Category: Match Reports 6s

Match Report

 Merton 6s v Civil Service 8s

After 2 Games away, we return home to face a CS8s side that has been struggling for results of late, with the oppo’s kit turning up late, this did not help either as they strolled out with less than 10 minutes till kick off

The 6s however had been gearing up for the game for over an hour, getting changed in the ‘store room’ after the 4s pulled rank and nicked the changing room by the showers, the 6 squeezed in around the BBQ’s and junior kits to get ready.

With MQ in goal, only conceding 1 goal in the last 2 games and a back 4 of Kevin at left back, Scott and Darren at centre back and Matt on the right, the defence shaped up rather good

Phil T once again takes up the centre mid roll, with Aaron A as his partner, left wing is Chris O and Ricky moves out to the right wing, up front with ‘El cappo’ is Peter O, leaving Ty and Daban on the bench

With the wintery low sun across the pitch as opposed to behind a goal this week, no half advantage to either teams, CS8s kick off. The early exchanges are dominated by the 6s, with ‘Ackers’ and Phil bossing the game, Chris down the left is the early outlet, each time getting the better of the CS8s right back. The signs are there as DG and Peter link up well only for the first few shots to go wide and leave the keeper untested

DG is now becoming a target man, holding play up and using the wide men well and retaining possession for each attack, both Peter and David now finding their range and testing the keeper with long range shots.

It was only a matter of time, a cross to DG some 20 yards out and back to goal, cushions a back heel between the centre backs and into the path of Peter who calmly slots pass the advancing keeper for a well-deserved 1-0 lead

With the game heavily in 6s hands, the lead is soon doubled and once again, DG receives the ball from Phil, controls and back heels another passes to Peter who once again only has the keeper to beat for 2-0

6s in full control and any attack is dealt with by the defence and on the rare occasion, MQ is on hand to tidy up further, a quick punt to the half way line sees DG chest the ball down and lob a pass through to Peter who beats the offside trap, with the keeper off his line and choosing to close Peter down as opposed to go back, the snap shot lob just goes wide

The relentless attacks keep coming, Aaron find himself out wide and woks his way down the line, CS8’s are powerless as he ghosts round the tackles and places a peach of a 35 yard cross into the path of the sprinting Peter who gets in front of his marker, leaps and side foots the shot just over the bar, in fairness the ball did come out the low bright afternoon sun, but the frustration can be seen as Peter berates himself for the miss.

With half time approaching, Chris through ball sends Peter sprinting, with 2 defenders as company, dropping the shoulder one way, then the next, he manages to wrong foot the pair, still some 20 yards out, unleashes a shot with such pace that keeper is powerless, and can only admire as the ball goes top corner to complete a great first half hattrick

With the first half over, a quick change of personal, Ricky who sustained a foot injury in a collision makes way for Daban, and Ackers for Ty.

Civil Services take their time to restart the second half, the half time couldn’t have come soon enough for the oppo and it done them well. Now looking far move organised and with the injection of some youth, pace is the call of the day. a few warning shots go by, but the 6s are still in control, DG linking with Chris to send him down the line, and the return pass is meet with a strong side foot which tamely goes by the enar post, Peter soon find himself out wide and bearing down on goal, with either option to pass or shoot, taking the latter at such a tight angle sees the keeper hold onto the fierce shot, Daban gets in on the act with a mazy run around no less than 4 players, only to fluff his lines directly in front of goal, with no less than 3 players waiting for the pass or the shot beckoning, runs out of room as the keeper snatches the ball away from his feet

All this possession, it’s in 6s fashion to fly by the seat of their pants! CS8s break away, the speedy player manages to evade countless tackles of many descriptions before unleashing a heavy shot that MQ gets to, but squirms under his body and trickles over the line, unfortunate but to be fair, it was coming. Not learning from this, the 6s just carry on attacking, the last 10 minutes sees DG shot just go wide of the post (which Aaron celebrated thinking it was in! even the ref wasn’t too sure!!) Peter once again being foiled by the keeper on more than one occasion (could have had a second half hattrick to go with the first!) and Daban causing all sorts of trouble when he manages to get the ball out of his feet and run at the oppo like a man possessed!!

With seconds remaining, and CS8s with a corner, the ball plays pin ball between the 2 teams before falling to a player just inside the box, whos volley is so well hit the net seems to bulge out of shape, thankfully that was the last kick of the game, maybe another 10 minutes and CS8s could have pulled the game level as the 6s looked like spent force towards the end and as a result, happy with the 3-2 win

Next week, a tough away game at the Bank of England, undefeated in the league but coming off a 15-3 hammering in the LFFC cup. Can the 6s go 4 without loss?

