Merton 4s v Southbank Cuaco – 12th November 2011

This week saw us host South Bank 4s in the SAL Senior Novets Cup with a Quarter Final place for the victors.

The game started a bit scrappy our end, not challenging for headers and coming off second to most. This continued for the first 15-20 minutes until we finally got into our rhythm and started playing some football as we have produced in recent weeks. SB’s central midfielder was trying to control the game but we soon saw to it that he was quietened down by our quality throughout the team.

Chances came and chances went but nothing was really dropping for clear cut chances and then a major blow when SB scored to take the lead and put one foot into the next round.

Half-Time 1-0 to South Bank

Words were exchanged at half time and we knew what we needed to do. We have faced the situation before of coming from behind and with our winning mentality we went out to try to grind another positive result.

With 25 minutes on the clock left to play Nikko picked up the ball inside the opposition’s half and started to run at their left back, the centre back joined in to defend their goal but Nikko’s slick footwork (and some good strength) saw him cut inside and place a beautifully crafted shot into the opposite top corner. A goal out of the top drawer and game on.

From here on in there was only one team looking likely to score as we bombarded their goal. A header from a corner from Dean P just over the top and another header from a corner hitting the crossbar and some near misses with shots from Nikko, Dean W and Alvin.

It took until 3 minutes from time and a great strike from Tommy to earn our place in the quarter finals. The ball fell to Tommy 20 yards out and he stroked it home with his left foot leaving the keeper no chance.

A performance where we showed we don’t just do the pretty stuff all the time and can grind out a result. Again we showed our determination to not be beaten. Quarter Finals to look forward to in the first of 3 trophies we hope to be winning this season.

Team:

MOM: Tommy

Report by: Dean Porter