Category: Match Reports 4s

HSBC 5s vs. Merton 4s SAL Minor Division 1 South Saturday 24^th October 2015

Only three weeks have passed since we last meet HSBC 5s in the league. On that occasion they went back to Beckenham with the three points following a 2 – 1 at Joseph Hood. This week it was important that we kick-started our league campaign and try our utmost to gain revenge by taking all the points.

With a few regulars unavailable, we drafted in some reinforcements in the form of Alan Clowes, Tom Benham and Sonny Kennedy.

The game started brightly and we were on the front foot from the off. The wet surface allowed us to zip the ball round with confidence. A few half chances were created however it took 20 minutes for us to break the deadlock. Dulanie Richards picked the ball up from the left and unleashed a right footed drive the found the back of the net via a deflection. 1 – 0 to the visitors and well deserved. Not long after did Dulanie have to make way for Tom after picking up a hamstring injury that looks like it will put him out for a couple of weeks.

There were some moments were HSBC put us under pressure however we dealt with them comfortably which frustrated the hosts. The pressure kept building with a number of corners the only reward. One of these however resulted in the equaliser. The loose ball failed to be cleared from danger which allowed their number seven to get a shot away inside the box that looped over Sam following an attempted block. 1 – 1 going into the break.

There were so many positives to take from the first period and we knew that the game was there for the taking. We were easily the better team; we just had to make things count in the final third.

The start of the second half was pretty much a carbon copy of the start of the first. We were pinging the ball around with ease and making it difficult for the opposition to get onto the ball. This opened the HSBC defence up and we were rewarded ten minutes in when Sonny was apprehended in the box. Had there not been another defender level then there could have easily been a red card awarded as well as the penalty. With our first choice penalty taker not available, it was left down to Chris Outred to dispatch emphatically having been made to wait longer than he would have liked. 2 – 1 to Merton and well deserved.

We could have extended our lead when a one-two was played between myself and Chris. With Chris being taken out after playing the ball back, the ref decides to play the advantage. One, two then three opposing players were left in their tracks leaving me, Sonny, Tom and their keeper the only ones in the box. Knowing that I wouldn’t be able to get a shot off from the position I was in (tight angle) I decided to square the ball, albeit with too much power which resulted in a half chance for Tom that he could only hit over the bar.

We were holding our own and felt comfortable in all positions, Jake has doing fantastic to hold and break up play in the midfield with Tom and Sonny chasing every ball down up top putting HSBC under pressure constantly. We felt so comfortable that we thought we could hold out for the win. Thought turned out to be the key word! HSBC did manage to one rare passage of play which unfortunately resulted in the final goal of the game and the second equaliser. A low shot from about 20 years beat Sam down low to his right.

A solid performance to take into next week’s game away to Ibis Eagles in Chiswick where nothing but a win is good enough.

FINAL SCORE: HSBC 5s 2 – 2 Merton 4s SCORERS: Dulanie Richards, Chris Outred (pen) MOTM: Jake Hewitt

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Alan Clowes, Steve Burchell , Edward Plaistow, Arnold Collier (Ryan Burchell), Jake Hewitt, Joe Plumridge, Chris Outred (Capt.), Dulanie Richards (Tom Benham), Sonny Kennedy Unused Sub: Aaron Ackerman

Merton 4s vs. Old Lyonians 3s
ISEH Minor Cup, First Round
Saturday 17^th October 2015
by Edward Plaistow

So following last week’s heroics in the AFA Cup, this week we welcomed a young Old Lyonians side to Joseph Hood for and ISEH Cup game that we were hoping would have the same outcome as 7 days prior.

We welcomed Dom, Jake and Arnold back into the starting XI leaving myself and Aaron to warm the bench. Also starting was Elliott Phipps, another friend on the Plumridges who was looking to get back into the game following a serious injury.

Watching from the side-line was frustrating as ever! The visitors were playing with confidence from the off, not what was expected from a side that hadn’t won a single game in a year! They were passing and moving causing confusion to both the midfield and defence. This paid off after 10 minutes when a ball was played over the top to their striker who, with his back to goal, managed to get a shot in that found its way under Sam’s body. 1-0 to the visitors.

We had to make an early sub 15 minutes in. Chris Dodd overstretched while chasing a defending ball meaning Aaron had to replace him. No long after, all of five minutes to be exact, we had to make our second substitution. Glen twisted and ankle while attempting a header. Chris Outred moved into the centre to support John at the back with myself coming on to take up my usual left back position.

