Todays results – 1s match was postponed as was 5s and 7s and as it turned out the 6s as pitch waterlogged and no ref. But 2s lost 3-2 away to Cambridge Heath on good old Hackney Marshes.

The 3s lost 2-0 at home well not really home but a very wet Commons extension but the 4s with the result of the day won 6-3 at West Wickham with the goal scorers Aaron Loftus (2) Dom Plumbridge (2) and Ryan Burchell and Michael Vogt one apiece.

6s pitch at Wimbledon Common Extensions

 

 

 

 

 

 

“4-3-3, we know how to play, get stuck in.”

Ah, the tactical nuances of non-league football. Merton 2s merrie men nodded sagely, for they would line-up with four men at the back, three in midfield, and three up front. And they would get stuck in.

Captain, leader, ginger, Graham Willgoss led the getting in of the stuck by expertly bringing a Dan Rist ball under his spell, inviting the entire defence one way, dancing the other, and then sitting down the ‘keeper for good measure. 1-0. 

St. James stroked the ball about and had a territorial advantage for the whole first half. They didn’t however, create a great deal of clear chances. They had one notable effort, cleared by Joe Grew before it crossed the line. Admittedly, goal-line technology may well have said otherwise, but we don’t use it, so tough titties.

Captain, leader, Grumpole of the Bailey, Willgoss had another chance and stuck it straight at the ‘keeper. Maybe we’d rue it.

We didn’t rue it. Team Handsome took far greater control of affairs in the second half. Nick rip van Tiddlywinkle – adhering to some sage advice to stay a bit wider in the front three – took a terrible first touch, a heavier second touch, and a toe poke into the back of the net. Liquid football from the Socceroo. 

More attacks, a corner, an Ackerman header, a goal. 3-0. Easy street. So easy, in fact, that Ackers passed-up an easy chance, missed a penalty (quite possibly because it wasn’t a penalty, though one should be aware of the searing run that made it by the typically All Action Dom), and then set through DQ from a one-two after a a lovely move fully expecting the fourth goal of the day. The silver sub dinked the goalie, but the ball met the bar rather than the net. Wasteful.

St. James’ scored! That was silly. No matter, Merton 2s held out reasonably comfortably and all was well. Hell, it was better than well, as Ryan Gresty – absolutely toweringly superb for the full 90 minutes despite the fact he wears a sports bra – picked up man of the match and Captain, leader, later for his own team’s meet time, Willgoss convincingly won DOtD. Lovely stuff.

The score of 4-2 doesn’t quite give the boars justice. Following a fanatic 2-1 win last weekend at Old Wilsonian’s, this weekend’s result is a tough one to write about.

 

Coming back from injury – Walshy makes his first appearance this year. Along with Merton’s star striker Glenn coming back to help out his old team mates. And most surprisingly Milo makes an appearance from the bench following his niggling blister troubles (is that even a thing.)

 

The day didn’t go Merton’s way from the off. A kit mix up meant that the Boars were standing around waiting in a cold changing room, but on came the music and the mood lifted.

 

First time in a while that The Hood had been played on due to frozen pitches and waterlogs proved that the pitches were in good nick – if a bit grassless around the goalmouth.

 

From kick off Merton didn’t see much of the ball. HSBC, who are fighting for promotion, keep the pressure up, with the Boar defence doing well to show them wide and keep shots to a minimum. Soon the HSBC pressure paid off, with a simple cross into the box not being dealt with by Walshy and Sam, it fell kindly to the HSBC striker who calmly passed the ball into an open net.

