Epsom and Ewell Colts v Merton FC U14

 

1-2

 

Goals: Justin, Fareed

 

MOTM: Fareed

 

Lineup:

GK – Milo

RB – Liam

CB – Fareed

CB – Nikoy

LB – McKenzie

CM – Eddie

CM – Daniel

RW – Hugo

LW – Diego

ST – Justin

 

This was an important match for Merton in the league after failing to pick up points of late. On a crisp pitch Merton started strongly with some lovely interplay and quick passing which led to regular traffic down the wing and some good balls being whipped into the box. Merton looked threatening throughout the first half and commanding at the back with a special mention to Fareed who took on a new position at centre half for first portion of the game as we waited on our regular centre back to arrive. The breakthrough came for Merton midway through the first half after seeing the majority of our shots parried by the keeper, some lovely passing led to Justin hooking a shot in the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

 

The second half continued in a similar fashion with Theo finding lots of pockets of space in the number 10 role, and sliding good balls into the wingers and Fareed who had now moved back to his regular position at striker. Fareed got his goal midway through the second half as he held his run perfectly and slipped through on goal, calmly slotting the ball away to make it 2-0 to Merton. The chances continued to come with Diego playing a perfectly weighted ball through to Theo who unfortunately was thwarted by the keeper who made a strong reflex save. Merton gave themselves an anxious last 5 minutes when Entri was caught flatfooted and high up the pitch, giving Milo in goal no chance as he tried to get back on his line. This led to a scrappy last 5 minutes with some great blocks, the most notable being Liam’s excellent last ditch deflection in the final couple of minutes.

 

Merton held on for a good win as we look to find confidence in the final third. Fareed gets man of the match for his excellent performance at the back and up front, scoring the all important winner.

Posted in Under 14s Reports

Sunday 19th November Barnes Eagles Juniors v Merton FC U14

 

Line-Up

GK – Milo

RB – Liam

CB – Nikoy

CB – Entri

LB – McKenzie

CM – Eddy

CM – Daniel

CAM – Theo/Diego

LW – Justin

RW – Hugo

ST – Fareed

 

MOM: Theo

 

Merton got their county cup campaign underway with a trip to Barnes in the second round after receiving a bye in the first. On a lush pitch Merton tried to get their passes going early but the accuracy was missing and this led to a scrappy start. Merton had the first early chance with a fierce shot by Justin hitting the top of the bar and bouncing away to safety. Despite this, it was Barnes Eagles who took the lead with a lovely team goal. They put together two quick passes that slid their winger in behind and he played an accurate ball into the centre, which their striker dispatched calmly. Merton, keen to get back on level terms pressed for much of the first half but were unable to test the keeper or get in behind the defence which held their line well. This was until almost the last kick of the half with some good play between Theo and Justin who knocked the ball onto Fareed leaving him one on one with the keeper and he cleverly chipped the ball home making it 1-1 before half time.

 

In the second half Merton asserted their dominance as they controlled possession and looked for ways to get shots away. Fareed bravely won a free kick on the edge of the area, catching a high boot in the face, which Theo whipped in. Nikoy rose the tallest getting a strong head on it and despite the keeper palming it away Entri knocked in the rebound making it 2-1 to Merton. It was still a precarious position and Merton looked for another goal to kill off the game. With 5 minutes to go Justin got hold of the ball on the right, cut in with delicate skill passing two opposition defenders and hitting a low bouncing shot which the goalkeeper could only palm into the net. This effectively killed off the game and Merton’s defence held strong as Barnes Eagles attacked in waves for the remainder of the match.

 

This was one of Merton’s best performances in weeks with every player battling hard. McKenzie put in an excellent performance with marauding runs from wingback, but Theo takes man of the match for his assists, general linkup play and desire.