After conceding we were chasing every loose ball and letting Old Lyonians know that we were not a push over. This pressure paid off on the half hour mark. Dom hustled the ball down near the touch line, and could have been awarded a number of fouls in the process, to release the ball to Elliott which was lost. A bizarre incident followed. When the ball was lost, the left back attempted a pass back to the keeper when the ball bobbled over the keeper foot and into the back of the net. All credit must go to Dom for that and if I could I would award the goal to him personally however that is not how the game goes. We let him know that it was down to him. 1-1 with 15 minutes to go until the break.

The young blood was still finding ways to cause us problems and this was proved when they were awarded a penalty just before the break. John tripping their number 11 following a mazy run. Fortunately their number 9, who was playing off of the right wing (but left footed), took the penalty and hit it wide.

We were showing grit and determination towards the end of the first period so the team talk at half time was one was more positives than negatives.

The second half (apart from the final 10 minutes) was dreadful from a Merton perspective. Old Lyonians were call, calm and collected on the ball and were playing with more confidence than we were. Quick pass and move plays were causing us all sorts problems. This style of football allowed them to score 3 goals that could have been avoided. It could have been worse had the ref not overturned his original decision or awarding a penalty against John for a handball. John did well to convince him that it actually hit him in the crown jewels and the ref took his words for it and called a drop-ball.

A few late changes had to be made, Chris Dodd came back on to replace Aaron and Glen came back on to replace Jake in the middle. Due to his injury, I felt best to stick Glen up top and drop Elliott back into the middle as the former would have found it hard to track back.

With 10 minutes to go we were piling the pressure on and it was only down to their keeper that we didn’t score sooner than we did. The opposition finally gave in when a ball in by Elliott from the left was parried by the keeper and Dulanie was there to smash in the rebound. We were now full of confidence and our third goal followed no longer than a minute late when Glen volleyed into the top corner after a great cross from yours truly.

Unfortunately we’re didn’t have enough time to get back into the game but that renewed confidence will be good to take into next week’s reverse league fixture against HSBC 5s.

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 3 – 5 Old Lyonians 3s SCORERS: Own Goa, Dulanie Richards, Glen Porter MOTM: Sam Singer-Ripley

STARTING LINE-UP: Sam Singer-Ripley (GK), Ryan Burchell, John Gridley, Glen Porter (Edward Plaistow), Chris Outred, Chris Dodd (Aaron Ackerman), Jake Hewitt, Arnold Collier, Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge, Elliott Phipps.

[Show slideshow]

Old Tiffinians 3s vs. Merton 4s
AFA Minor Cup, Preliminary Round
Saturday 10^th October 2015
by Mike Todt

After a sluggish start to the league campaign, with just a solitary point to show for our opening four games, it was onto the welcome distraction of the AFA Cup. Old Tiffinians (OT) 3s were the opponents, and given their relatively lowly status in the 8th Division of the Amateur Football Combination, the opportunity for a morale-boosting first win of the season beckoned. 

Nevertheless, Merton were never going to fall foul to complacency, and especially given the absence of key players, we knew a good performance would be the order of the day. Grist’s Memorial Ground in Hampton Court was the setting, and, mercifully, the overcast skies offered mild temperatures – a relief given the searing heat of the previous two weeks. A slight breeze fluttered in from the West, but all in all, perfect conditions set the stage for what turned out to be an enthralling contest.

Sam was back in goal after a wrist injury, while the experienced trio of Steve Burchell, John Gridley and Ed Plaistow headlined the defence. Chris Dodd and Glen were tasked with keeping things tidy in the centre of midfield, while skipper Chris Outred and Burchell junior (Ryan) were to bring pace and guile on the wings. Top scorer Dulanie led the line with Kyle Smith in behind; Kelvin was there to offer fresh legs from the bench too.

And so to the kick-off, and the early exchanges were fairly cagey from both sides. As if to feel each other out, neither side committed many men forward, and chances were few and far between. 10 minutes in, and OT began to venture up the field a bit more, and perhaps looked the more likely. The defence largely had the measure of their attacks, but were ultimately being penned in their half.

The call for composure then came, and suddenly there was a series of moves strung together by the men in yellow. True as bob, the momentum began to shift, and we came into the game. The breakthrough, however, required some inspiration. John received the ball deep in our half, and went on a rampaging run. One, two and then three men in purple were left in his dust, as he surged forward. Having nearly reached the opposing box, he slipped a delightful ball in to Dulanie, who smashed home the finish emphatically. The onion bag was rattled, joy broke out – 1-0 Merton after 20 minutes.