 

MOTM: Although Peter scores a hattrick in the first half, its Phil T who takes the accolade for some great work in the middle of the park

DOTD: Unfairly, its Chris O, although had a stern game, had a couple of melts that brought a laugh to the squad….

 

Team: MQ, Dazza, Mazza, Scazza, Kezza, Chrazza, Azza, Razza, Dava, Pazza, Tazza, Dazza… and Phil!

 

Match Report
Old Wilsons 8s v Merton 6s

Back down too Old wilson to face up to the 8s this week, brisk day with the chance of rain, however, the pitch is plague by the same low sun as last week
Looking at the oppo, for once the team looks more or less the same as the squad the 6s faced in September, which ended in a one sided 1-1 score line
However, there’s a few changes to the 6s, MQ still between sticks after last week’s clean sheet, left back is Steve B, centre back s of Joe Diss and TJ, and Steve H on the right, Left wing we have Ed, right wing Andrew, with the same pairing as last week, Phil T and Ricky. Up fornt is ‘El cappo and flanked by the speedy one in Daban B. Bench we welcome back Matt H and Ty from a ‘lengthy’ lay off
Confidence is high as the game kicks off, last week’s victory has brought about an air of confidence, passing the ball around, the CM start as they left off last week, passing as well as looking to run at the opposition. OW8s seem a lot more organised and match up well to their counter parts.
Up front, a good tussle starts to evolve between the OW8s centre backs and 6s CF, the ‘old dogs’ seem to be rolling back the years, only to bring back the art of kicking and tugging when the refs not looking! But all done in good humour.
Still, with the game evenly balanced, it’s the OW8s who’s strike first, a quick counter from a decent 6s attack, sees a long ball punted up front, the OW8s CF skips the challenge from Joe and bears down on goal, MQ with a rush of blood steams out at …. Pace! Only to arrive very much second as his rounded and the ball is slotted home. This being the first attack on goal compared to the several good chances wasted by DG and Daban
Not deterred, the 6s go on the front foot, once again from a high ball, DG draws the foul 25 yards out and lines the freekick up with Ed, who is selling the left foot option well. DG fakes the shot, Ed shoots… miss!
Another ariel attack and another foul on DG from a similar position to Eds debacle, this time DG lines the shot up alone, take his run up and spots Steve H unmarked wide right, instead of shooting, slots Steve in for a first time cross that is converted just wide from a deflection for a corner. A great flighted ball by Ricky is flicked on and ends up 15 yards out for a first time cutting side volley from DG which whistles passed the crossbar… 6s look good
For the play the 6s had, it’s frustrating to go in the first half down 1-0. Changes are made, JD makes way for Matt H, creating a shuffle at the back, with Matt going left back/left Wing and Steve B going Centre Back… Ty comes on for Ricky in the Centre
Game kicks off, once again the 6s get to grip with the game, Ty, looking a bit match rusty gets a few good touches in and keep it simple, Matt over lapping with Ed start to get some good work done down the left, Daban as ever, is serious threat with his pace but can’t seem to catch a break and get his shots off. Another change sees Ricky come on for Daban
Still probing, Andrew down the right starts to get some space, a few good through balls form DG and Ty sees Andrew get the edge, one such attack sees Andrews cross ‘passed back’ to the goalie by OW8s centre back and give away a needless free kick 6 yards out, once again Ed talks the talk… all he has to do is hit the target… a massive gap appears at the far post, as the balls is rolled into his path, he goes for all power and no finesse… from 6 yards, the balls rockets over the cross bar and DOTD is sorted!
Ed goes off and Daban comes back on and a formation change of 3-5-2. Flooding the midfield with Ty, Rick and Phil seems to work, however into the final third of the pitch and every chance seems to be over played or under passed, but all this is from just trying too hard and not wanting to lose, the fluent passing from the first half is replaced with panic or kick and rush
The dying embers of the game and tempers are getting strained. DG and the 2 centre backs have lost their humour and are basically just lumping each other (still without malice though… no harm in an exchange of raking studs now and then between the old boys!!)
Another corner to 6s, this time Matt curls in a great ball, DG contests the challenge with no other than the waring centre backs, the shot hits the cross bar and comes back out, Daban is the quickest to react and stabs the ball home from close range, 1-1
The remain minutes is the Alamo as the 6s hunt for the winner, however to no avail and the ref calls it a day 1-1. A close encounter, but once again it would seem the 6s drop 2 points as opposed to gaining 1.

After 2 away games, the 6s make their way home v Civ 8s, which was bit of a testy affair last season against the ‘then 7s.

