Merton 9-2 Lloyds Warren
 
Normally writing match reports for a victory is a pleasure, particularly in a season dominated by losses. But when it’s a mess of messy of goals, it can be a bit of a headache! But here goes…
At the behest of the Merton skipper, throwing his weight around for entirely selfish reasons, the 4s game had been moved to King George’s for an early kick off at 1pm. It appeared as though Lloyds Warren hadn’t got the memo, with no sign of them for much of the buildup. 

 
Eventually, having gone to the wrong ground, 10 of them turned up about 15 minutes before kick off. Merton did their best to have a decent warm-up, but coming up against an already-struggling team, who were walking onto the pitch cold, and with a man short of a full team, fending off complacency was going to be the challenge.
And it appeared to be a challenge too great, as Merton started the game stuck in first gear. Lloyds Warren were making all the early running, and frustration quickly set in among the Yellows as they struggled to get any kind of rhythm. It must have made for a pretty poor spectacle from the sidelines, but credit to the visitors for making a go of it.
As such, Merton were very fortunate to take the lead. Mike Vogt found himself in space down the left, and, one on one with the keeper, just about bundled it home to make it 1-0.
But Lloyds Warren righted the injustice almost straight away, as they sauntered through Merton’s non-existent midfield, struck the post from range, crossed from the rebound and nodded home from point blank to make it 1-1.
Merton were seething. They knew they had been poor thus far, and were grateful to have their lead restored almost immediately after. Mikey Elgar, a welcome returnee from his travels, and carrying considerably more facial hair than when last seen on these shores, got in the mix in a goalmouth scramble, and directed the ball goalwards before their woeful keeper did the rest. Harsh on Mikey, but the goals panel decided it was an own goal. Still, 2-1, and Merton were back in front.
Now, full disclosure… accurate reporting of the remaining goals will be beyond this scribe, as it all happened thick and fast. But the 3rd and 4th goals came courtesy of Dom Plumridge and Ryan Burchell, the latter of whom wasn’t done for the day. It meant that Merton went into the break in a commanding 4-1 lead, but, rightly so, the chat wasn’t necessarily all positive. 
True, it isn’t easy to get up for a game you effectively know you’re going to win, but Merton had been well below their best, and if Lloyds had had a half-decent keeper, the score would likely have been 1-1.
The Yellows upped the ante a little bit when the second half began, and it didn’t take long before the scoreline was added to. Among them was Ryan’s second goal – a Divock Origi-esque finish from a tight angle. Undoubtedly an attempted cross, but he’ll take it. Mike Vogt added his second of the day too, and Aaron, who had been by far Merton’s best player, also forced a goal, although the goals panel once again ruthlessly decided that it was an OG. 
7-1 it was, but the moment of the day was yet to come. Having already hit the post earlier – on that occasion, Dom very generously having left the ball for him – Ryan completed his hat trick to make it 8-1. A thumping left-foot finish did the business, and he celebrated like it was 1999 (was he even born then?). Full credit to a true team player, and he richly deserved it on the day.
There was still time for more goals though. Lloyds Warren’s big skipper picked up a rebound off the post, and saw the ball fall kindly to him after his initial shot was blocked. He slotted home to make it 8-2.
But it was Merton who had the final say, as Mike Vogt charged up the pitch and applied the finish to complete a hat trick of his own, and add to the rout to make it 9-2. The final whistle went soon after, and Merton revelled in a goal glut, a pair of hat tricks, and, most importantly, three points.
It certainly wasn’t a vintage display, but heaven knows, the 4s have put in some gallant and excellent performances this season and still lost. No doubt about it – this one felt much better.
 
Goals: Mike Vogt (3), Dom Plumridge, Ryan Burchell (3) and Own Goals (2)
MOTM: Ryan – but special mention to Aaron, who was very impressive
DOTD: Mike, for engineering an early kick off for selfish reasons

Team: Kieran Lee (GK), Ed Plaistow, Mike Todt, Joe Plumridge, John Gridley, Mikey Elgar, Dan Gridley, Chris Outred, Ryan Burchell, Sonny Kennedy, Dom Plumridge

Subs: Mike Vogt, Aaron Loftus

Posted in Match Reports 4s

Merton 1-0 Brockham ~Badgers

 
 
A hard fought win, which was justly deserved was finally delivered by the team. The hard work of the past few weeks was clear to be seen throughout this game. Training sessions recently had been based on keeping the ball, and our shape without the ball. This was evident throughout the game.
 