Riding the wave, the good passages of play continued, and there were a couple of half chances. But once again, the hosts wouldn’t go away, and the equaliser was to come 15 minutes before the half time whistle. A good move up the left wing centred around their pacey number 7, and he, in turn, released their left-footed striker. The defence was turned, and from 20 yards out, he unleashed a screamer of a shot. Sam got a glove on it, but there was no stopping the projectile as it snuck into the top-right corner. 1-1 and OT celebrated.

Our heads didn’t drop, but crucially, the goal lifted OT to another level. Wave after wave of attack followed, as the home side passed the ball around at will. We were being pushed deeper and deeper into our own half, and OT began to carve out a series of chances.

Yet while the momentum of the game had well and truly swung, there was to be good chance for the us too. A clearance was well picked up in midfield, and a superb through ball had the opposing keeper at sixes and sevens. Dulanie picked it up, and, one on one with the keeper, looked a sure bet to put it away. Cruelly, though, the ball bobbled at the moment critique, and the shot went agonisingly high and wide.

In truth, it would have been rather against the run of play though, and the remainder of the opening period was all OT. Amid the carnage, they rattled the bar and missed another glorious opportunity themselves to take the lead.

Needless to say, the whistle for half time offered sweet relief, and, knowing the wind would be at their backs for the second stanza, our chat at half time was all positive.

But again, we were unable to assert ourselves on the match when play resumed, and the ball kept coming back into our half. Five minutes in, and OT were presented with yet another gilt-edged chance to go in front, but sent it flying high above the bar.

It was one of numerous lucky escapes we encountered in a 15-minute period where we were under the cosh. A looping header hit the post, and each of their strikers sent close-range efforts high and wide when they ought to have scored.

Our grip on parity was becoming increasingly precarious, and other than a fine effort from Glen which hit the woodwork, we offered little going forward. Hearts skipped a beat too as the mercurial Dulanie limped off the field with 25 to go.

But his welcome return 10 minutes later marked a distinct shift in the game. True, OT continued to boss possession, and had large swathes of territory. But our defence seemed to get the measure of them, and began to snuff out their attacking moves with some authority. Our opponents were getting ball to feet, but looked bereft of options as a tide of yellow began to build.

The talking was better, the introduction of Kelvin offered some vital fresh legs, and Dulanie’s impressive chasing down of long balls upfront gave everyone a lift. Slowly, we began to cause the home side problems of their own. Perhaps conscious of the fact that they’d squandered so many good opportunities earlier, a hint of panic visibly engulfed OT.

As such, there was an air of inevitability about our second goal; albeit in controversial fashion. The referee had earlier blown a tough call for handball on Steve (just outside the box), and, as if to reciprocate, pointed to the spot when an OT defender’s clearance struck the barely-outstretched hand of his teammate with extra time looming.

Protests understandably ensued from the aghast home side. Less understandable though was a truly bizarre three-minute spell where the referee marched up and down the goal line, apparently to measure out where the penalty spot should be. It provided amusement for the bewildered players, but for Doddsy (Chris Dodd), it was an uncalled-for delay ahead of a crucial spot kick. Yet when the time (eventually) came, he made absolutely no mistake, blasting it high into the net with aplomb – the hapless keeper nowhere near it. 10 out of 11 from the spot that makes it for Chris, and 2-1 to Merton it was. Unbridled joy, and with 10 minutes to go, the spectre of extra time, or worse still, defeat, had ebbed away.

Heads were straight back on at the resumption, as we looked to close the game out clinically. The hosts had had the wind taken from their sails, and any pressure they built up was being absorbed by a disciplined Merton side, who were really playing for each other with victory now in sight.

The decisive goal though, was artful. Ryan made a typically determined run up the right wing, and did well to hear the booming call from Scholesy (Ed Plaistow), who’d found himself in acres of space on the other flank. The crossfield ball was right on the money, and Ed took it up the field superbly. The shot that followed was a good one, although the keeper parried it away. However, at the ready to dispatch the rebound was the tireless Kelvin, who poked home from close range – just reward for a fine performance as an impact sub, and one that sent us into raptures. 3-1 it was, with the game now all but done and dusted.

The final whistle followed less than two minutes later, and the mighty 4s marched off the park in an excited buzz. Handshakes, hugs and high fives were traded, everyone to a man thrilled and relieved to have got the first win on the board; especially in light of a performance in which we had genuinely punched above our weight.