 

20 minutes in and HSBC were still bombarding the Merton goal. Still the Boars keeping their head up with the defence and keeper doing well, as well as midfield and wingers doing well to track back to hold off HSBC. However a mistake from the Boars keeper (myself) resulted in an indirect free kick from the 10 yard mark. All the Boars lined up on the line, but it was again calmly laid off to one of the HSBC midfielders who slotted it into the far corner above Neil’s head. 2-0 down and 10 minutes to play of the first half

 

The only rememberable attack of the first half from the Boars came from the right wing. Glenn playing lovely football, beat at least 2 HSBC players, Merton played it around close to their corner flag, finally the ball was played into the middle to Zhurbily who put the ball out of the reach of the keeper. Going into half time 2-1 down, elucidating the impression that a comeback by the Boars could be on.

 

Second half and Merton looked like a different team. We played higher up the pitch, Neal and Iain doing and excellent job keeping the line and knowing when to drop back. Sam (myself) doing a job of the sweeper keeper, getting to any balls played over the top. The Boars were on the front foot, but a quick counter attack and a lapse of concentration as Merton lost the ball in their own half led to the first goal of the second half. 3-1 HSBC.

 

Heads dropped and Merton retracted into their own half. Sam (myself) pulled off a couple of worldies to keep the score respectable. One being on the 6 yard box, certainly to be put away by a lurking HSBC player smashed into the net however the cat like goalkeeper FLEW through the air and got a nice palm to get it over the bar. Applause from everyone on the pitch followed.

 

It looked like the crucial saves may of kept Merton in the running as Merton got a penalty at the 75^th minute. With Glenn again at the heart of the attack running and cutting into the box only to be brought down. Up stepped Fitz to make it 3-2. Unbelievably it was saved, however calmly placed into the top corner as the rebound fell kindly to the kick taker.

 

Further domination by the yellows, surely it would’ve been one of those days where everything finally came together. However the pressure got to the new merton goalkeeper who fumbled a freekick which again fell kindly to the HSBC attacker who once again passed the ball into the back of the net.  4-2 final score.

 

Ultimately it’s a day to forget for the DOTD Merton goalkeeper, But on the other hand it was a very good performance second half. Another day, any other day, Merton would’ve been wheeling away with an easy win. But a performance that can be transferred into next week, where the mistakes visibly and easily rectified – 3 points are coming. Watch this space. Up the Boars.

 

Team: Sam (GK), Ricky, Neal, Walshy, Iain, Glenn, Mustard, Dan, Barry, Fitz, Denys.

Subs: Milo, Lofty.

 

MOTM: Neal     DOTD: Sam

Merton 5s 3 – 2 South Bank 5th

A group of discombobulated, confused, lost men in a field. No, this was not the result of a 5s night out – it was in fact us at the very start of the game. A double booking on the pitch we thought we had booked left us aghast, in the middle of Wimbledon Common Extensions, not knowing where to turn. Thank the lord for Darren using his initiative; otherwise we may still be there right now.

And we started the game as we prepared for it. They were on the front foot and causing us all sorts of problems in the first 15 – 20 minutes. They created some decent chances forcing us into some last ditch tackles and blocks. A looping, well-placed header seemed destined to find the far corner, however Chris on the line anticipated it and backed up to nod the ball off the line. Kieran made a smart save from a 1 – on – 1, and shortly after was forced to dive from behind their striker, over his knee, to claw the ball away to prevent a certain goal. They did eventually make the breakthrough, however the goal came in unfortunate circumstances for us. With Phil clear favourite to win the ball, their centre forward ploughed through the back of him for what was a certain foul. Despite most players on the pitch [including theirs] stopping, their striker played on and slotted the ball in the near corner. The whistle was not forthcoming and they took the lead.

As the half progressed, we worked our way into it and it is fair to say that we dominated possession, playing good football in our approach play and stringing some passes together. Like Theo Walcott in his 12 years in Arsenal though, we promised a lot but just did not quite break through.

The second half started a bit more open than the first. We maintained the intensity of our passing and were starting to find some spaces in behind. We managed to force a corner and Aaron Byrne met it well, diverting his header narrowly wide having beaten the keeper. At the other end, Kieran saved another attempted chip with their player 1 on 1. In a moment of quality, they played an inch perfect ball through to their striker who rounded Kieran. With the goal gaping, Darren flew out from nowhere to block the shot and save a certain goal. However, the second goal did eventually come. It was from a corner, and the ball seemed to stick to their player at the front post. He managed to get a touch in a crowded area and poked the ball past Kieran to make it 2-0.

