Merton 4s v Alleyn Old Boys – 23rd February 2013

Having been knocked out each of the cups in successive weeks, the 4s bounced back with an impressive win against a title rival. With a host of regular players unavailable or injured we picked up a number of players from the 5s and welcomed a new recruit in Carl Bartley.

We started brightly against a team with skill and pace up top, but very little to worry us in defence. Werode our luck at times as the first good chances went to. Aob but they couldn’t finish them. The. At the other end Giz took up the ball 35 yards out and fired an unstoppable shot beyond the desparing dive of their keeper – soon after we broke quickly with a glorious ball from Mickey found Giz – 4 defenders rushed to him and forgot all about Dan… Giz found him easily to tap into an empty net.

Alleyns on the ropes and close to collapse they got a lucky lifeline just before halftime. The ref missed a clear handball in the build up and the resulting shot clipped off Mickey and beyond my reach… 2-1 and gameon.

The second half was a very close affair, but our defence held firm – and Jess and Shaun were providing anexcellent shield in midfield. We had a close shave when the Aob attacker broke clear despite being clearly offsid and I just managed to get back to clear the ball off the line – we never managed to get the 3rd goal to kill them off, Denyz and Giz both going close, fortunately we didn’t need it and remain unbeaten in the league.

MOM:close between Giz and Mickey, but the latter gets it for so e quality last ditch tackles. Special mention to Daryl Flattery who played excellently at left back

Team:

Attendence:

Report by:Mark Chappell