Next up is Old Lyonians in the ISEH Cup, and the team will have every reason to feel confident that this result can be a springboard to a good season.

FINAL SCORE: Old Tiffinians 3s 1 – 3 Merton 4s
SCORERS: Dulanie Richards, Chris Dodd (pen), Kelvin Aboidyn
MOTM: Chris Dodd

STARTING LINE-UP: Sam Singer-Ripley(GK), John Gridley, Mike Todt, Steve Burchell, Edward Plaistow, Chris Dodd, Ryan Burchell, Glen Porter, Chris Outred, Kyle Smith (Kelvin Aboidyn), Dulanie Richards.

HSBC 5s were the visitors to Joseph Hood in a week where three points were vital to kick-start our league campaign. Only one point out of a possible nine going into the game explains how important it was that we claimed the points and not the opposition.

With Sam picked up a double wrist injury while playing for his School team, it was down to Chris Outred to step in between the sticks. Joe and Glen made up the centre back partnership with Chris Dodd playing the holding role to give support to the midfield but also provide that extra cover at the back. Dan Plaistow came in for Ryan on the right of midfield with Dulanie once against starting on the left leaving Dom and the lone striker.

We lost Michael and Joe pretty early on so Jake came into the middle of the park to partner Dan Gridley with John reverting to centre park and Ryan coming on to replace him at right full back. It was an even contest for the first 20 minutes of the half. Both teams playing some good football with HSBC maybe shading it….just. The second quarter was when the opposition stepped up a gear, getting a head to every goal kick that Chris took making the defence work to clean up constantly. 10 minutes before the break was when we found ourselves go behind, albeit controversially, Manny (of all people and who has been in every single HSBC team that I have come up against during my time with Merton) managed to beat the offside trap according to the ref and side foot the ball past Chris to his bottom left. 1 – 0 to the visitors at the break.

A few changes were made for the start of the second period. The defence stayed the same however Dulanie and Dan Plaistow pushed up to support Dom up top as he was getting no support. The formation change seemed to work with some good possession however the end product seemed to let us down. We did manage to equalise fifteen minutes after the restart through and own goal. Dulanie chased what seemed to be a dead ball however he managed to keep it in a deliver a ball into the box. With Dom waiting in anticipation, the only thing that the HSBC defender could do was head it into the back of his own net.

The game progressed steadily with a few penalty shouts not going the way they should have. With our midfield and attacking three failing to track back and support when the visitors were on the offensive, it was left down to the defence to try and keep them at bay. It was only a matter of time however before HSBC did managed to find what was eventually the winner. Manny, unchallenged, managed to find the smallest gap between the defence to fire into the bottom left again.

Apart from a disallowed goal after Manny had kicked the ball out of Chris’s hands (he swore blind that he didn’t) there was nothing exciting to mention with the game finishing 2 – 1 to the visitors to condemn us to are third defeat in four games and still looking for our first win.

Next week we travel to East Molesey to face Old Tiffinians in the First Round of the AFA Cup. Let hope our cup run is better than out league run or current!

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 1 – 2 HBSC 5s SCORER: Own Goal MOTM: Jake Hewitt

STARTING LINE-UP: Chris Outred (GK), John Gridley, Glen Porter, Joe Plumridge (Ryan Burchell), Edward Plaistow, Chris Dodd, Dan Plaistow, Dan Gridley, Michael Elgar (Jake Hewitt), Dulanie Richards , Dom Plumridge.

The first of two trips to Acton was upon us to face a very strong Actonians Association 5s side. Having beaten the same opposition we draw with last week so convincingly by five goals to nothing in the first game of the season, we knew that this was going to be a very tough game.

We arrived in good time with the whole squad there at least 45 minutes before KO, a first! With help required at the back we welcomed Mike Todt into the squad from the 3s. An addition that we hope will be a regular as the season progresses. Another new addition was Jake Hewitt, a good friend of the Plumridges. Kevin Locke was also part of the squad as the result of the sixes fixture being postponed.

We started off brightly with some good passing play however a good counter attack allowed the hosts to take the lead. Not long after was it 2 – 0 when Sam was spotted too far to the left of his goal which allowed the same player that bagged the first to fire into the bottom right from about 25 yards. It was 3 – 0 going into the break, Chris Outred giving away a penalty for a handball that could not be prevented. An attempted header out from a low ball played into the box from the left that got caught underneath him. ‘Ronaldo’, as he was referred to by a number of us, converted neatly.