MOTM: MQ in goal done well with what came at him, just one mistake cost him a clean sheet, and a superb save from one of his own (again) kept him in the frame for MOTM, but once again, Tom J was a rock in the back, and at this rate will be looking to play higher up on this form

DOTD: Could have been Steve B for another attempt at an own goal, this time heading from 8 yards out, but fortunately, MQ was at his best not react and tip the ball over
But it must go to…. Ed… think we found out his right peg doesn’t work very well with free kicks from any range!
Team: MQ, Steve H, Tom J, Joe D, Steve B, Andy, Rick, Phil, Ed, Daban, David ©
Ty & Matt.

Match Report

 Old Wilson 9s v Merton 6s

You can’t help but be optimistic when you’re coming up against a team with a similar start to the season as yourselves, Merton 6s have a single point from the opening 3 fixtures, OW9s have none. After shipping 7 goals last week, 6 being in the 2^nd half alone, the feeling was more hope that the tide would turn sooner rather than later. With decent numbers throughout the club, the 6s welcome Phil T on loan deal worth a packet of posh biscuits and a milky tea, and Lewes R, who fortunately lived nearby and was allowed out to play by the missy!

A great day for a game of football, apart from the low blinding sun behind the goal and the pitch being situated on such a slope, that someone’s ‘fitbit ‘registered the cross pitch warm up as a flight of stairs, and also to mention the divots, we almost lost MQ in the warm up when he disappeared into a crater shouting ‘fix bayonets’…!    

The oppo seem up for it, openly discussing their chances of a win… this just galvanised the 6s and with the OW9s kicking off, it did not take long before the midfield of Phil and Ricky, imposed themselves on their opposite numbers, harassing every move or attack.

The opening third of the game yielded many chances, the young Lewis being the folly from the old captain up front, testing the keeper early. Lewis feeding a square ball to David, whose first-time firm low shot in to the bottom left corner was somehow kept out by the agile keeper, from the resulting corner, Ricky finds the captain who lost his marker only to see his first-time volley skim the crossbar.

M6s bossing the game have further chances, instrumental play from Phil, who seems to be having all the time in the world to ghost pass the oppo at will and pick out damaging passes, OW9s keeper is by far the busiest and does well with the heavy attack imposed by the 6s

A rare attack is contained by the 6s back four, Steve H picks out David G with a curling cross which drops in behind the left back, controlling the ball with a single touch, DG releases Lewis with a cutting reverse pass to send the speedy forward 1v1 with the keeper and in his stride slots the ball past the advancing number one for a well-deserved 0-1

With all the play, it’s hard to believe the games only 0-1, not deterred, OW9s spark in to life and start to have some luck going forward, 6s back four hold firm and when needed, MQ is there to follow up, still on top, the 6s go into the break with the lead, and finally look like playing like a team.

Preying the second half doesn’t present the normal capitulation of previous weeks, the half time pep talk is short and sweet… don’t f*** up!

With the second half on the way, it’s the 6s that start as they finished the previous half… well on top. Once again, Phil and Ricky, now with a great understanding, toy with the oppo and even take it turns attacking and defending. The opportunities come thick and fast

From another corner, Steve B curls a ball into the danger area, the resulting shot is palmed away from the OW9s keeper.

Great work from Daban once again results in the OW9s keeper tipping the resulting shot around the post

Good work down the right from Andrew and the ball is worked into the centre, once again David is on hand to power a solid shot across the keeper in the bottom right corner, only to see the wrong-footed keeper somehow get back across the goal and flick the ball round the post!

From the corner, the ball drops into a melee of players, Phil comes out on top and places his shot, this takes a deflection off Lewis (who knows nothing about this) and somehow wrong foots the keeper and bonces between knee and glove to extend the lead to 0-2

Relentless, the 6s keep pressing, with still 20 minutes on the clock, more goals are needed… no, wanted. Lewis once again is set free with a 1v1, but with all the time in the world, fluffed his lines and tamely passes the ball away instead of shooting.

Another corner from Steve B finds David with his back to goal, drops the shoulder, swivels and this time sends a powerful shot top corner, but once again…. The OW9s keeper is equal to the shot and somehow manages to tip the ball round for yet another corner. Steve B, now almost camping at the corner flag, cheekily tries a shot that almost deceives the keeper who fumbles before gathering.

Final 10 minutes and Phil picks the ball up and goes on another merry little run, the ball seems stuck to the laces as he skips tackle after tackle, spots Lewis and with a cumming through ball, Lewis makes no mistake as he powers his shot past the keeper for the match ball and worthy 0-3 win for the 6s.

In fairness, the 6s today was far too good for the host, if they can keep this sort of form up, over the coming weeks, point will be gained, and the impossible top four target could be a reality, next week the 6s are back and being hosted by the OW8s, hopefully and similar score line can be achieved

 

MOTM:

Mentions go out to MQ for his first clean sheet since the last one!

Kevin had an outstanding game at left back and even got lost at one point, finding himself in the oppo 6-yard box after collecting the ball well in his own half!

