Merton 1s v Bank of England – 19th October 2013

Merton’s fine run of form continued as they earned a place in the second round of the AFA cup after a comprehensive victory against BoE on Saturday. With the Banks pitch in as excellent a condition as usual, Merton wasted no time at all in getting the ball down and creating some good openings. Bosher and Ackers both looked dangerous but it was the former that should have put the men in yellow one up after ten minutes after a great cutback from Ackers. It wasn’t long before the ball was in the net though as Snooks and Al G combined to release Woody in to the penalty area before he coolly slotted home the opener. The lead soon doubled after some good work from Bosher down the right wing resulted in a menacing cross and a crashing header from Rainer who had no right to get to the ball first, leaving the keeper with no chance. BoE could and really should then have halved the deficit after a defensive mix up left their number 10 one on one with Angus but the Merton shot sopped was quickly off his line to made a fantastic block. With the half coming to a close it was Merton that finished the stronger side and after some more good pressure it was left to Clappers to head home his first goal of the season from a well delivered Rainer corner. The second half saw Merton dictate proceedings further through solid performances from Will and Snooks in the midfield and the back four. The game became more stretched with BoE pushing for a reply but in doing so it left big gaps at the back which were exploited without really being capitalised on with Ackers, Bosh and big Jase all missing chances. The tie was finally put to bed after 70 minutes when after Woody plucked one out of the top draw when he drove in to the box and nonchalantly lifted the ball over the keepers head in to the far corner of the net. It was a great team performance and we can now look forward to the second round away at Old Chigwellians.

MOM:

Team:

Written by:James Tilley