A change of formation took a while to get used to the positions and the roles within the team. The first 20 minutes were all Brockham, however they did not create many opportunities to score. It took us a while to find our feet in the game – and when we did we began to dominate the ball and the game. High pressure off the ball, and good movement when on the ball meant that we created chance after chance in the remaining 20 minutes in the first half.
Towards the end of the first half we were lining up to score, but couldn’t find the finishing touch that would have increased our confidence.
 
We started the second half on the front foot, continuing off from where we left off in the first half. We continued to move the ball well and create chances.
Our game came out of nothing, a long range effort from Harrison and it was spilt by the keeper over the line. Great goal, and one that boosted the confidence.
 
On the ball, we took our foot off the pedal. But defensively we kept our shape and defended well as a unit.
 
It was great to see the boys win the game. On to the next one. Well done!
Posted in Under 15s Reports

Civil Service: 2

Merton: 2

 

The concept of a game south of the river has become a foreign concept to the 5s as we travelled a short distance away to “uncharted” territories. “Uncharted” in this instance has a very ironic meaning, as we’ve been in Chiswick so much this season, that there have been rumours of Merton council looking to expand their boundaries across the river.

 

This week saw a different line-up from most weeks as we enter the festive season. Our reliant leader, Clive, filled in as a nostalgic left back while a rare partnering of Anam and Ackers in the centre of midfield. Up top we had familiar Pete who was making a return of sorts having previously played for Civil Service many moons ago, while Dulanje provided support behind. The game started rather poignantly with a moments silence was held due to the tragic news received in South America. The game kicked off and it seemed that a few Merton legs were less than receptive than usual, perhaps due to the cold weather as Civil looked to exploit our sluggish start. While they drove forward not many chances were created in the first 15 minutes. We began to become more involved in the game with good possession and build up play, but the initial sharpness in the attack was still rather blunt. Half an hour had been played when Merton looked to break on the counter from a corner. The ball fell to Dulanje on the left wing, with Clive bursting forward to his right looking to receive a pass to propel the momentum further. Unfortunately trying to take on a player instead saw the ball pinched from Dulanje’s toe, leaving a big hole behind which was exploited in numbers as Civil had yet to register the break meaning many players were still forward. Goal. One-up to the home team. Not the usual Merton start. A few more attempts were brilliantly dealt with, as the opposition’s centre forward proved a handful for our centre backs. Half Time.

A brief talk from our manager highlighted where we were going wrong and the boys came out looking to get back into the game. Down the left hand side Dwayne superbly provided cover as the Chiswick team looked to bombard with pace. 10 minutes into the second half, we brought on Noor for Darren Avey, as Clive stepped into central defence, Dwayne filled in at left back and the fresh legs playing in front. This seemed to tighten the back line, as it allowed Dwayne to provide more pace on the flank, while Clive could organise positions. A Civil attack saw Clive slide in strongly to stop the ball and play forward to Anam who then brilliantly saw space down the right flank for Dulanje. Our ever present attacker broke down the wing and played a ball across goal to Noor, who laid the ball for Aaron B to shoot. Deflection! The ball bobbled past the keeper looking to go clear, when Pete charged in at the back post and slotted home. 1-1. The home team looked around and collected themselves as they looked to get back into the game. This half however Merton had stepped up to play at their usual standard. More chances were made both ends, but the next goal came rather controversially. The home team looked to break down our right flank and whipped a ball in which was easily caught by Sam. As the ball was caught, our ‘keeper was bundled by an oncoming runner (who could not stop in fairness, momentum taking over). The ball was dropped and the ball rolled in. Normally play would be stopped and a foul would be given – not today. Without looking to condemn the referee, this was against the improvements we imposed during the half, with the match official later admitting he made the wrong decision. A few cries of encouragement saw Merton come back, not looking disheartened as the team of last season would have been. The away team pushed and pushed looking to pull back another equaliser, with Pete coming very close with a 1 on 1 which the on-rushing keeper brilliantly saved. It looked like despite our efforts, the goal was not going to come. Anams passing continued to be a threat with Aaron B making many dangerous runs creating space. Last 2 minutes of the game and the equaliser had still not come. The ball fell to Pete on the far edge of the right hand side of the box, he beat a player, looked up to set the ball and placed it across goal into the net. Back in the game, but not enough time for the winner.