 

 

 

Posted in Under 14s Reports

Merton U14 V Twickenham Tigers

 

Score: 2-1

 

Goalscorers: Liam & Kieran

 

Lineup:

 

GK – Milo

RB – Liam

CB – Nikoy

CB – Entri

LB – McKenzie

CM – Eddie

CM – Daniel

RW – Justin

LW – Hugo

CAM – Diego

ST – Kieran

 

MOM: Liam

 

After several performances lacking energy a return to home comforts would provide the spark for a strong Merton performance. Playing on our home ground led to renewed levels of confidence and Merton started the game strongly, dominating from the off and creating a lot of chances. Our fullbacks were pushing forward well and Kieran was finding a lot of space in the middle to run onto, and midway through the first half a Merton player was swiped in the box and a penalty was awarded. Unfortunately Nikoy hit his penalty straight at the keeper and it remained 0-0. Nikoy quickly atoned for his missed penalty with a magnificent jumping goal-line clearance from a fierce free kick that seemed destined for the top corner. Just before half time the breakthrough came through our right back Liam whose shot was helped by the many bodies obstructing the goalkeepers view in the box as it hit the back of the net.

 

More of the same followed after half time with a great shot from the edge of the box by Theo that bounced off the top of the crossbar. Some sloppy play allowed Twickenham a way back into the game after a poor touch left Milo stranded and their forward slotted home into a virtually unguarded net. Merton pushed for the winner throughout the second half and anything less than 3 points would have been cruel as they worked tirelessly to find the killer finish. 2 minutes from time Kieran provided the winner that Merton deserved after his mazy run into the box was capped by a neat finish across his body that found the bottom corner. A fantastic match played in great spirit that ended in victory for Merton and we hope for more of the same next week. 

Posted in Under 14s Reports

Match Report – Epsom Town Youth v Merton FC U14

1-0

Lineup:

GK – Milo

RB – Liam

CB – Entri

CB – Nikoy

LB – McKenzie

CM – Daniel

CM – Eddie

RW – Hugo

LW – Justin

CF – Theo

ST – Kieran

MOM: McKenzie

After two disappointing performances in the league our focus switched to the cup for a difficult encounter against top of the league Epsom Town Youth. They were an extremely well set up side with an organized defence and solid game plan. This led to a cagey start with no real chances for either side. On a small, bobbly pitch it was hard for either team to get their passing games going and equally difficult to get in behind. Unfortunately for Merton we went behind after a corner was well cleared by Liam but the volley from outside the box went through a group of players and Milo could only palm it into the corner of the net. Merton looked to hit back immediately as McKenzie played a superb penetrating pass that split the defence that Fareed controlled well as he spun past the defender but the goalkeeper made a high quality save.

It was more of the same after half time as Epsom Town consistently tried to win free kicks and score from set pieces. Merton’s defence held strong for the rest of the match with some much improved defending after some sloppy play in previous matches and McKenzie and Liam did an excellent job at the wing back position. Merton’s chances were limited although a substitute appearance from Justin who came on at left wing led to more play around the box but unfortunately for Merton they couldn’t find a finish or killer ball in the final third. Next week is a first home game for several weeks against Twickenham Tigers and hopefully a return to winning ways after a much-improved performance this week.

Posted in Under 14s Reports

U14 MATCH REPORT – AFC EWELL V MERTON FC: SCORE 6 – 1

LINEUP:

GK – Milo

RB – Liam

CB – Entri

CB – Nikoy

LB – McKenzie

CM – Daniel

RW – Hugo

LW – Justin

CAM – Theo

CF – Kieran

ST – Fareed

MOM: Hugo/Justin

We came into the game looking for a reaction after last weeks disappointing defeat as we faced AFC Ewell. There were difficult conditions with blustery rain and a particularly suspect pitch and we didn’t get off to a good start. We were quickly 2-0 down after sloppy play, conceding one goal from a free kick and another after our defenders got outstrengthed. Kieran managed to get a goal back with a long-range strike that the goalkeeper should of saved to make it 2-1. Unfortunately clever play from the attacker forced McKenzie to give away a penalty after he stretched to win the ball and the attacker used this to go to ground. The penalty was excellently dispatched to make it 3-1 and just before half time Ewell made it 4 after some more disappointing defending.

In the second half Merton performed much better as they took the game to Ewell and had several shots but were unlucky not to score. Hugo had a fantastic game on the right wing, as did Justin when he moved to right back and the play between the two of them was the highlight for Merton. A sloppy back pass from Entri gifted them an undeserved goal to make it 5-1 and then their number 10, the standout player who looked dangerous all game, hit an unbelievable strike into the top corner that bounced in off the crossbar to make it 6-1 and that is how the game finished. The man of the match goes to Justin and to Hugo who both performed excellently in attack and in defence as they switched positions throughout the match. A difficult game awaits us next week in the cup, and hopefully our second half performance can inspire a good reaction next week.

