Merton 1s v Old Finchleians – 7th January 2012

Not the prettiest of games on a heavy pitch, but a well-organised Merton side were excellent value for their point.

Jason – forcing a couple of excellent saves – probably made their keeper work harder than Sherbs in goal for the boys in yellow, although that was largely thanks to the hard graft and concentration shown by all of the back five, goalkeeper included.

Jonesy was Merton’s standout performer on the day, playing in a sort of left-back-cum-left-mid hybrid position. It didn’t seem to matter in what third of the pitch the ball was on the left – Jonesy was there to offer strength in defence and attack.

Elsewhere, Tilley had a couple of headers that might have tested the keeper another day, Wilgo led the line working extremely hard with Jase, and Woody stamped his authority and quality all over the midfield from the first minute to the last.

Plenty to build on for a 2012 that promises much everywhere you look: Clappers moulding a new centre-back from birth; defending our Portuguese tournament title; Tilley’s engagement/stag celebrations (and the small matter of his wedding)… First things first, however – let’s continue on in the same vein as this performance. Happy new year!

Team:Sherbs (GK), Clowesy, Clappers, Browner, Jonesy, John Lynch (Welsh Will 70), Woody, Will Low, Tilley, Willgo, Jason (Olly 75)

MOM:Jonesy

Written by:Willgo