In times gone by, we would have got on each other’s backs and collapsed in that situation, however we were dominating possession and all had the belief that we could come back into this game. It got to around the 80^th minute when we struck. It was a lovely, crisp, passing move which resulted in a good shot by Aaron being well saved. Fortunately, Gibbo was on hand at the back post to nod into the empty net, and the comeback was on.

A few minutes later, we drew level. A bit of a pinball in the middle led to the ball getting played out to Neeko at the edge of the box. He took a touch inside and, from what looked like quite an acute angle, curled the ball into the far corner giving their keeper no chance. 2-2.

In the ascendency, we felt we could get a winner in what little remained of the game and complete what would have been a fantastic turnaround. Lo and behold, from what seemed a fairly harmless position, Dwayne picked the ball up on the left and sent a searching ball in. Good movement saw Aaron Byrne at the far post completely unmarked, and he tapped in to complete the fine comeback to snatch the game and win it 3-2.

This performance was not vintage 5s by any stretch. In terms of chances over the course of the game, it could very easily have gone the other way. It is also true that the oppo had some decent players, especially at the back. But where we won it went further than just the possession we maintained for most of the game [barring the first 70 minutes], it was that we played better as a team, did not get frustrated that things were not going our way and maintained our belief that we could get back in the game. This was particularly spiriting to see and although we will need to play better in our quarter final next week, we certainly showed the togetherness that we will also need to pull of what would be an upset.

We didn’t get our strike force of Gibbo and Aaron involved in the game quite as much as we should have, but their movement was good throughout and they got two very important goals for us again today. The midfield of Ackers, Neeko, Dwayne and Josh dominated the midfield and our defence held strong with good saves from Kieran and goalline clearances from Chris, Phil and Darren. It’s a good win and we can take some confidence out of the game into the next one. Man of the match was shared by 4 people – Kieran, aaron, Dwayne and josh – and many more could have been added to that list.

Kew Association 3s vs. Merton 4s
SAL Junior Division 4 South
Saturday 13^th January 2018

With Christmas now a distant memory, it was time to get back to football to try and do what was required to lose the weight gained during the festivities. Last week would have been the start had South Bank showed up for the SAL Cup fixture. Failure to do so resulted in a home walkover and a spot in the quarters alongside the 5s….without kicking a ball!

 

Our first game back after the break, taking last week out of the equation, saw us travel to Kington for a league fixture against Kew Association. The majority of the squad arrived by the required time however John Gridley decided to ignore the satnav, and everyone else in his car, to carry on to Chiswick! Definitely a contender for Dick of the Day but the outcome of who was awarded this will come later. Fortunately, everyone was present at the time of kick off.

 

Having defeated the same opposition 8-3 back in November in the home fixture, we knew what to expect. This time round however we were without Aaron Byrne, who, regardless of a request to step up, decided to remain loyal to the 5s. So without the scorer of 4 our or goals from the reverse fixture in the form of Aaron, Adam Collings and Mike Todt were also unavailable for the foreseeable future having been recalled to the army and migrating to Chester respectively.

 

We lined up in our usual 3-5-2 formation with yours truly slotting into my usual LW role. Akram Choudhury replacing the injured John Gridley at RWB. Will Toms dropped back to support Joe Plumridge and Michael Elgar. Sonny Kennedy was partners in the holding role by the returning Will Harrison with Aaron Loftus playing behind the strike force of Dom Plumridge and Michael Vogt. Matt Shreeve and John Gridley warmed the bench.

 

From the moment the French official blew the first whistle we were on the front foot. Each individual showing signs that this was clearly the first game for a while however giving it their all. The only notable moments to mention from the first 25 minutes were a few lack lustre chances that fell to Dom and Joe having to be replaced by Matt due to a split lip.

