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Only one game played today

Latest from the Hood Spring Cup

Merton 3s trail 2-1 to Wandsworth boro when i had to leave. Final score 2 – 1. Action photos attached . Glen our scorer.

Match(es) report: Long Good Friday

Good Friday isn’t renowned for generating a hive of activity, but sitting idle is not befitting of the Merton Way. As such, our annual Long Good Friday event rolled back into town, and with a full complement of football, mirth, agility and hot cross buns under relatively gloomy skies.

Kicking things off for the day was the Vets game against the venerable Old Westminster Citz; members of both teams impressively managing to assemble and commence the game by the alleged 11am KO time. As ever, it made for an entertaining game; Merton donning the Yellow, and with a good mix of old and older within their ranks. Welchy took the whistle for the first half and didn’t have too many decisions to make. Merton made a shaky start, and Westminster took a fairly early lead with a good finish. But the Yellows were very much in the game, with Ede and Pete O looking particularly threatening upfront; the latter seeing a near worldie slam against the crossbar from 35 yards. Westminster doubled their lead just before the break with another well-taken goal, and although the Yellows used their subs well in the second half and gave as good as they got until the very end, the visitors were deserving of their 2-0 win in what was a brilliant game played in predictably fine spirits.

Simultaneously on the pitch next door, the U13s played out a humdinger of a game against Raynes Park Vale, sadly squandering an early lead to eventually go down 3-2. Although once again, a lovely game of football on display, played in the right spirit by some very impressive young men. A testament once again to the great work Steve has done this year.

The 1pm games saw the U9s in action, who also played out a hugely entertaining contest with Carshalton Athletic, eventually going down 6-2. Both they and the U13s games underscored just how bright the future of the club is.

On the other pitch, a composite Merton ‘XI’ (more like 25) faced off against the Wimbledon Commoners for the first time; oppo arranged by our resident BBQ extraordinaire Darren Avey. It was great to see all Merton teams represented across the starting lineup, although that didn’t necessarily make for world-class cohesion and understanding. After being much the better side for the first 15 minutes, it was the Commoners who deservedly took the lead.

But after frantic substitutions abated from the Merton manager, the team began to settle into a decent rhythm and play some football. Darren was a rock in defence, Vanny was pulling the strings in midfield, and DQ was an ever-present threat (and astonishingly pacy) upfront. Kearnsy was also a menace down the left, although he did miss a clear-cut opportunity when one on one with the keeper by a rather astonishing distance.

It stayed 1-0 until the break, and the half time chat was more a case of herding cattle than tactical analysis or inspirational speeches. Nevertheless, having rung the changes, Merton once again seized the ascendancy and carved out numerous chances. Woody held the ball up with aplomb and delivered many a threatening ball which just couldn’t quite see the requisite finish applied. Other chances flew over the crossbar too until, eventually, the best opportunity of all came about as Merton were on the receiving end of a clear-cut foul in the box.

The pen was duly awarded, and up stepped, wait, who? Was that Luke Newman barging his way to the penalty spot? Indeed it was, and after the cameramen positioned themselves for the moment critique, he decisively slotted past the keeper to make it 1-1. Cue the celebrations.

Smelling blood, Merton threw bodies forward in a bid for victory. But, with minutes remaining, the sucker punch came at the other end. A goalmouth scramble saw Anam initially do well to block the shot on the line. However, his next touch was an unfortunate one, which nurdled the ball over the line. 2-1 to the Commoners, and that was how it stayed until the death knell of the final whistle. Once again though, a very enjoyable game – if lacking a bit of quality – against oppo who competed very much within the spirit of things, and who are welcome back any time.

It also quickly became abundantly clear how immaterial the results were afterwards, with the Hood atmosphere at its very best. Leading the way were Old Westminster Citz and some epic games of spoof. Fighting the Merton corner in the pub were none other than the legendary Murphys, who used all their experience to come away scot-free in many a game of Numbers, while ensuring everyone else ‘enjoyed’ more than their fair share of penalty port shots in the process.

The highlight had to be Fergus retaining his ‘title’ in some absurd game involving a spoon in mouth, and smashing Kieran on the head with it (see video). A brilliant solo effort on his part, with no help from outsiders whatsoever.

All in all, a fantastic occasion enjoyed by all, and huge thanks go to the various oppo for being a part of it, Steve and helpers at the bar, Jasper for producing some truly sublime food, Max for sorting the kits and everyone else for doing their bit. See you all at the Merton World Cup in a few weeks for more of the same – and better.

