After a disappointing pre-season in which we lost every game to opposition of a higher standard than us we went into the first game of the season with little confidence. We know more than anyone that teams changes personnel during the close season but with the hosts taking 4 points from our two meeting last season; this was going to be a difficult game.

The majority of the 5th team from last season remains but there were a couple of new players making their debuts in a Merton shirt, those being Arthur Lewis, who started just behind Tee up top and Adam Cairns who came on to replace Dulanie Richards on the right of midfield mid-way through the second half.

The game stated well with us playing the ball around well and using the minimal amount we learnt during pre-season to keep OW’s on the back foot. We found ourselves 1-0 up after 15 minutes after Dulanie slotted home following a mazy run down the right. The right back he was running at knew that he was in for a torrid afternoon! With a few chances for both sides which came to nothing we then managed to double our advantage when Arthur managed to turn in Tee’s scuffed corner to make it 2-0 going into the break. The closest that OW’s came to halving the deficit was a lobbed attempt at goals which was out by about 2 yards.

The team talk at the break was a positive one. Our aim in the second half was to go out and play exactly like we did in the first keeping up the good communication and constructive criticism when required. There was a limited amount of chances in the second period however the hosts did manage to find the back of the net but not without controversy, twice over! Tee seemed to take his time on the ball and lose it in what seemed that be an unfair challenge. The opposition played on an a looped ball over the top of the defensive line found there striker in an offside position who calmly slotted the ball over the outrushing Glen. 2-1. The only other incident worth noting is when OW’s should have been awarded a penalty when Lee clearly took their number 5 out. Maybe it wasn’t given as a result of the dodgy decision made previously, who knows?

A great performance by all with a Man of the Match performance from Chris Outred. That performance, along with his ones during pre-season and the back end of last season has earned him the captaincy in Lee’s absence for our next game at home to Old Owens 7s in the 1st Round of the SAL Intermediate Novets Cup next weekend.

MOM: Chris Outred

Report by: Edward Plaistow

Team: Glen Field (GK), Dan Outred, Lee Lenihan (Capt.), Darren Avey, Edward Plaistow, Dulanie Richards (Adam Cairns), Sevan Mutafyan, Ben Lawrence (Aaron Ackerman), Chris Outred, Arthur Lewis, Tee Nash Bizayi

Posted in Match Reports 5s