Ricky, done the hard work well,

Lewis who bagged a hattrick, but could have had so much more,

But the outstanding player was Phil, who just looked like he was having a world of fun every time he had the ball

DOTD: First win of the season was a great team effort, and none could be selected, however, the oppos goalkeeper turned out to be a ‘of a higher standard’ than the squad he was playing in… so he gets my vote!!

 

Team: Martin Q, Kevin L, Tom J, Steve B, Steve H, Daban B, Phill T, Rick I, Andrew D, David G © Lewis

Match Report

HSBC 6s v Merton 6s

 

What miserable day.. arriving at the ground after the best part of a 2-hour drive, the heavens opened with a cold, monsoon of a down pour. The excellent facilities of HSBC ground were a warm welcome as the rest of the mob turn up relativity on time… except one… but more on that later!

Sod it… more on that now!

With the teams warmed up and soaked from the relentless driving rain, the Ref called for the captains to approach the centre circle…  the 6s are still doing there team selection, with the manager stalling, waiting on his number 2 (No reference to ‘poo’) to arrive, after being assured with many… many.. many… many texts that he will be there… however, we wait!

Starting in goal, is Mr Majestic himself, the glove man… Martin ‘I don’t get Lobbed anymore’ Quinny (who was on time), starting left back is Luke Newman (who was on time), on loan from the 4s due to 5s not having a game and stepping up in class to the 6s! centre pairing of Tom J (who was on time) and Joe ‘Glass Toes’ Diss (who was on time), with Darren A(who was on time) , also on loan from the 5s, but wait… who’s that in the distances.. running over with a woolly hoodie pulled over his head to hide the shame of turning up with minutes to go… the jeans and hob nail boots, looking like a Chelsea fan from the 70s! why it’s the Merton 6s number 2 (still no reference to ‘poo’), the lovable Mr Burchell… the cries of “Im here, Im here…” echo around the park as he splashes through yet another puddle.

We continue with the selection, Midfield Chris O (who was on time) on the left, Lynden(who was on time)  and Steve H (who was on time) Centre respectively, Andrew D (who was on time) on the right, leaving David G (who was not only on time, but also picked up 3 players, the kit, pumped the balls up and walked his dogs very early in the morning in anticipation at arriving at a ground…. On time!) and Peter O.A (Did I mention, he was on time)… Up Front. Arron A (who was on time) starts on the bench, as he doesn’t like playing football! Team selected… but there’s a whimper coming from near the kit bag… a small grown man is crying “I want to Play”

As the (what looks like tears) water rolls down the smooth bald face of the M6s number 2… the shrieks of ‘I drove 4 hours to get here…’ ring out as he fumbles around looking for some shorts… Not amused, Darren A is sacrificed, and is set the task of looking for the dummy that was spat!

Finally, we kick off… and not a moment too soon, the early exchanges are even and M6s look quite composed on the ball, but a cutting through ball exposes the centre back and H6s go 1-0 with a good finish.

H6s do seem more composed on the ball, the passing is more crisp and direct, where’s M6s seem to be trying too hard to level the game. David and Peter get a couple of good long distant shots off, that don’t trouble the keeper. All the pressure and no gain, H6s take control and push the M6s back in there half, good defending gives H6s a corner. Not sure if it was the driving rain or the greasy pitch, but as the corner comes in, Lynden is unfortunate to see his splice kick sail in to the corner to give H6s 2-0 lead, (and we shall not mention that he almost bagged another, in similar fashion, soon after, but was lucky this time MQ was in the way!… O wait… sorry!!)

Still from kick off, M6s press once again, Andrew on the right has been leading the way in defending as well as attacking, speeding down the line to link play, although it’s a funny site to see on one occasion, the ball getting stuck in a puddle and 3 grown men splashing around trying to clear it (none of which are Steve B, who excels at playing in puddles!)  

The old sucker punch once again, M6s looking to take control of the game are undone once again from their own attack, seeing the ball retuned with interest, MQ could not do anything about the third as he can only watch as the ball is smashed into the net from inside the box.

Still not deterred, M6s on the attack, Chris getting some joy down the left, curls a great ball forward but just in front of David, who is just yards away. The ball is collected out wide by the H6s defender, his unaware that Peter is closing fast, and with a long leg, steals the ball with a well-timed tackle. With speed Pete is back up and swinging a low powerful cross over, which David just needs to ‘dink over the advancing keeper and in off the far post for a 3-1 score line

With the game coming to half time, M6s are on top but can’t make it count, With the rain still pouring the half time chat is to keep going, the need of a bit of luck is required and not all bad! Arron comes on for Lynden to stem the flow of shots at the wrong end, and Joe for Darren A

After a good start by M6s, H6s bagged a 4^th and from there on, M6s seem to find everything went against them, a elbow on Arron goes unnoticed, as did a clear elbow in the face of David, in the box, but them the Ref was merely a week older than god himself, but still 20 years younger than our own MQ! 4 becomes 5 as HSBC casually run out worthy winners, the final whistle can’t come quick enough as the sodden M6s still look for their first win in all competitions.