[Show slideshow]

We don’t often have a clean sweep of defeats on a given weekend, but alas that is what transpired over the weekend. The results belied some good football though, and in particular the 6s enjoyed a very entertaining game against Bank of England. The result wasn’t quite what they wanted, but they can be proud of a very impressive season. Well done to the Youth as well, who enjoyed another strong Sunday.

This weekend we turn our attentions to the first of three bumper end-of-season events – Long Good Friday. On the go will be Youth games, a Vets game (11am) and a senior game against Raynes Park-based oppo (1pm). It’s a wonderful chance for everyone associated with the club – young, old and ‘medium’ – to integrate with each other, and it should be an entertaining afternoon. For those who aren’t playing, do make an effort to pop down and be a part of the festivities. And for those who are playing, please confirm as much either by commenting on the recent Facebook post or messaging Toddy.

Thereafter, we have the Merton World Cup on Saturday 13^th May. This will be a six-a-side tournament, with 8 teams and a World Cup-style format with group games, semi finals and a final. It will be followed by a barbecue and drinks in the bar as always. Once again, please confirm your availability when asked to do so. For this event in particular, it will be important to have accurate numbers so as to plan it well.

And the third event, of course, is Awards night on Saturday 27^th May. This will likely involve an inter-club friendly, a penalty shootout, the FA Cup Final, the awards themselves, and of course plenty of ‘festivities’ into the evening. Not one to be missed.

Finally, a quick word about discipline. We’ve really shifted in the right direction this year, and although there remains room for improvement, it is good to see the number of yellow and red cards having dropped considerably from last season. In particular, we’d like to say well done to the 5s and 6s, who amassed just three yellows each. Congrats to all, and let’s look to reduce this even further next season, and uphold the ‘Merton Way’.

THRIVE TO SURVIVE

After Christmas and when the monsoons have cleared the season seems to go on fast forward and now most teams are winding up their campaign. We still have a lot to look forward to with our Long Good Friday, Awards night and our very own Merton World Cup. During the summer the SAL has some interesting discussions to have and some di cult decisions to take which will a ect the future of the League and of the clubs within it. At the start of the season the League granted a few clubs dispensation not to enter a rst or second team for this season. This was a grasp of reality as these clubs would have had little alternative but to leave the league. This was done for just the one season and was balancing the interests of the SAL, trying to keep as many clubs within it and those of the other individual clubs those who bene tted from the decision and the rest who had to live with it. A few seasons ago when our 3s left just before the start of the season our request to the League was summarily dismissed and whilst we seriously considered leaving the SAL it turned out to be too late to join another league. With the help of a sympathetic xtures secretary we’ve struggled through the sea- son losing about £3K as a consequence but luckily we have ended up a stronger club. Probably the right decision then by the SAL but times are a changing. But there has been a fair bit of discontent among the other clubs where the bene tting clubs have been successful. The need to keep clubs in the SAL – as some divisions are down to nine teams and only 16 games and the Spring Cup. What seems to have happened is a breakdown in the discipline – that the xtures must go ahead. I recall clubs like EBOG and CEV coming all the way from North London with just nine players to preserve the honour of their club and ful l the xture. But on Saturday the 3s opposition Carshalton 4s decided not to turn up. They let us down badly, and their club who have been very apologetic. The rules dictate that Carshalton 4s should have called up the their 5s to make up the number but the 5s were playing a cup nal so that solution which was not implemented was unrealistic. The consequence was that our lads had a totally wasted Saturday and missed their football. Carshalton the club involved are investigating what happened and have o ered to pay all our costs and given a full and heartfelt apology. On Saturday Len (our treasurer) and I went to watch the First team in their SAL Senior semi nal at Crouch End Vampires. It took us two and a half hours to get there by car as Hangar Lane gyratory was being re- surfaced and two hours to get home on the M25. I had all the kit and stu so that I had to go by car. The team travelled by train and did it in an hour or so. But travelling across London is both time consuming and expensive and not much fun. So we know further regionalisation is on their agenda. CEV have similar council facilities to us and very similar pitch conditions and facilities is another area where we all need improvements. (Incidentally it was an entertaining game which we lost 2-0 a little unluckily but on balance they were better than us and deserved it. It was a good competitive game with their second goal coming in 92nd minute). The SAL have some di cult matters to deal with and there are no right are wrong answers just di cult judgements and we need to make the best of it. One really pleasing area is Merton 7s continuing to thrive and the success of our recruitment campaign last summer. We need to continue that this summer and we have produced a poster that we want to be displayed at Colleges and universities. So if you know of anyone at a university or college who could put the poster up after the Easter holidays please let us know and we will get you some posters. (Contact [email protected])

Carshalton – Queen Mary’s   Hospital for Children’s Needs Our Help!    