Posted in Under 14s Reports

Motspur Park v Merton FC U14

2-0

Lineup

GK – Milo

RB – Liam

CB – Nikoy

CB – Entri

LB – McKenzie

CM – Eddie

CM – Daniel

RW – Hugo

LW- DIEGO

CAM – Theo

ST – FAREED

MOM: Justin

This was the first disappointing match of the season for Merton as they never really got into the game. The first half was uneventful with no clear-cut chances for either team as Motspur Park consistently tried to get the ball over the top and their strikers in behind. The only real shot for Merton was Fareed’s shot, set up by some nice passing but it went over the bar. After half-time it got worse for Merton as Motspur park scored two goals with no reply. The first came from a throw in looped over the defenders that caught Merton off guard and their player slotted it past Milo. The second came close to the end of the match when Merton was pushing for an equalizer, another calm finish from a Motspur Park player. They frequently won the midfield battle and were first to every loose ball, including all 50/50 tackles.

Unfortunately for Merton none of our players were on their game and the passing was often sloppy and rushed. Overall it was a frustrating game that the team will wish to put behind them. Man of the match goes to Justin who came in at an unfamiliar position of right back and did a great job. Hopefully a good reaction will come in the next match against AFC Ewell.

Posted in Under 14s Reports

Kingstonian Youth Colts v Merton FC U14: Score 5-3

Lineup
GK – Milo
RB – Liam
CB – Nikoy
CB – Entri
LB – McKenzie
CM – Theo
CM – Daniel
RW – Hugo
LW – Justin
CF – Kieran
ST – Fareed  

MOM: Milo/Nikoy
Goalscorers: Fareed (2) Diego (2)

Our first away game of the season was against Kingstonian Youth Colts and the team was keen to set the pace from the start. The teams looked to be evenly matched and there was a high tempo with the opponent’s number 8 and 9 possessing strength and skill as they looked to get in behind our defence. It was Hugo who had the first real attempt with a rasping drive that was unlucky to just clear the crossbar. The breakthrough came midway through the first half after a great chipped through ball over the top by Liam that was finished emphatically by Fareed on his weaker foot. The rest of the half saw Merton under pressure as the Kingstonian goalkeepers’ long kicks consistently caused problems in defence. Milo made two outstanding saves to keep the score at 1-0 when their strikers managed to get through 1-on-1. Just before half time McKenzie produced an outstanding last ditch tackle, winning the ball cleanly and preventing a clear shot on goal by their standout number 9.

The second half was much more open, and it started off in great fashion for Merton with a good reverse pass by Liam which was well controlled by Hugo who cut in and crossed where Fareed was waiting to pounce. Unfortunately for Kingstonian it looped off their defender into the net for an own goal. Another two goals followed for Merton with debutant Diego scoring both. The first was again created by great play from Hugo who had an excellent game as he cut in and laid it off for Diego who scored with a composed finish into the side netting. Another good finish from Diego made it 4-0 to Merton and the game looked wrapped up. However Kingstonian put up a good fight and made it an interesting finale as a strong free kick, which was destined for the top of the net, was tipped onto the bar magnificently by Milo but the rebound was prodded into the unguarded net. Kingstonian made it 4-2 with a corner that was whipped in and headed home powerfully and you could sense they believed they could get something out of the game with 10-15 minutes to go. Fortunately Fareed put the game to bed with a well-taken finish after some battling by Daniel on the edge of the box. Kingstonian managed to score a consolation goal in the last few minutes with a well-taken finish by their strong number 8 and the game ended 5-3.

It was a strong battle that was evenly contested and played in great spirit with no cards. Nikoy put in an excellent display at centre back as did Milo in goal who made several excellent saves and they take joint man of the match.