Next week home game is against a good Civ 7 side, who have lost only once in the opening 4 games, so another tough game for the Merton 6s

MOTM: A split decision awarded to Andrew Dodson for the excellent work and lifeguarding skills in and around the puddles on the right wing

DOTD: Joint winners, but in 2^nd place is Lynden for crimes against his own keeper, and to Steve Burchell, I might be wrong, but I think he turned up a tad late!

 

Team: Martin Q, Darren A, Joe D, Tom J, Luke , Chri O, Steve H, Lynden C, Andrew D, David G ©, Peter O.A, Arron A, Steve B

 Merton 6s V South Bank 7s

 

A single game into the seaon, we find ourselves back in the SAL cup, City of London forfeited the previous cup game to both us and our opposition, it’s now a game to find out who will top the mini league for a Q-F place, or the payoff against either Civ 7s or Park 8s.

A sunny day brings another 12oc ko, squad rolls in with Martin in goal, back four of Matt H, Joe D, Tom J, Steve B, midfield of Andrew D right, Lyndon C and Steve H centre, Reese S left, Captain David G just behind Grant S for 4-4-1-1 formation

SB7s kick off and keep possession well, passing around the back, M6s hold with the 2 banks of 4. Any pressing from SB7 is soon cut out and the opening stages are cagy

After the first ten minutes or so pass, M6s grow in confidence, back 4 looking comfortable and once again break up any SB7s attack, Tom J releases Matt down the wing, a power pass to David brings on a back-heel flick between the SB7s centre backs to Grant for the first M6s attack which ends in a corner. Said Corner is whipped into the back post, the 50/50 challenge is cleared by SB7s, but any counter is soon stopped by Tom J and Steve B

With the opening 20 minutes passing by quickly, good play by the centre pairing of Lynden & Steve H keeps M6s on the front foot, Reese down the left is having most of the play, and is instrumental in most of the attacks, a good build up play is cut out on the SB7s left, an excellent counter attack from back to front, sees SB7s fluent passing rewarded with a well-deserved goal, be it against the run of play

Not deterred, M6s get back on the attack, David, Grant & Reese all unlucky not to bring the game level keep probing away, however a good cross to David see the SB7s centre back handle the ball inside the area and after a slight hesitation from the Ref, penalty is awarded. David steps up and places the ball just far enough away from the diving keeper to bring the game level, 1-1

Still on top, M6s keep probing, but once again, SB7s break away, Martin, having another good game in goal, finds himself 1v1, the chip beats Martin and looks destined to put SB7s up until Steve B somehow manages to get back and clear the ball over the cross bar from what looked like a yard out!!

Advancing forward, a throw in deep in the SB7s half, sees Reese launch the throw directly into the oppositions 6 yard area, with his back to goal, Grant manages to swivel and place his shot in to the top corner to bring the game 2-1 to M6s

Halftime, a few words from the captain and some changes to keep it fresh see 2 new players make there entry, Matt H makes way for Faycal ‘Fizzy’ Radjoul at right back, Steve H for Leo S on the left wing, with Reese moving infield

M6s start the game as they finished the first half, very much on top with some good opening pressure. A SB7s attack down the right is again  countered and he ball comes to Steve B, advancing forward, Steve picks David out with a curling cross, which is flicked on by the captain into the path of Grant, adjusting himself as the ball drops, a sweet volley from the best part of 30 yards see the keeper rooted to the spot as the ball sails into the top corner, a worthy goal of the season contender

 

3-1 up and cruising, but SB7s are still in the game, a change of formation with a holding midfielder seems to unsettle the M6s, the counter attacks seems to be getting more frequent and its not long before more neat football from SB7s brings the score to 3-2

The sucker punch knocks the 6s, now looking tired and hanging on for the victory, another attack and the game becomes level as Martin is beaten by either a lucky deflection or a great back heel, either way, the ball finds the back of the net for 3-3

Ref signals for the last 10 minutes, many players are now running on empty, Grant on for a hattrick is unfortunate to pull up with calf strain soon after going 1v1, Matt H replaces him up top

The game is slowly ticking away when SB7s break down the left wing, ‘Fizzy’ is faced up with the young striker who drops a shoulder and skips passed, but is seemingly going nowhere, but Fizzy makes a lunge for the ball, gets contact, but at the cost of going through the player, the ref has no choice but to award a penalty,

