t a classic, and given the persistent niggle and controversial decisions, it wasn’t a match that was greatly enjoyed either. But on the bright side, it was one in which Merton gave the league leaders a heck of a game on their own patch, showing the kind of fight and determination that’s needed if they are to move up the table. And with two winnable games coming up, the hope will be that such intensity will continue in order to get the points on the board.

FINAL SCORE: Alleyn Old Boys 4s 5 – 2 Merton 4s SCORER: Dulanie Richards, Chris Outred MOTM: Dulanie Richards

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Mike Todt, Paul Pearce, Edward Plaistow, Michael Elgar, Joe Plumridge (Billy Dowie), Oli Ross (Ryan Burchell), Chris Outred, Dom Plumridge, Dulanie Richards.

Merton 4s vs. Actonians Association
5s SAL Minor Division 1 South
Saturday 14^th November 2015

After the disappointing drubbing we received from Economicals in the AFA Cup last week (we that is best forgotten), it was back to the league campaign and the home tie against Actonians Association. Having defeating us on their home turf already this season, we knew we were in for a tough day.

There was concern that we were going to be without a referee until on the stroke of KO he finally arrived being accompanied by a brolly due to the standard British weather at this time of the year. Following a minutes silence to pay respect to the families that lost loved ones following the attacks that took place in Paris, the game was finally ready to get underway.

We lined up slightly different this week. It was clear during last weeks’ game, and other previous performances for that matter, that we were getting overpowered in the midfield and also struggling with support defensively. We decided to play a 5-3-2 formation with myself and John Gridley playing as wing backs. A number of our regulars were unavailable so we welcomes Aaron back into the mix along with Sevan Mutafyan who decided that he had spent enough time away from the game! Steve Burchell also helped us out and thanks needs to go to Clive (5s Manager) for allowing us to use him.

We starting brightly and kept out shape for the majority of the first half. We were compact and creating enough chances to stay in the game. Actonians had the better opportunity however Sam was at his best to prevent them from taking an early lead. His impressive form continued throughout the first half. The one goal that we did concede was on the counter attack after a goal kick with intercepted. 1-0 at half time.

The second period was one that the referee, and me personally, would like the forget quickly. We found ourselves 3-0 down following some good play by the visitors however we were made to finish the game of with a man less following my sending off for two bookable offences. The first was for an aerial challenge where I ‘apparently’ caught their number 17 with my studs on my way down. Following a number of incidents where this particular player over reacted it was clear that there was nothing in it however following a conversation between the player and the ref, I was brandished with my first yellow card as a result of the player saying that I caught him. Ridiculous!

My send yellow was a stupid one. The referee might have well been wearing blue and white as nothing was going out way. We were getting punished for every challenge that we made but the visitors got away with it. This included one player raising his hands to Ryan and another for taking Sam out when claiming a loose ball. Back to my second yellow that resulted in my dismissal. A decision was given against us for a silly tackle and out of frustration I kicked the ball away. The ref claimed that I kicked it ‘miles away’ however 5 second later the player had the ball in his hand ready to place the free kick.

The game finished 4-0 however with a little more work on the 5-3-2 formation I think the wins will start to come. Next week we travel to Dulwich to take on Alleyn Old Boys where nothing but a win is good enough!

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 0 – 4 Actonians Association 5s SCORER: None MOTM: Sam Singer-Ripley

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Glen Porter, Steve Burchell, Edward Plaistow, Chris Dodd (Sonny Kennedy), Aaron Ackerman (Ryan Burchell), Joe Plumridge, Chris Outred (Sevan Mutafyan), Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge.

 

Economicals 4s vs. Merton 4s
AFA Minor Cup, First Round Round
Saturday 7^th November 2015
by Mike Tod

Courtesy of their sole victory of the season, Merton were through to the first round proper of the AFA Cup, and Saturday’s assignment was to make that count against the New Malden-based Economicals.

Yet the venue of this away fixture had been very much up in the air owing to poor weather in the week, and on Friday it was decided the game would be played on a 3G pitch at the Kings Sports Ground in Chiswick. Just for some added irony, the pitch was literally next door to the scene of the previous week’s surrender of a three-goal lead.

It was also the scene of some great football prior to that though, and the men from the Hood were hoping to draw from it. Insider information hinted that the Economicals were going to be a tough proposition, but having seen the efforts of Salford City in the FA Cup the night before, anything was possible.

A strong starting line-up had Dulanie and Dom upfront, with the midfield loaded up with Mike Elgar and Jake in the middle, along with Chris’s Outred and Dodd on either side. The back four was made up of Glen, Saffer Mike, gaffer Ed and the returning John Gridley.

A strong XI, but not as strong as the element a lost coin toss pitted them against – wind. After a minute’s silence, the game was underway, and it immediately became clear what a slog it would be with such a potent headwind. Clearances were coming back like boomerangs, passes were coming to a standstill, and the Economicals, well – they simply swarmed the Yellows.