 

Team: Sam, Delman, Steve B, Darren, Clive, Aaron B, Aaron Ackerman, Anam, Dwayne, Dulanje, Pete Sub: Noor

MOM: Pete for his two goals which very well could have been a hatrick! Anam and Dwayne weren’t too far behind but I think the importance of Pete’s goals proved he just scraped ahead.

Posted in Match Reports 5s

Home v Alexandra Park 4-1

A slow start to the day, as we sat in the changing room for 15 minutes waiting for a key to arrive. Not ideal, but worthy of DOTD?

With a strong wind and low sun this was an ideal toss to win. Which, of course, I didn’t. Not ideal, but worthy of DOTD?

Kicking into the aforementioned wind we defended well and go the ball forward early, as Ally Pally were playing a very high line. One such attack sent Jonny through. Jonny’s running style doesn’t scream speed but he leapt, pranced and bounded away from his man, who in turn pulled him back. Penalty! A definite pen but not all refs would’ve given it. This ref did.

Woody stepped up. 1-0.

Despite the elements we had the better of the half and looked comfortable yet still found ourselves 1-1 at half time.

A break down their right saw a bobbled cross sent in. Browner (Brauner for the newer members) lifted his leg to clear and the ball duly went under it and the AP centre forward dispatched it. Browner let out a very long and low “Oh no” and then berated himself under his breath for the rest of the half.

We started the second half with the wind and a lot of purpose and very quickly took control of the game. An under hit corner from James was played back to him and his delightful curling cross was headed home by Jonny. 2-1 and looking good.

Then came a key moment in the game. Bosher chased down a through ball and as their keeper gathered the ball on the edge of his box he stepped just outside his box. A definite hand ball but not all refs would’ve given. This ref did. It wasn’t finished yet though, as the ref then sent the keeper off. Certainly not all refs would’ve done that. This ref did. Having hit the bar earlier in the half, from a similar position, this time Woody smashed it in. 3-1 and see MFC Facebook for video evidence. Much discussion, both on and off the pitch, as to whether it should’ve been a red card and if the freekick was direct or not. Which shows none of us know the rules and therefore shouldn’t berate refs.

With 10 men and an outfield player in goal AP were never going to get back into the game and we duly scored a fourth with a break down our left, a ball across, and a rebound of Charlie. 4-1 and game over.

Other notable points from the day.

– Everyone’s concern for Tilley’s well being as he jogged around nowhere near his man for most of the game. Sore back? Or Xmas do on Friday night?

– Two moments of praise, yes you heard it, praise for me from Siri.

– James Laughton finding out Santa doesn’t exist. Sorry James (sad emoji)

– Chaz turning up for the Xmas party. Necking a number of quick drinks and then going missing in action.

– Ivan coming to the party for a couple of hours. A good effort from Merton’s self proclaimed “Massive Lad” when it was clear he wasn’t really allowed to be out.

– Will Low sleeping under a towel.

Team: Siri, Rat, Browner/Brauner, Clappers, Will Low, James L, Woody, Tilley, Bosher, Jonny, Charlie. Sub: Milo

MOTM: Woody (Clappers a close second)

DOTD: Clappers (harsh)

Posted in Match Reports 1s

Merton 2-3 Old Wilsonians

This Saturday’s game was led by minute of silence to commemorate the members of Chapecoense FC, who died in a horrific air crash a week ago. Both teams showed their respects before kick off.

With the usual 3s formation (4-5-1), Merton started the match well, pushing for goals with the super fast wingers Glen and Emanuel and not that fast Denys up top. It did work out quite well as a lot of chances were created and lots of ball possession for the home team. And first shot on goal came from Darcy but that wasn’t that dangerous for opposition goalkeeper, few chances for young Emanuel went nowhere as well. Under such a pressure from Merton, we didn’t have to wait long, as Darcy picked the ball from a rebound and hammered it into the top corner, 1-0. Worth saying that our defence with Ben and Alberto was doing well, controlling the game; one of their clearances were picked up by Mustard, who dribbled the ball on the left side up to the oppo goals and only the bar saved them from the 2nd goal.