 

It didn’t take Matt long to make an impact from the bench as he latched onto a subline disguised through ball from Dom with his effort beating the keeper on the half hour mark. Not long after we found ourselves 2-0 up. Michael Vogt converting from a one on one opportunity.

 

Going into the break 2-0 up the team talk was positive however we knew that we had to change personnel round slightly if we wanted to maintain the level of performance we were giving. Having discussed as a team, we retook to the field with the most suitable shift work possible in place.

 

We were creating chance after chance within the first 15 minutes of the restart however were unable to extend our lead with most chances falling to Dom. One thing we can credit Dom for however is what came next……

 

Having been on the receiving end of a mistimed tackle following a free-kick my Mikey, a free kick was awarded in Merton’s favour 25 yards out. Discussions were had between Dom and Aaron on who would step up to take it. The latter took the reins and what a decision it was! His curling effort caught the keeper flatfooted and with no chance as the ball rustled in the top corner of the onion bag! This was one that Messi would have been proud of!

 

The aim now was to ensure that Gubby’s clean sheet was kept intact. This was aided by the man himself preventing a free-kick finding the back of the net with a top class save to tip it over the bar/around the post (can’t remember which!).

 

Aaron was causing all sorts of problems for the hosts with 3 men attempting to seize the ball from him the majority of the time. The shift in players opened up the left hand side allowing Aaron to deliver a 40 yard pass to yours truly. For a split second it crossed my mind to smash the ball as hard as I could however I opted for a well-controlled, well-directed and composed side foot finish that had enough on it to beat the outrushing keeper. Not evening his ‘Schmeichel-esque’ starfish attempt was going to stop the ball from finding the back of the net to make it 4-0.

 

The final whistle finally went after what seemed a lifetime to keep us second in the league, three points behind Old Salesians. Next week we visit West Wickham in the hope of continuing our impressive run of form and topple to league leaders.           

 

FINAL SCORE: Kew Association 3s 0 – 4 Merton 4s
SCORER(S): Matt Shreeve, Michael Vogt, Aaron Loftus, Edward Plaistow
MOTM: Joe Plumridge – Solid as always at the back.

DOTD: Dom Plumridge – John Gridley was close to getting this having ignored direction and ending up in Chiswick however the vote went to Dom Plumridge due to chances wasted.

STARTING LINE-UP: Michael Gubby (GK), Joe Plumridge (Matt Shreeve), Michael Elgar (John Gridley), Will Toms, Akram Choudhury, Edward Plaistow (Capt.), Sonny Kennedy, Will Harrison, Aaron Loftus, Michael Vogt, Dom Plumridge

Merton 6s 3

Civil Service 2

 

Team: Swanny, Kev, Chappell, Grant, Spencer, George B, Matt, Trey, Callum, Nick, Pete – Subs: Reece, Dan P

 

The 6s retained their 100% 2018 and stayed top of the table – but like all good sides they had to do it despite playing well below par for much of the game.

 

The deck was shuffled again, with Ackers getting the call up (When will he learn) and Ty still being used as a drug pony by the Brazilian mafia – it was left to those who remained to bring the points back to the hood.

It was a strange start to the game, with Merton not really settling very well and Civil .. well lets say the way they stated  I thought it was going to be a walk in the park!. But there were more than a few sloppy passes from the boys in Yellow (Yes Yellow Spanner – thats the shirt you’re aiming for) and somehow this was giving Civil the confidence that today could be their day. Civils attack kept being given a few sniffs a goal because of our sloppyness AND their greater desire for the 2nd ball. Fortunately Swanny was equal to anything thrown at him. At the other end we simply looked like we could score at every attack – but we weren’t being decisive enough with our passes and openings created kept being lost cheaply. Yet again George was the brightest on the pitch and he picked up the ball and danced round a few before putting Nick clean through for him to score and we could relax ..we thought. We really shouldn’t have done as this didn’t really wake us up or make us start to dominate like we should’ve – Soon after the Civil attacker broke clear and finished well past Swanny .. Game ON!