But Merton are a determined bunch, and for all the intense pressure they faced, they kept a lid on things for the first 10 minutes. In fact, the first real chance of the game was carved out by Dom, whose thunderous shot from just outside the box looked in for all money, before being tipped onto the bar.

But that was when the tide really turned, and, my goodness, was it grisly. Around 15 minutes in, an innocuous through ball from the left caused a bit of miscommunication in defence, and the Economicals striker was clean through. His finish was clinical and they had the breakthrough.

1-0.

Close your eyes for a minute. Open them. 3-0. That was how it felt for a hapless Merton, although the two goals that followed were of the highest order. One, a left-footed curler nestling in the top corner, and the other a bullet from outside the box.

Merton were shattered, but the encouragement levels went up. They knew they’d have the wind at their backs for the second period, but they couldn’t let this slip anymore. The tackles flew in, the passes were kept along the deck, and, for a brief passage of play, they looked a better side.

But still, they just couldn’t escape their half of the field in the face of both the relentless breeze and the relentless opponents, and the fourth carried an air of inevitability about it. And it came to pass too, a speculative shot catching Sam out of position. Then, a minute later, came the fifth – the result of a poor back pass by Saffer Mike. And then came the sixth – again, a sublime finish.

It was the stuff of horrors, and there were still 10 minutes to go until the break. Luckily, Merton held out without further damage, but 6-0 meant it was a quiet half time chat.

A couple of changes were made, but the most significant of all was a change in strategy. It was decided that a high line would be the best approach for the second half, and almost straight away, it was vindicated as the Economicals speedy number seven was caught offside looking to make a break for it.

It was actually to be the theme for much of the second period. An increasingly confident Merton defence squeezed up as one, and time after time the referee obliged, with the home side seemingly unable to adapt the timing of their runs. It was brilliant to watch, and had the added advantage of minimising the gap between the Yellow defensive line and the midfield.

Yet even with this new disciplined shape, there was to be little on attack. It wasn’t anything like the backs-to-the-wall stuff in the first half, but, despite the change in sides, there was still only one team who looked like scoring. Glen cleared one off the line, as did Chris Outred, and there were a couple of good tackles in the box.

Most notably though, Sam was absolutely superb. Not only was he making inspired saves, but his work as a sweeper was excellent, as he commandingly came off his line to claim any nagging through balls. All in all, it was a collective exhibition by the defence, and the greatest compliment that could be paid was that a team who were 6-0 up had become genuinely frustrated.

It was thus a bit harsh on them when the seventh goal eventually did go in; a well-worked move which was nicely finished off. But for the remaining 10 minutes Merton were solid once again, and at the other end substitute Alex did ever so well to create a chance for himself which just snuck past the right-hand post.

It was a spiriting end to what had had the potential to be a crushing afternoon. By the time the final whistle blew, Merton were actually in the ascendancy, and thus marched off the pitch with their heads held high. Yes, it had been a mauling. But once again, there were genuine positives to be taken, and with the league now the only order of business remaining, the belief will be there that these can be translated into points.

FINAL SCORE: Economicals 4s 7 – 0 Merton 4s SCORERS: None MOTM: Chris Outred

STARTING LINE-UP: Sam Singer-Ripley(GK), John Gridley, Mike Todt, Glen Porter, Edward Plaistow, Michael Elgar (Alex Carver), Chris Dodd, Jake Hewitt, Chris Outred, Dom Plumridge, Dulanie Richards.

Ibis Eagles 4s vs. Merton 4s
SAL Minor Division 1 South
Saturday 31^st October 2015
by Mike Todt

Inspired. Committed. Sensational. If only a football match was 70 minutes long. It about summed things up for a Merton side who did so many things right on Saturday, but ultimately couldn’t get a much needed first league win of the campaign over the line.

A glorious autumnal day greeted the men from the Hood when they arrived at Riverside Sports Ground, and, other than an excess of leaves, the pitch was in good nick. The task at hand was to topple the 5th-placed Ibis Eagles, themselves having endured mixed form.

The manager Ed turned skipper for the day, and after consultation with Chris Dodd, concocted a midfield diamond formation that would largely work a treat. Mikey Elgar was at the base, with Dulanie and Jake on either side. The front three pitted Dom, Dan Plaistow and Elliott together, while the back four lined up with Scholesy and Ryan on each fullback, in addition to Joe and Saffer Mike in the middle.

The whistle blew, and as things got underway, it was clear that Ibis had a bit about them. They had quality on the ball and some pace upfront. But almost immediately too, it became clear that Merton were going to have the measure of them. Any attacks through the middle were snuffed out, and their subsequent attempts to play with width were easy pickings for the yellow defence.

Although the visitors had offered little in the way of attacking thrust, Ibis were quickly becoming frustrated by the brilliance of Mikey in midfield, and the tenacity of a relentless Dom, who was to have them rattled for much of the contest.

It thus came as little surprise when Dulanie drew first blood around 20 minutes in. The ball broke handily for him, but, left with a one-on-one with the advancing keeper, he still had plenty to do. However, the team’s leading scorer exuded pure class, clinically tucking it away in the bottom left corner. 1-0, and Merton had their foothold.

