Merton stormed to their win of the season their win of the season with an excellent performance from start to finish vs. Raynes Park Vale.

Merton started quickly with Devonte pulling the strings in midfield and  Kieran giving his usual box to box performance. Nikoy in goal brilliantly marshalled his defence of  Thomas  Alexis and Ellis whilst  Illane was a constant menace up top with his pace and aggression.  Out wide Daniel, Kayden and Bradley offered skill and pace.

The opening goal came on 12 minutes when Devonte cut inside and  from the left and rifled a right foot shot past the helpless goalkeeper. The second came on 19 minutes when Daniel tucked a pull back from Illane inside the near post and Merton led 2-0 at half time.

Merton expected  that that RPV would come out strongly at the start of the 2nd half and they did, but Thomas, Ellis and Alexis held strong helped by confident goal-keeping from Nikoy.  Merton weathered the storm and were a constant threat on the break with the speed and determination of Illane. This tactic eventuall y paid off when Illane manged to get on the end of a through ball that in truth he had no right to and slotted confidently into the left hand corner.

RPV briefly threatened a comeback when despite a truly miraculous save from Nikoy they buried the rebound to make the score 3-1. This was to be a real test of character for Merton, but with Kayden  and Bradley supressing the threat down the flanks Merton RPV never  really threatened to reduce the deficit and the game was over as a contest when Kieran bent a beautiful free kick into the top left hand corner. The final whistle came followed shortly afterwards and Merton had deservedly won their first league game of the season.

The match was played in excellent spirit from both sides.

MOM    Illane Petit.

 

 

Posted in Under 11s Reports