Posted in Under 14s Reports

U14 V Worcester Park Colts  – Score: 7-2

Lineup
GK – MILO
RB – LIAM
CB – NIKOY
CB – ANDREI
LB – MCKENZIE
CM – THEO
CM – DANIEL
RW – HUGO
LW – JUSTIN
CF – KIERON
ST – FAREED

MOM: Kieron
Goalscorers: Fareed (3) Justin (2) Kieron (1) Theo (1)

The day started off brightly at the Hood for the first game of the new season. The game had a cagey opening with no clear-cut chances and a fair few broken passes as the teams adjusted to conditions and the new season. Worcester’s number 7 was their key man as he switched wings and looked to use his pace and skill to get in behind the fullbacks. For Merton Kieron was a constant threat as his touch and skill on the ball consistently brought his teammates into the game and allowed chances to materialize. After a great run by Kieron his ball across the box was just missed by debutant Fareed in what would have been a great early goal to settle the nerves. Minutes later Kieron again used his pace to get in behind, battling past two defenders and poking the ball under the keeper to make it 1-0. After a short spell of pressure Worcester equalized through a penalty after a tug on the shirt by McKenzie. Not to be deterred, Merton hit two goals in quick succession to go 3-1 up with great play between our two strikers leading to Fareed tapping into an empty net after Kieron’s shot was saved by the keeper. This was followed by a sweeping move across the pitch with Daniel and Fareed setting up Justin to rifle home. Shortly before half time Worcester managed to grab a goal back with the dangerous number 7 bombing down the wing and whipping in a cross which unluckily for Merton nestled in the top corner.
After halftime Merton began to assert their dominance with Nikoy and McKenzie doing an excellent job in stopping Worcester’s number 7. This allowed Merton’s attacking play to flourish and a succession of unanswered goals followed. The first came from Fared after more great holdup play in the centre of the park from Kieron and he showed great composure to take the ball into the box, round the keeper and slot home. A sustained spell of possession for Merton brought more fouls from Worcester Park that led to a free kick on the edge of the box and an opportunity for Theo to hit it hard into the roof of the net. Another foul led to a penalty that Andrei stepped up to take but this thumped the crossbar and the rebound was straight at the keeper.
However more goals followed for Merton and the goal of the day came from Justin who showed great perseverance on the wing to win the ball and take it past three men with skill before flashing it into the top corner. Fareed managed to cap his debut with a hat trick before the game was over with a low shot into the corner making it a 7-2 victory. Overall it was a great team performance, well refereed and a fair and enjoyable game.

Posted in Under 14s Reports

U14’s met AFC Ewell in the invitation cup 3rd round on Sunday, and made a quick start via Bruno who latched onto a great through ball and finessed his short to the top right hand corner of the goal. Despite being one nil up Merton could never get a grip on the game, and slowly let Ewell back in with an equalizer before half time. 2nd half was drab a lot of long balls played by either side before one eventually unlocked our defence. Despite late efforts from Dwayne and Chris Merton couldn’t get the 2nd & unfortunately got knocked out of the cup!

Posted in Under 14s Reports

Our Under 14s held their 7th league game at ‘THE HOOD’ against Bedfont Eagles again after meeting them in 2nd Round of the Invitation Cup Away from Home knocking them out 4-1. Immediately from the start you could see the confidence flowing, with the U14s dominating possession straight away creating a host of chances in & around the opposition area.  10 minutes in Dwayne Clarke opened the scoreline with a tidy finish! great assist by Mattia Salardi cutting inside from the left & rolling it across the 6 yard box. Christopher Sindika Top goalscorer for the 14s was quick to score the second with a long range effort! The first half was a solid despite the opposition trying their best to retain possession but the 14s seemed to be superior displaying great passing ranges across the pitch and players quick to regain the ball when losing it. This followed right through the second half with the match ending 11-0. Probably 14s strongest display as a TEAM! The scorers were Mattia Salardi with (2), Dwayne Clarke (3), Alfie Waters (1), Boris Mijalcev (1), Chris Sindika (2), Jamal Semambo (1) & Marcus Scotland (1). Congratulations to Jamie Berry 2 clean sheets in a row, Merton U14s still sit top of the league with 19  points with 7 games played! A Great confidence boost for the next fixture in the 3rd round of the Invitation cup against AFC Ewell! (Away)

Posted in Under 14s Reports