Heads were straight back on though. And a good thing too, as the hosts gave the lads a fright, as a Rory Delap-esque throw-in caught the defence off guard in the box. The Ibis striker’s attempted volley was woefully skied, but it was a warning shot to the defenders nonetheless, who’d actually had precious little to do until that point.

But the focus and intensity were still very much there. Jake was flying in and winning balls he had no right to, Dom was as pugnacious as ever, and Mikey was simply immense in midfield. And 5 minutes before the break, one became two. The build-up was good, with some fine interplay leading to a corner.

But the goal itself was sublime. Mikey put in a searching ball from a corner, which cleared almost everybody in the box. However, lurking ominously in behind was Dulanie, whose first-time volley was the picture of perfection. With barely a back lift, the ball flew off the sweet spot of his boot, leaving the hapless Ibis keeper with little to do except watch it fly into his net for a second time.

2-0 and Merton were buzzing. A visibly dispirited home side offered nothing in response for the remainder of the half, and the visitors went into the break buoyant, and more than good value for their lead. The talk was understandably positive, but not complacent either. The first 10 minutes of the second stanza were going to be crucial, and everyone felt it.

And so the lads came out with aplomb, gritty as ever, and refusing to give Ibis an inch. Everyone was in sync with each other, reading from the same hymn book, although once again it was the outstanding midfield leading the way. The defence, in fact, were largely bystanders in what was turning into an exhibition of counter-attacking football.

And 10 minutes into the second period, a third goal was to come. A superb through ball sent Elliott on his way, who like Dulanie earlier, found himself one on one with the keeper. And like Dulanie earlier, he too put his chance away as coolly as you could ask for. 3-0 it was now and a rampant Merton could have been forgiven for setting their sights on a rout.

The first order of business though, was to secure three points. Some enforced changes were necessary too with Dulanie going off, while Ryan, who had put in a fine shift while feeling under the weather, had to call it a day midway through the second half. But the subs were doing their bit too, particularly Dan Kelly and Chris; the latter selflessly starting himself on the bench despite being in good form. The work rate didn’t drop at all, Dom continued to get under the opponents’ skin, and the beleaguered Ibis outfit appeared to have no way back.

But just as thoughts may have been turning to celebratory jugs of beer, a lifeline arrived for the men in red with 20 minutes to go. Unsurprisingly, it came courtesy of the long throw; a teaser that unquestionably zeroed in on goal. And in the melee of heads and bodies, keeper Sam had been unfortunate enough to get a touch on it, meaning the bizarre goal ultimately stood, despite there being no contact from an opposing player.

3-1 it was, but heads didn’t drop. Put in perspective, the goal had come out of the blue, and Merton were straight back in to boss the midfield again. But a defining moment was to come 5 minutes later, with the magnificent Mikey forced to head off the park with an untimely calf cramp.

Such was the apparent dependence on his great work that the momentum of the game changed almost immediately. Merton were suddenly out of shape, and inviting waves of attack. And the second goal for Ibis followed not long after, albeit in fortuitous fashion. A speculative shot from 30 yards caught Sam slightly off his line, and agonisingly snuck its way into the top-left corner. 3-2.

And now an air of panic set in, as a team not well versed in closing games out were at risk of throwing points away. And with seven minutes to go, the unthinkable, but somewhat inevitable, equaliser came to pass. Again it was a long throw which did the job. Sam had done brilliantly to get a punch on it, but it would fall kindly to the Ibis striker, who then smashed a volley home from outside the box.

3-3. Istanbul. Crystanbul. Spin it however you like, but it was cruel on a brave Merton side, who’d left it all out there. They had come for three points, and this just wasn’t meant to be in the script. The heads had now well and truly dropped, although pulses were briefly set racing two minutes later, when Dan Kelly did some wonderful work to get himself clean through to a lobbed ball in behind the defence. Sadly, the bouncing ball spun awkwardly, and cleared his rapidly advancing self.

It was to be the last attack of any substance from Merton, and the final five minutes were all Ibis. The yellows really had to dig deep to hang on, and at the death, one of the Ibis strikers found himself in space 8 yards out. Thankfully, his shot flew into the side netting, and the ensuing goal kick would prove to be the last act of the game.

A gutted and deflated Merton team trudged off, wondering what could have been. But as ever, the togetherness remained. There were no recriminations, no fingers pointed, and no negativity. This had been a superb performance for three quarters of the match, and there were so many positives to be drawn from this encounter. Just a few tweaks, some more composure, and perhaps some self-belief, and this brave side will know that that elusive first league win – and many more – lie just around the corner.

FINAL SCORE: Ibis Eagles 4s 3 – 3 Merton 4s SCORER: Dulanie Richards (2), Elliott Phipps MOTM: Dulanie Richards & Mike Elgar

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), Ryan Burchell (Chris Dodd), Mike Todt, Joe Plumridge, Edward Plaistow, Michael Elgar, Jake Hewitt, Dan Plaistow (Dan Kelly), Dulanie Richards (Arnold Collier), Dom Plumridge