The half time chat was all about us not playing as team, in both defence and attack – sort this out and we should get the win needed to maintain the pressure on Actonians.

Fortunately the 2nd half was better than the first – but far from perfect. We started well and were finally knocking the ball about with confidence – and were soon 2-1 up with Nick doing well before playing in George to tuck it inside the post brilliantly. We started to control the game a little more but there was still the sloppiness in midfield with bad choices and over playing that kept leaving us exposed. Just when we seemed to be on top their Midfielder picked up the ball cut inside Kev and struck a fierce shot that arrowed inside the post – I’m certain hes never hit a ball as true and as well in his life. Its moments like these that you can reflect on when the season is done – was this the league going because of a bit of one off magic by the oppo … But no … Up step the Man – The Myth – The legend – Reece Szreider who having stood like a titan in defensive midfield when he arrived as a 2nd half sub, blocking all that tried to pass, stepped up with the ball at his feet and played a majestic ball taking Civils defence out of play, leaving George the simple task of putting the ball home. Everyone at the Kings House Sports Ground stood and applauded, just thankful they were there to witness the ball of the season, nay, the ball of the century.

The 6s held on to the lead with some stoic defending from Grant and Kev – With Chappell doing his best Terry Butcher (Pat Butcher you mean?) Impression refusing to leave the field with blood pouring from his tiny twee nosey.

Mom – Unbelievable .. It wasn’t Reece … But with 2 goals and a strong all round performance it was given to George – Notable mentions to Grant and Swanny who both played well.

DOD – There were more than a few contenders this week as there was no stand out winner .. Unbelieveably Chappell got votes for bleeding (it seems) and Spence for failing to realise we play in yellow when passing the ball – But the winner was Kev for a mix of not having first aid kit and well, just for being Kev (Love you Gaffa)

 

NAME: Tyron Fuller

TEAM: Mighty Merton 6’s

POSITION: Centre Midfield 

BIRTH DATE: 12/02/1983

BIRTH PLACE: Sutton

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Too many to mention!!!

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1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

I like to think I’m very laid back and take things in my stride (Kev, Rat and Ackers are likely to disagree).

Enjoy watching and playing most sports, a bit of fishing and enjoy going to my Church that is Stamford Bridge.

 

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

I actually played for Merton many moons ago on a Sunday. I had friends in the youth team and joined for the first season in Men’s Football (We romped to a league victory). During that time played one game for the 2nds on Saturday and somehow bagged 2 goals but the Sunday team left the Merton set up and that was that.

Years later the likes of Ackers, Rat and Kev were joining the club, after not playing for many years I thought I’d give it ago. My attempted comeback was a failure as I was recovering from a DVT and my Fitness was shocking, simply put I couldn’t move without getting injured. I went away, lost 2 stone and came to give it another go.

 

 

3. What do you like most about Merton FC?

It’s a club you come to and feel welcome. We are all in it to win but away from the pitch you have that mates mentality. It’s more than football.

4. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

 Chelsea, my only true love.

 

5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

I never put my shin pads in my socks until the game is starting, always wear two pairs of socks and the top pair cover my knees!

 

6. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

Simple, we want that league title in the 6’s. If we keep winning it’s in our hands, our danger is missing players and some injuries we have had recently.

 

Cup final could be on the cards! Double on its way??
 