We are looking for you to donate any Easter Eggs you can spare to give to the children in our local hospital over Easter. “put a big smile on their face this year”

Thank You

David Laughton

Pls BRING ANY EXTRA EGGS YOU CAN SPARE TO FOOTBALL CLUB OVER NEXT 2 SATURDAYS AND LEAVE AT BAR –  Max and Michael will be collecting.

All training has now finished at St Marks, try stay fit on your own accord if you can chaps.  Please keep an eye out for the date of pre season training which usually begins first Wednesday in July.  This will be a great time to bring friends and colleagues down to join the club.

Only two games today for the youth section and both teams won.

Under 9s beat Barnes Eagles 4 – 2 great result considering they only had the 6 players.

Under 13s beat Doverhouse 3 – 0 another great result, goals from Ollie, William and Rohan.

Under 13s, 14s and 15s had no fixture this week.

So then, onto the results from today.

1s lost their semi final 2-0 at CEV. who went 1 up in 65 minute and second goal in injury time. We hit post and bar and had the better chances but they deserved it. Good team and competitive game. A fine effort to put together such a great Cup run though.

No game for the 2s, and the 3s were let down by their opponents in the Spring Cup, who failed to show. Also in the Spring Cup the 4s went down 1-0 to Old Wokingians, while the 6s kept their promotion push going in the league with a 5-2 win at South Bank. 7s pulled off another great result, winning 2-1. Well done all

Chairman’s bit – 31 March

JOHN KEANE
DEL SAUNDERS
“You will be sadly missed”

Polytechnic is a great amateur football club and it is a great pleasure to play there with its wonderful facilities
and hospitality. And what has made it so good is the people who have built the club which was founded
in 1875. One of their Poly legends, John Keane has died recently. When I joined Merton in 1999 he was the
face of Poly. If you were playing at Poly he welcomed you, organised you, teased you and treated you. That
was on match days and i can only imagine how much he did behind the scenes. They say that when he retired
five people had to take over his various roles.
And of course it is people like him that build great clubs and such clubs are invaluable to the enjoyment of
our football and it is not just for Poly members but all of us. It did not seem that way when we took our 1s
over there for a mid week game in 2007 and got thumped 7 or 8 – 1. But John’s view of hospitality was that
you were a guest of Poly and you should have as good a time as you can without winning and in our case
that was definitely without winning.
He will be long remembered for his contribution and we need many more like him in Amateur football to
maintain the tradition of Sportsmanship and hospitality.
Another sad loss is Del Saunders who helped run the AFA for many years as the disciplinary officer. I was
always touched by the fact that he sometimes made what was for him the long journey to the Hood to see
how we were doing. He always came in the bar and chatted. He was interested and interesting.
What is special about amateur football and what does it stand for.
I was watching a television documentary the other night about Maya Anjelou. This lady was a real super star
who had done just about everything; a singer, dancer, actress, civil rights activist and had written songs and
books. Her publisher described her as an ‘amateur’ writer and went on to explain what he meant by calling
her an amateur. ‘ I don’t mean she’s not very good at it’ he explained. ‘Far from it, I mean she writes for the
love of it’.
And that got me to thinking about amateur football and us.
What differentiates us from professional football? Well, of course compared to Premier League there is a considerable
skill and fitness gap but at local semi pro level there is not. Our best SAL sides are now winning the
Surrey County Senior competitions. The old days of ‘shamateurism’ and boot money have disappeared and
we now have truly amateur football in which we pay to play and that means we do it because we love it.
Both these Gentlemen, John Keane and Del Saunders loved what they did and that is why they were so
good at it. Both of them will be sadly missed but remembered by many for their contribution.

Today’s results from the Youth, baked in gorgeous spring sunshine (and a marginally chilly breeze):

The U9s had a very impressive win over NPL Bulls 4-3
U11s lost 8-3 against Esher Colts
The U13s drew 2-2 with Rocks Lane Utd. A special guest appearance from none other than Nick Clegg on the touchline, whose son was playing for Rocks Lane
The U14s kept up their good run, beating Old Isleworthians 14-0
The U15s lost 3-1 against Whitton Wanderers

Great stuff again boys, let’s finish the season strong!