It was a little disappointing going in at half time three down, it was not what we deserves from the football that we were playing. A few changes were made at the break with Ryan coming off to be replaced by Jake. Arnold gave was for Kevin who slotted in alongside Mike at the back with Chris reverting to the left of midfiend.

The second period was nearly a carbon copy of the first. Everything that Acton attempted they seemed to pull off. It just wasn’t our day. Another five goals by the hosts (according to the SAL website even though I only counted seven) allowed them to run out convincing winners. Two goals from Dan Gridley, one of which was a great free-kick that the keeper could do nothing about, put a little gloss on our performance.

A lot of work needed before the next game to come up with the right formation that will enable us to have a decent chance of victory. HSBC visit Joseph Hood next weekend with three points needed.

FINAL SCORE: Actonians Association 5s 8 – 2 Merton 4s SCORER: Dan Gridley (2) MOTM: Dan Gridley

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Chris Outred, Mike Todt, Edward Plaistow, Ryan Burchell (Kevin Locke), Michael Elgar, Dan Gridley, Arnold Collier (Jake Hewitt), Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge

The second game of our 2015/16 league campaign saw the visit of Weirside Rangers. A team that personally I had not face in the ten years that I had been at Merton. Having been thumped by five goals to nothing last week, we knew that Weirside would be trying their utmost to get their first three points of the campaign. With the defeat we suffered at the hands of Polytechnic last week, the three points were vital to us also.

Unfortunately we were missing the presence of Dan Gridley in the middle of the park due to work commitments and our Captain Chris Outred after he was called up to assist the 2s in Acton. We welcomed Michael Elgar into the squad along with Steve Burchell as a defensive back-up. Arnolds impressive display last week earnt him a start meaning Dulanie re-joined Dom up top.

It was a slow start to the game by both sides; most passes were misplaced and attempted through balls intercepted every time. It wasn’t until 20 minutes in that we managed to work our way through the visitors defence and break then down. Dom, showing great skill and determination, managed to beat three defences on the left of the penalty area and roll a ball to Dulanie who then beat the keep with a composed side footed finish. We didn’t manage to hold onto the lead for long with Weirside managing to equalise through a header.

A good period of play, where we managed to play the same football that we did against Old Salesians during pre-season, resulted in us going into the break one goal to the good thanks to a solo effort from Dom.

A good first half was followed by a pretty poor one. The opposition started brighter than we did using the speed of their wingers successfully on each flank. This resulted in second equaliser that was probably deserved. After conceding the second, we tightened things up at the back and let Dom and Dulanie do what they do best. With the way that we were playing it was clear that we could score again and that is exactly what happened when Dom unleashed a 25 yard left footed shot into the roof of the net. We were now deservedly leading 3 – 2 with 15 minutes to go. A number of injuries meant that we had to switch people around slightly. The last thing you want to do is change your back four when leading however we had no other option with Steve Burchell coming on to replace Joe at the back with the former moving into the middle of the park.

Weirside kept pilling the pressure on but found it hard to break through. The changes did not seem to be having an effect on the performance. With five minute to goal Weirside were awarded a corner. Unable to track my man in time, more concerned with organising who was marking who, the ball was floated to the back post to be met by a bullet header in the roof of the net. 3 – 3 is how is finished. A result we felt should have been bettered.

One of the main things that came out of the game is the need to organise set pieces earlier. Had we done so in this game then we would have walked away will all three points. Next week we travel to Old Actonians looking to improve on our slow start. If we keep the consistency flowing then it is only a matter of time before results start improving.

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 3 – 2 Weirside Rangers 5s SCORER: Dom Plumridge (2), Dulanie Richards MOTM: Arnold Collier

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Glen Porter, Joe Plumridge, Edward Plaistow, Ryan Burchell, Aaron Ackerman, Michael Elgar, Arnold Collier, Dulanie Richards (Dan Plaistow), Dom Plumridge (Steve Burchell).

The first game of the 2015/16 season saw a new look 4^th XI travel to Chiswick with Polytechnic 5s the hosts. Following last week’s performance, consistency in availability was vital. The only changes were John Gridley, Chris Dodd and Dan Plaistow coming in to replace Glen Porter (work), Ricardo Iglesias (3s) and Kevin Medina (5s).