Although going the right way, the ball is tucked away into the bottom corner for 3-4… what a comeback, what a capitulation by M6s who had seemed to have this in the bag

Out of time, SB7s run out winners, on the day, it would seem the changes in both personal effected the result in different ways, so it would seem the now M6s are scheduled to play a playoff in January to see if they can still make the Q-finals

Next week, its back in league action against HSBC 6s away, a game that needs to see a change of fortunes for the not so mighty yellows

 

MOTM: Tight call between Grant and his excellent debut up front, and Tom J, who nicks it with another solid performance and so far become Mr Reliable for the out of sorts 6s

DOTD: A debut to forget for Fizzy after lunging in and giving away a late penalty that sealed the 6s doom

Team: Martin, Matt H, tom J, Joe D, Steve B, Andrew D, Steve H, Lynden C, Reese S, David ©, Grant S

Faycal ‘Fizzy’ Radjoul, Leo S.

 

Match Report – 21/04/2018 vs OLD ACTONIANS 8 HOME

Another huge match for the sixes, as we played the team that beat us comfortably at their ground earlier in the season.

It was nice to play football in glorious weather and at the HOOD!!

We had another strong squad and with a few people out injured, this was great for the club to get 14 players out when other teams are struggling!  Loverboy Tyron missed his THIRD game in a row for the end of season running and to be fair the weather at the hood felt like Brazil!

A squad of Merton’s number 1 Swanny in goal, back 4 of Chappell, Grant, Skipper, Spense.  Midfield four of Michael and Charlie, Reece and Callum. Up top was Pete (who is on fire!) and the Big DOG (special mention who played despite being in hospital for 3 days!!) A very strong bench of Matt, Dan P and Denys.

The oppo only had 10 men to start the game which played massively into our hands.  We started the game well and was pressuring Actonians and picking our passes. After a few dangerous throw ins we finally managed to get the early goal before they could get upto 11.  The skipper pouncing on a loose ball to give us the deserved lead.  What happened next was outrageous! Grant from a fully 25 yards banging one into the bottom corner. 2-0!  Then a sour note.  After a tangle of legs, there was a scuffle between Spense and their best player at the time.  Both skippers tried to convince the ref to book each player and just carry on as we thought it would be best for the game, but we were both shocked when red cards were produced.  Both down to 10 and a change in the defence with Matt coming on for Pete.  Actonians did have spells in the game and were very dangerous and to be fair to them they never gave up.  Ultimately it would be our depth in strength from the bench that was the difference.  Also Charlie’s non-stop running and superb energy was immense! Goals from Dan P, Pete and Michael in the second half pushed our dominance home.  A consolation – just to piss Swanny off made the final score 5-1.  At the final whistle, we knew we had overcome a massive hurdle and was just waiting for the result of old wilsonians to see if were champions this week or having to win our last game next week.  After frantically checking teletext the result came through that WIlsonians had drew 2-2 with South Bank.  Although not mathematically MERTON 6’sWERE NEAR ENOUGH CHAMPIONS!! We need to lose 33-0 at home to South Bank. 

NEXT WEEK WILL BE PARTY TIME!!!!!

MOM – Charlie

DOD – SPENCER

Match Report – 14/04/2018 vs OLD WILSONIANS 6 HOME (BUT AWAY)

Well what a massive two games ahead for the Mighty Merton sixes, first off was Old Wilsonians 6’s who kindly agreed to switch venues as the Hood was still unplayable.

This was a potentially tricky game on paper as a defeat here for us would had the league title pretty much to their 5’s. We arrived with a strong squad on paper. A squad of Merton’s number 1 Swanny in goal, back 4 of Chappell, Grant, Skipper, Spense.  Midfield Michael and Charlie (who is now firmly part of the 6’s squad), George and Callum. Up top was Pete (who is on fire!) and the Big DOG!! A very strong bench of Matt, Reece and Dan P.

When we arrived on the pitch it was quite clear this wasn’t the same sixes squad that turned up to a flooded WCE, when we unfortunately couldn’t play.  However they were not to be underestimated!

Again the game started and we were superb.  Knocking the ball around and finding some great passes to get in behind the high line of Wilsonians.  We were winning all the tackles and fighting for every second ball.  Chances came and went, but finally Tony banged one in!  Callum again was superb creating numerous chances and getting on the scoresheet himself.  George scored a great solo goal and with Tony grabbing another were soon 4-0 up.  A good finish from Wilsonians made it 4-1 at half time.  Again we were brilliant and really playing with confidence.  Second half we were again strong and Pete, who had a superb game nearly scored a worldy of a header.  Michael and Charlie were having great games and broke the midfield at will.  Loverboy Tyron will struggle to get back in the squad!  Anyway with a couple of goals from Pete, a superb strike from Callum and Dan P getting on the scoresheet.  A great own goal from Chappell and a superb finish by their striker made the final score 8-3.  We played great and comments from the oppo in their match report didn’t need to be said.  We are a very strong side – but a team has to be built and to play like that at our level is a great achievement for the sixes. Plus we can’t help out the oppo when they gift us four goals by passing across their back line and to players in yellow!!  I would also be fair to our fives and for any team that raises eyebrows at our position, both teams in the club have had a squad and they have stuck with them throughout the season!!  One game down – 2 to go to be champions!  MOM – Callum DOD – CHAPPELL