After the break Merton were looking for a much needed 2nd goal and as a result of constant attacking Neil’s cross was headed by a Wilsonians defender into their own net, 2-0. Having scored 2 goals Merton relaxed a bit and it cost them. The oppo keeper cleared the ball and it was picked up by their left midfielder who made his way towards the Merton goal and coolly lobbed Darren (goalkeeper), 2-1. With being 2-1 up Merton missed a couple of good chances for the 3rd goal, the best one from Denys, tried to lob the keeper but didn’t hit the ball properly, as a result, a throw in for Wilsonians and DOM.

Wilsoninas increased their tempo and pressure over Merton and one of their free kicks ended up with a cross to the box where one of the oppo players headed a ball into the net, 2-2.

Nobody wanted to draw or lose the game, as both teams started counter attacking football. The luck was on Wilsonians side, once again a set piece, crossed into our box and goal, 2-3.

Sad but true, another loss for 3’s:( Onwards and upwards though.

Team: Darren, Alberto, Ben, Mustard, Dan, Neil, Darcy, Ian, Glen, Emanuel, Denys, Jordan, Alex

MOM – Dan, Ian, Neil

DOM – Denys

Posted in Match Reports 3s
Carshalton 3-1 Merton
 

Carshalton. A game where the only guarantees are niggle and bad blood. But for the 4s, who’d come off the back of a number of narrow defeats, it looked a tough assignment against second from top of the league – especially with a depleted squad. No Dan Gridley or Joe Plumridge, and Sonny went into the game carrying a significant injury.

 
Nevertheless, the game got underway, and Merton perhaps surprised themselves at how comfortable they were. Not only was their shape rock solid, giving Carshalton short shrift in attack, but the Yellows were passing it around on the deck. Despite being into a noticeable breeze, they arguably had the best of things.
 
Central to it all was Will, who was immense, and won just about every challenge – both in the air and on the floor. Ryan, too, was an absolute rock at right back. But further up the pitch, Gubby and Mike Vogt were providing good outlets for attack, and Dom was getting ball to feet. The moment critique came around midway through the half, as Dom forced the keeper (aka utter mentalist) into an incredible reflex save.
 
In fairness, Carshalton had a couple of chances too, with Kieran making a fine one-on-one save with their striker, while Chris made a great clearance off the line to thwart another goal-bound shout. But the hosts were by no means bossing things, which is what made the opening goal all the more disappointing to concede.
 
For once, Will wasn’t quite able to clear his lines with a header, and the wind cruelly brought the ball back towards the danger area. A bit of a scramble ensued, but the goal itself was technically offside, as the man who tapped in the ball that was squared to him had only Chris in front of him, with Kieran a few yards off his line. But despite the protests, the goal stood, and it was 1-0 to Carshalton.
 
In truth, the goal rocked Merton somewhat, and they were under the cosh in the last five minutes of the half. But they just about hung on, and with the wind at their backs for the second period, they fancied their chances. The difficulty was that Sonny had already hobbled off, while Mike Vogt had picked up an injury too. That left the Yellows with the bare 11, and that soon became 10 as Frankie was forced off with a toe injury.
 
Still, Merton gamely battled on, and stayed right in the contest. The flashpoint came about 15 minutes into the half as Dom, who was causing their defence all sorts of problems, was bitten in the face by their disgraceful goalkeeper after chasing a ball down. Suarez-esque, and absolutely extraordinary. The keeper didn’t even deny it during the inquest that followed, but the referee hadn’t seen it, and thus couldn’t give it.
 
Unfortunately, the hammer blow came soon after, as the home side managed to get a bit of an overlap on the outskirts of the Merton penalty area, and somehow eked out a low shot which nestled in the bottom left corner of the net. 2-0, and it now looked a long way back.
 
Frankie had managed to get himself back on the park, but he wasn’t fully fit. Carl too, was also struggling, and with John Gridley still in the latter stages of his recovery from a calf problem, the 4s effectively only had eight players at 100%. Yet still they continued to show remarkable fight, and even managed to carve out some very decent attacks.
 
But the nail in the coffin came with about 10 minutes to go, as their striker made a good run down the right, and fired an absolute tracer bullet from a tight angle, which went in off the under side of the bar. It really was a thumping, unstoppable effort, and a deflated Merton outfit were now 3-0 down.
 
They gave it their all for the last few, determined not to let the scoreboard spiral out of control, and unjustly reflect on what was actually a good performance. Chris, who himself had been superb at centre back, took a brutal knock for his efforts, as their striker sent a high boot flush onto his nose. The subsequent blood and bruise was a fairly apt way to sum up Merton’s day. 
 