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RAPID FIRE:

Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football):

Merton – Kev (We have a love hate relationship on and off the pitch). Professional – Eden Hazard

Childhood Team: Corinthian Causals

Favourite team in the UK: Chelsea 

Favourite team outside the UK: AC Milan

Childhood Hero: Dennis Wise

Favourite Food: Toad in the Hole

Favourite Drink: Heineken 

Favourite Band: Oasis

NAME: Peter Quainton

TEAM: 2’s

POSITION: RB/RWB

BIRTH DATE: 17/06/1993

BIRTH PLACE: Ascot

PREVIOUS CLUBS:

Chippenham town youth, University of west London Spartans

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1. Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

When not playing football am spend a lot of my time in the gym or video gaming, probably more video gaming. Spend a lot of time with friends and family, as well as my fiancé’s family. I’ll be getting married in July of this year.

 

 

2. How did you end up at Merton FC?

Before ever moving to London I came along to help out as the only sub in a 2’s game. DQ brought me along as there were no other available players. The score in that game ended up something like 6-0 to Merton, 3-0 after the first half….. I never got subbed on. Upon moving to London DQ assured me that it would be different if I joined the club.

In my first couple of years at Merton, whilst being a Uni student, I wasn’t the most reliable of players, in terms of turning up to games, understandably it didn’t give me the greatest of reputations in the club. I left London after Uni and moved back in with the Parents before returning to London for work, and rejoining Merton FC. This time, things are different! Im back with a better attitude, a little more grown up and definitely enjoying football more. So in all I would credit DQ with getting me to join Merton FC.

 

 

3. What do you like most about Merton FC?

Throughout the club everyone is pretty close knit and the whastapp groups are always a great source of top quality entertainment.

 

 

4. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

 

It’s an obvious pick for me, if I were to choose a professional team to play for it would be Liverpool and only Liverpool. Stuck with them as an avid supporter since a very young age, again credit to DQ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

I wouldn’t say I have any rituals or superstitions although I really dislike playing without undershorts, have to have that secure feeling.

 

 

 

6. Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

My personal goal for this year is to get on the score sheet for the 2’s, I feel it won’t be too long.

 

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RAPID FIRE:

Favourite Player (at Merton, or in professional football): Steven Gerrard, but Firmino is quickly becoming a favourite of mine

Childhood Team: Liverpool

Favourite team in the UK: Liverpool

Favourite team outside the UK: Atlètico Madrid

Childhood Hero: DQ, he is also my Godfather

Favourite Food: Sushi

Favourite Drink: Apple Juice

Favourite Band: Foo fighters

W e were home to Polytechnic in the cup which in fact involved us playing away at their ground because
the Hood was very wet.
We had a strong squad of 14. Everyone was there in plenty of time, which doesn’t mean on time for Jonny
and Chaz, but still in plenty of time. The pitch was in good condition and the sun was out. What could go
wrong?
We started well against a div 1 side who won the treble last year. They had us under pressure but we were
defending well. That quickly ended. Harrison fluffed a clearance against their midfielder which put him
clear behind our back line. Siri looked at him approaching, thought about coming, looked at him again,
thought about coming again, looked for a third time and then came. By now it was a 50/50 which ended
with the midfielder being upended and the ref awarding a penalty. Probably the only time in Siri’s everyday
life that he wished he’d come early.
Our stuttering star redeemed himself with a fantastic double save and we lived to fight another day. But
not for long!
About 15 minutes in Poly had yet another corner which again was brilliantly delivered. They hit the post
and then there was a goalmouth scramble which ended with a very hard shot from about four yards out.
I was stood on the line and instinctively lent towards the ball and then even more instinctively bent my
elbow, which the ball then hit. Penalty number two and a red card for me!
Siri didn’t save this one.
The rest of the half was a fantastic rearguard action. Browner stepped into centre back to superbly cover
both the loss of me and the seeming loss of Harrison’s ability. To be fair this was his first bad game in a
Merton shirt. Van dropped well in to right back, a sign of the future, and everyone ran their socks off. At half
time it was still just the 1-0 and we felt confident of more of the same in second period.
Unfortunately this confidence lasted no more than five minutes. Poly scored their second and the third
came a minute or two later. Not great times to concede and that was effectively our afternoon over.
Jimbo, Crusher, Jordan and Charlie ran themselves into the ground. Sam had a perfectly good goal disal-
lowed. Jonny and Charlie got clear a couple of times but couldn’t allude the Poly keeper . Glenn, Chaz and
Wilgo all came off the bench with the sort of enthusiasm that identifies true Merton men. Three or four
goals down with only 10 men but on they all bounded and made good contributions. Once piece of skill by
Glenn was roundly applauded by the Poly bench.
The game finished 6-0 but weirdly most left the field pleased with their performances and heads held high.
Team: Siri, Browner, Harrison, Clappers, Jordan, Jimbo, Crusher, Sam, Van, Charlie, Jonny. Subs: Glenn, Wilgo,
Chaz.
MOTM: Browner. DOTD: Clappers

