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Merton vs Ash United – 28th October 2014
(Surrey Premier Cup)
It’s a long journey down to Ash (nr Aldershot) on a Tuesday night but the lads all made it with varying times to spare. Traffic on the A3 was a nightmare. They started better than us and squandered a good breakaway opportunity but we quickly got into the game and it was an even contest but on 30 mins they were awarded a penalty. Nothing dubious about it, as everyone agreed after the game, it just was not one. They scored and immediately from the kick off, with a sense of burning injustice, we conceded a free kick and they chipped it across the box for a very good headed goal.Our heads did not drop but we responded really well to that and pulled one back just before half time with Ackers dispossessing their defender and tucking it away. A great run down the right from Vanny set up Snooks at the near post but their keeper made agood save to stop us going in level at half time. We equalised pretty much straight after half time when Bosh ran through from the half way line beating 2/3 defenders a one two and shot which keeper did well to parry but Snooks slotted the rebound home. We pressed very hard for the winner and had some good chances. Angus had to make a couple of important and brave saves but we looked the most likely to win it but we failed to clear another generously awarded free kick and eventually it was rifled home from close range for the winner. We looked a very good side. Rat organised our defence really well and had an absolute stand out performance. Ben Cook and the full backs Connor and Tony were disciplined and solid. The midfield of Will Low, Tills and Snooks really played well together and controlled passages of the game with passing and movement. Will is having a great season. Ackers was back to his old self with some great control on a difficult surface. Bosh and Vanny were a handful with pace. Peter Quainton came down to help out knowing he would be on the bench but it is help like that a team needs and he did well when he came on. Tills captain stood in as main organiser and motivator and did brilliantly. So why did we lose. Well Ash were a decent side they had two or three very good players, strong and skilful and were well organised. They took their chances and played to their strengths and had a good slice of fortune. That, I am afraid, is football. Ash is a nice friendly hospitable football club and even though it was a defeat it was a pretty good evening. The Ref and Linos did not have a bad game but unfortunately for us he got one big decision wrong and you only have to watch Match of the day on any given Saturday to know that is football. Thanks to Steve and Mckenzie for coming down and helping organise and to our travelling army of supporters and to Ash Utd F C for their hospitality. Max Herbert
Team: Angus Lees (GK) Tony P, Connor Murphy, Rat, Ben Cook, Will low, Snooks, Tills (Capt) Bosh, Vanny , Snooks. Ackers. Sub Peter Quainton.