Match Report – 07/04/2018 vs City of London AWAY 2-8

After the defeat in the cup final this was a chance to try and get on a winning run to bring home the title.  With 5 players out from either injuries and romantic breaks to Brazil, it was left to call on favours from the club to get a side out.  Luckily enough we had a good 14 players, with a couple of newbies in attendance.

We thought prior this would a potential banana skin as they snatched a draw in the reverse fixture.

Once the team was changed, it was down to the now infamous 5 minute quick stretch and warm up routine and await the start of the match.

Starting line-up was as follows: Merton’s number 1, Swanny in goal, centre half pairing of Grant and Chappell, full backs of Skipper and Spense.  Midfield 4 was Charlie, Reece, Callum and Ackers with Billy and Tony up top.  The bench was strong with Pete, Dan K and Dan Rist.

Smithy gave the team talk and outlined the well thought out pre-match plans to the troops and off we went.

So now to the game, basically we were superb with Callum causing nothing but trouble for their defence.  The long and short of it was goals from Billy, Tony, Callum and a absolute screamer from the skipper put the mighty Merton sixes up at half time!  City did have a consolation through a handball in the box by Grant.  In the second half we eased a bit and with changes interrupting the flow we managed lots of chances but could only grab the odd goal. The game finished 8-2 and was great way to shake off any doubts that the cup final could derail our season.

Mom – Charlie

Dod – Skipper

Match Report – 24/03/2018 vs Old Finchleans 6’s (AFA CUP FINAL)

The time had come for many to venture into the unknown and actually play a cup final for the mighty Merton.  After weeks of build up, which included an additional training session and numerous what’s app messages, the day had arrived.  First of all the gaffer would like to say picking the cup final squad was one of the hardest decisions of being a manger and letting people down isn’t my forte!  But the people that wasn’t selected took it with dignity and accepted the decisions made – fair play to them.

So onto matchday – I would like to thank Dodge and all the people that assisted in making the day feel special to us.  First of all by providing breakfast rolls and coffee at the hood was a great touch and for all those that helped pay for the coach, it really meant a lot.

Once we arrived at EBOG there was a sense of disappointment that this ground had been selected for a cup final.  The pitch wasn’t the best (but can be expected after all the bad weather) and the fact that the ground was 5 minutes away from our oppo soon become apparent with their large and hostile support arriving on mass.

So the starting 11 was as follows:  Merton number one Swanny in goal, back four of Gaffer, Chappell, Grant and Andy.  The midfield consisted of Ty, Lee, George and Callum with the strikeforce of Nick and Tony upfront.  Supersubs were Reece, Matt and Pete.

So with a team talk, war cries and exchange of pennants (which I forgot!) out of the way it was onto the match.

We knew this would be a battle, anyone that smashes a Polytechnic team in the semis on their own ground were gonna be a good outfit.

The oppo crowd of mostly drunken youths were making themselves heard and booing every touch from Merton along singing some lovely songs which will recreate at some point!! 

We were under the cosh for the first ten minutes but stood firm and started to get into the game.  Then the first big moment of controversy.  Some neat play by Merton resulted in Tony nicking the ball in front of an onrushing goalkeeper and then was taken out.  Stonewall penalty!  Referee didn’t think so and waved play on.  Merton were incensed!!  As it turned out this was our big chance and maybe the ref was intimidated by the crowd or felt it was too early on in the game.  But after this it was pretty much one way traffic and we were on the ropes.

Around 20 mins in, a good ball in from Finchleans resulted in there player volleying home from the penalty spot.  We were 1-0 down, but still tried to play our game on a pitch that was against us.

Unfortunately Lee suffered a nasty injury from a late tackle – which again went unpunished and had to be replaced.  Matt came on and was putting in his usual shift trying to win tackles and break up play.

Half time came and we were still in the game.  We were just hoping for that one chance!

We held our own in the second half but soon began to tire.  Nick was forced off with a dodgy hamstring and again Pete came on and tried to influence the game.  By now though the oppo began to flood midfield and were overrun.  When they scored their second it was no surprise as a long range effort drifted in.  2-0 down.

After that changes were made to try and salvage something.  We tried everything and with players giving 100% I couldn’t ask for anymore.  Unfortunately as we chased, we gave away 2 more sloppy goals and ended up losing 4-0 to an unbelievably strong 6’s team.

