Merton 1s v Bank of England – 14th December 2013

Another three points, three goals and a good team performance to boot means that we finish the year in second spot in the league table and all to play for going in to 2014. With the referee running late Van’s little book of warm up drills was stretched to the limit but it clearly worked as we settled well on Bank’s excellent pitch and were quickly on the attack with the front three of Ackers, Snooks and Bosher all getting in behind the defense although none of them could force home the opener. It was left for Woody who was again excellent throughout, to pick up a Bosher pass up on the edge of the box, side step a couple of tackles before cooly finding the corner with a powerful drive. BoE then came in to the game more although the back four and Angus snuffed out everything that came their way and it wasn’t long before Tills found space down the right to find Ackers in the box with a deep cross which he dispatched clinically with a smart header in to the far corner of the net. Half time saw a personnel change with Browner coming off with a dodgy stomach from a Thursday night Brick Lane curry so Tills slotted in at centre half next to Clappers whilst Tom Rowe entered the fray on the right. Bank came out for the second period with purpose but couldn’t manufacture a clear shot on goal and with our front three still causing havoc up front it was left to Tom to smash a VanBasten esque volley back across the keeper in the net and the points were safe. Spirits were high with the points in the bag and it was back to the Hood to kick off the annual Christmas fancy dress run through Wimbledon village. We’d certainly earned it with a great end to the year and a promotion challenge to look forward to in January.

MOM:

Team:Angus, Graves, Clappers, Browner (Tom Rowe 46), Al G, Will Low, Woody, Tilley, Ackers, Snooks, Bosher (Manton 75)

Written by:James Tilley