14^th January 2018

Merton Under 9s                        5
Moormead                                      4

Goal Scorers                                   David  2
                                                                Louis 2
                                                                Lewis

MOM                                                  David

First home game of the year, the weather was kind in the week, which allowed the pitch to be playable. Goals ready, both teams arriving with plenty of time for a warm up.  Neal gathered the boys in a circle for some stretches.  With plenty of time to spare Lauren and Archie were able to get the tea and coffee ready for the parents. Now I forgot to mention that Paul got the hot beverages at last week’s game, it was only right that his misses got this week’s.  Grand total of 6 hot drinks were needed, Archie and Lauren needn’t have worried about the queues of parents.

Not a full squad this week, Percy falling ill Saturday night and not recovering.  Elz was the ref this week and got the game off promptly. Line up this week was Max between the sticks and captain for the game. Harry the lonesome defender, midfield three of David, Joe and Louis, with Faris and Archie up top.  Ollie and Lewis on the bench. 

Both teams started well creating chances at both ends.  But the opposition had the upper hand in the first half getting us on the break and taking advantage of Harry, on his own at the back.  Max did pull off his usual great saves but Moormead went 2 up in the first half.  We did have a couple of chances but couldn’t find the back of the next, one of them being Ollie’s first touch of the ball and unlucky not to score.  I wouldn’t say we played bad in the first half but definitely need to up the work rate in the 2^nd half.

The boys gathered drinks at half time and listened to Neal and what he required in the 2^nd half.  Whatever was said work because the second half the boys came alive.  The boys had more hunger for the ball, more energy and more belief that they could win this match.  Our first goal came from a ball across the goal mouth, for Louis to slot it into the net.  The boys gathered themselves and went again, continuing to press.  Lewis levelled the game with a free kick which went low, through the wall and beyond the keeper.  The next goal made the game, David not only scoring a fabulous goal, but deservingly getting his long awaited first goal for the team.  I won’t go on how it was scored as we have video evidence how it was created and scored. 

What was notice from the video by the coach was how many commands could be heard from the parents from the sideline.  This didn’t confuse David, as the only voice he probably heard was the sound of his mum saying ‘hit it’, and that was he did left foot, top bins. We definitely had more of the possession, but they levelled to make it 3 – 3.  Louis switched to up top, finished well for his second of the game to make it 4 – 3. David, Archie and Lewis worked well in midfield, closing down the oppo.  Couple of changes made, Faris and Ollie on for Archie and Joe.  Moormead had a couple of chances, including hitting the bar.  They managed again to level the match 4 – 4 with about 5 minutes remaining.  Again making video footage, David who worked his socks off the whole game got his brace and the winning goal to make it 5 – 4. 

This was a very exciting game to watch, all the boys walked off the pitch at the end of the game buzzing.  When it came to naming the man of the match although they all played out of their skins, there was only one player the boys could choose.  On the count of 3, the name David was shouted out. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I didn’t really make any observations on the side line as the game was too intense to miss any of the action.  Only that if hot drinks are available at next week’s game Paul is excluded from buying them!!

Next week’s game is away to Westside, luckily their home ground is a stone throw away from the Hood on Grand Drive.  If the boys played the way they did in the second half it should be a good contest.