With most players jumping up two leagues from last season, we knew that we were going to have a difficult time out on the field but we were buoyed by the great performance that everybody gave last week. If we managed to start how we left of last week then the hosts were in for a tough day.

We were on the back foot from the start, some sloppy passing along with players not tracking their runners allowed Poly to dominate possession. They had pace on each flank which they used to their advantage, with the majority of the time causing our full backs (one of them being me!) problems all game. We managed to keep them until ten minutes before the break. A corner from the left wasn’t cleared properly and following some pinball in the box the ball was blasted into the roof of the net. 1- 0 to the home side going into the break.

The team talk during the five minute break was one of many works with everyone chipping in with improvements that needed to be made. Changes were made; Aaron came back on to replace Chris Dodd and Arnold replaced Ryan. These changing didn’t really change much, neither did the team talk!

A sloppy free-kick was given away on the left ten minutes into the second period. More concerned about ensuring a tight line is kept, I allowed their number eleven an easy header that Sam could do nothing about. 2 – 0. We were being dominated at the point when the second goal was conceded and this allowed Poly to add to their tally. Sam did well to parry a shot following a break down the left only for their number 11 to bag his second by smashing the rebound into the bottom left. 3 – 0.

With just under thirty minutes left to go at the moment the third goal went in, we knew that there was still enough time to get back in the game. It was going to be tough but there was still a chance. With each and every one of us encouraging each other we were able to get into the game and dominate for fifteen minutes or so. During this time we reduced the deficit. Great hustling by Dan Plaistow on the right allowed Dom possession to free the ball to Dulanie on the left. A ground pass found Arnold, who under pressure, found the back of the net. A great team goal and I would say the best of the game. Not that I am biased!

We were putting more and more pressure on the opposition and pushing players up at every opportunity that we had. This backfired as they caught us on the counter to add another to their tally. 4-1 is how it finished.

Even though the score line doesn’t suggest it, Sam put in a Man of the Match performance between the sticks. Great distribution and playing the sweeper keeper role in a way that even Manuel Neuer would be proud of.

Obviously there are a number of things that we need to improve on however many positives to take from the second half performance. Next week we host Weirside Ranger at Joseph Hood where hopefully the end result is three points that will kick-start are season.

FINAL SCORE: Polytechnic 5s 4 – 1 Merton 4s SCORER: Arnold Collier MOTM: Sam Singer-Ripley

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Chris Outred, Joe Plumridge, Edward Plaistow, Ryan Burchell (Arnold Collier), Aaron Ackerman (Chris Dodd), Dan Gridley, Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge, Dan Plaistow.

On paper the 4s looked like they had a good side. Unfortunately no one  really turned up for the game.After a 20 minute delay due to the opposition’s kit not arriving  the game finally got under way. The game started pretty even and Merton looked pretty dominant for the first 10 minutes. A simple ball over the top caught the centre back and the goalkeeper out and Darcy unfortunately stuck a screamer into his own net. Without a manager and clear sense of direction Merton were soon over powered by a forceful midfield. Before long we were two nil down with a simple ball from the left midfield and the centre backs getting caught out once again. From here Merton never really exerted any pressure on The opposition and never made any clear-cut chances on goal. Pretty poor performance all round and came away with the result that we deserved on the day. Special mention must go to Ryan he pulled off some fabulous saves in goal.
Mom – Ryan

Neal Davidson

This was an interesting game which I was able to keep an eye on whilst also watching the 2s game on the adjacent pitch. Both games contained a lot of good passing football and Merton scored 4 goals in the second half of each game.  In the first half whilst Merton created a lot of opportunities their finishing let them down and HSBC were always dangerous on the break and it was on the break that undid Merton in unusual circumstances

HSBC’s attacker was through on goal when our man, Mark Chappell tugged him back. A red card offence you may think. But play continued with the ref seemingly playing an advantage which would have been a good one had he not blown up just before HSBC stuck the ball in the net. Uproar!!!  But the ref called both captains over and consulted them on what to do seemingly at great length and then awarded the goal and yellow carded our man. 1-0 down but 11 men on the pitch. (There is no truth in the ugly rumour that their captain was insisting Chappell should stay on the pitch whilst ours was quite certain he should go.)

The second half was very different with our boys finishing off their good football and overrunning HSBC. This was a very welcome good performance and the game was played in a good spirit and well done to the referee. Neil Davison (pic) had another good game at the centre of all good things for Merton. It is great to have him back at Merton and his contribution on and off the pitch is appreciated.

[Show slideshow]