The crowd on the sidelines and things that were said (and smoked) did take the shine off the day, but hey we were young once!

In the spirit of the game the Merton lads were gracious in defeat and applauded the winners off the pitch when they collected the trophy.  It did hurt to see them celebrate, so let’s use this as motivation to go and get this league title!!!

I would like to thank the Merton support that made the long journey down to support us.  I defiantly think my brother and Connor boosted EBOG’s bar takings!!!

Also hope that Lee and Nick make quick and strong recoveries from injury!

Man of the Match: No votes taken as everyone was superb.

Dick of the Day: no votes again

Next game: away to City of London

Written by the Gaffer

Match Report – 17/02/2018 vs Norsemen 6’s (AWAY – AFA CUP SEMI)

Well the biggest game of the season thus far was upon us and it was the small matter of an AFA cup final spot up for grabs.

Manager Smithy managed to convince the boys it was a 13:30 kick off (when it was 14:00), and everyone made their way to the venue on time. Well when I say everyone, George got lost at Morden and the boys had to get off the tube at the next stop to wait for him.

We had a strong line up and a massive thanks goes to Spense for agreeing to miss out.

We welcomed back Lee after his long term injury, which was great news for the sixes as he has been missed in certain games.

The team talk in the changing rooms prior was making sure everyone was focused and knew their roles. After a bit of music we made our way to one of the back pitches for the game. It was a welcome sight seeing a ref and two linesman making there away across the field, as this is something we were not used too!

One last team talk and then the game started at a frantic pace.

Initially Merton were on the back foot, but we were looking very dangerous on the break.  Disaster did strike in the 5^th minute with Grant giving away a clumsy penalty.  Word of advice Granty boy, when appealing its outside the box, make sure you are standing outside of the box first!  They scored and we were thinking this may not be our day.  This did give us the wakeup call needed, and as the saying goes, the scoring team are at the most vulnerable after scoring and within minutes Tony scored with a cool finish. 1-1!!  The game then settled down, but didn’t lack the challenges and passion of a semi final.  Moments before half time disaster struck.  Merton failing to clear a corner, after numerous chances to do so and with Kev ball watching left their player to score with a good finish in the corner.  2-1 down at half time.

Half time team talk consisted of us trying to play our normal game as the result will take care of itself, as the sun and hill would come into play second half and it was to our advantage.

Second half began well for the mighty boars and we started to create chance after chance.  The skipper had a goal bound header spectacularly cleared off the line and the resulting ball back found Nick after a flapping attempt from their keeper who slotted home.  2-2

The lads started to tire and a few changes were made with Matt coming on for the skipper and moving in to right back.  Chance after chance went begging for Merton, so it was no surprise that we scored soon.

The self proclaimed Big Dog scored a third (can’t remember how this came about) to queue wild celebrations from the lads.

After we went ahead, Norsemen changed their formation and came back in the game, however this left them horribly exposed at the back.  We missed numerous good chances as Tony and George missed 1on1’s to good saves from the unorthodox keeper.

With all these chances missed, the inevitable happened.  Hitting us on the break, Norsemen equalised making it 3-3. The heads went down slightly and were out on our feet.  Smithy came back on and managed to get booked for a minor scuffle as one of their lads couldn’t take a strong challenge!

Extra time came and Swanny was the busier of the two keepers, pulling off a couple of blinders.  I was fearing the worst and was also worried about the players dropping like flies.  This is where all the younger years of playing Champ manager came into its own, making changes and tinkering every couple of minutes!

With penalties looming, Merton created one last chance to which Tony, who was limping in pain, managed to squeeze a shot past the keeper. 4-3 to Merton and another hat-trick for Tony!

 

In the celebrations it was clear Tony couldn’t continue, on came the skipper to make a back 5 to protect what we had.  The pressure to hold on was immense and everyone put their bodies on the line.  With minutes to go Matt spotted an opportunity to finish the game and was clean though only to sky the chance – we were thinking the worse!!

Luckily the referee blew for full time and a great match came to end.  Merton celebrated like mental and Norsemen were gracious in defeat and wished us well for the final.  Even poor Tony shed a tear at the end, but think that was cramp!

So there we go, the lads move onto to the AFA cup final on the 24^th March 2018 at EBOG and I hope we can get a decent travelling support coming from the Hood.  On a personal note it was great to manage the lads on the day and everyone gave 110%.   Nothing is won yet, but we have a great chance for a historic double!

The celebrations lasted long into the night and I gave up at 01:00, whilst  a few hardy souls carried on!

Man of the Match: No votes taken as everyone was superb.

Dick of the Day: no votes again

Next week away to City of London

Written by the Gaffer