Merton 4’s entertained top of the table Actonians on Saturday welcoming back James Fiveash for his first appearance of the season and Chris Hailstone back from Injury.

Merton notorious slow starters were surprisingly quick out of the blocks. Playing with a high tempo they forced a succession of attacks early on. With the gaffer switching to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation for this game Denys in tandem with Dan Kelly were causing the visitors plenty of problems and it was Dan who gave Merton a deserved lead 15 mins into the game as he rifled into the top of the net following good work from Shauno.

Merton should have increased their lead after a succession of misses from inside the six yard box and were made to pay when Actonians midfield player showed great technique to chest down and volley home into the top corner from 25 yards out. For the rest half Merton seemingly shell shocked by the equaliser when on top and struggled to keep the ball allowing Actonians to have more possession and inch their way into the game.

Second half followed the same pattern, Merton wasteful with chances and Actonians always carrying a threat at the other end. It was the visitors who took the lead when their impressive right winger fooled everyone and sent a swerving dipping free-kick into the back of the net when everyone was expecting a cross.

2-1 down and Merton pressed; more chances were spurned until finally they were rewarded for their pressure with Denys sweeping home after a flick on from Pearcey. 2-2 and both teams pressed for the winner, with 10 mins left Tiddy’s chin thought he had secured it when he bundled home at the far post. It wasn’t to be however as Actonians came right back and the right winger tucked home another free kick off the post to claim a share of the spoils.

In summary the team remains unbeaten, but the mood on Saturday was definitely one of a missed chance to close the gap on Actoniansat the top. We must find a way to kick home our advantage, convert our chances and learn again how to see out a game when in a winning position.

MOM:Myself…

Team:Ellis, Gash, Pearcey (C), Lofty, Essex, Shauno, Jessie, Hailstone, Kieran S, Dan K, Denys. Subs – Ian J, Tiddy, Chappell

Attendence:8

Report by:Simon White

Posted in Match Reports 4s