But the reward for their continued endeavour came at the death. They won a corner, which Frankie expertly drifted into the box. The excellent Will rose highest, and hammered home his header to make it 3-1. A fine finish indeed.
 
The whistle went soon after, and the warrior 4s just about hobbled off the park with their heads held high. Perhaps it can get tiresome to consistently commend losing performances. But the biggest possible compliment and vindication came later in the change rooms, as the Carshalton captain said that it was the toughest game they had had all season, and that he was astonished that we were second from bottom.
 
Says all you need to know. Now to turn that into three points against fellow bottom dwellers Lloyds Warren next week.
 
Goal: Will Harrison
MOTM: Will Harrison (special mention to Ryan Burchell for a great game too)

Team: Kieran Lee (GK), Ed Plaistow, Mike Todt, Chris Outred, Ryan Burchell, Will Harrison, Michael Gubby, Michael Vogt, Sonny Kennedy, Frankie Kaligorou, Dom Plumridge

Subs: Carl Kewley, John Gridley

Posted in Match Reports 4s
NAME: Vincenzo Di Matteo
TEAM: 3’s
POSITION: Centre Back/ Sweeper
BIRTH DATE: 28/10/87
BIRTH PLACE: Aldershot, Hampshire
PREVIOUS CLUBS:

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I work for a commercial radio station based in Guildford as a Media Sales Executive. I would say I am ambitious and I love winning.

How did you end up at Merton FC?
I worked with Neal Davison at The Weybridge Health Club as a sales manager. Neal was my GM and invited me down 2 seasons ago.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
I won Managers Player of the Year at the end of last season when Lofty was managing the 3’s (before he deserted us)
 
4. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why? 
Barcelona, because it would mean I could play with the worlds best team and win most of the time 
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Obviously a fry up Saturday mornings followed by a pre match dump at about 11.30am
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season?
Given that the 3’s were promoted last season and the position we find ourselves in this season currently I would say staying up would be a good ambition. And perhaps a better goals against record.

RAPID FIRE:
Childhood Team: Man Utd
Favourite team in the UK: Man Utd
Favourite team outside the UK: Napoli 
Childhood Hero: Paul Scholes 
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Drink: Robinson’s Peach Squash
Favourite Band: I’m slowly getting into Mustard’s Whale Music that he introduced me to last season 

Posted in Player Profiles

NAME: Richard David Thomas Gibbs (Gibbo / ChuChu!)

TEAM: 5s

POSITION: CF/CAM/LM/RM/CM/ CDM (utility man!)

BIRTH DATE: 13/02/1989

BIRTH PLACE: Cardiff

PREVIOUS CLUBS: a couple in Wales and a couple in Nottingham


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

Outside the club I work as a Finance Manager for BT Openreach. I think I come across initially to people as someone quite intimidating (probably due to the Gibbs frown!) and it’s probably why people often can’t tell when I’m taking the piss! In my spare time I try and play as much sport as I can (Football, Skiing, Tennis, FIFA) and love to travel!

How did you end up at Merton FC?

Mike Stone invited me to come along one day when I was looking for a club to join – never looked back since despite it being a 1 hour commute – great group of lads!

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Scoring a hattrick on my debut for the 5s – I then had to watch them loose 6-4 despite being 4-1 up after 20 minutes after I came off injuring sliding into the goal post to get my third!
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

Borussia Dortmund – I couldn’t imagine anything better than playing in front of the infamous Yellow Wall!

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

Join in the general banter of the team ripping one another to shreds until we go out and do the business on the pitch (we all like each other really!).

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

It started of being to beat Dulanje’s total and retain the golden boot however finding myself playing a much more defensive role and having 0 to date has meant a revised goal of getting at least 1 and helping the 5s Win the league!

 


RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Dwayne Bedford – Dwayne’s come a long way since last season and puts a huge shift in every game – he’s also learnt to head the ball – well kind of!

Childhood Team: Arsenal

Favourite team in the UK: Arsenal

Favourite team outside the UK: Dortmund

Childhood Hero: SuperTed

Favourite Food: difficult one – probably a Ribs and Wings combo!

Favourite Drink: Vino – red wine all the way

Favourite Band: Guns N’s Roses

Posted in Player Profiles

NAME: Siraj Durrani       

TEAM: 1s

POSITION: Goalkeeper

BIRTH DATE: 28/08/1992

BIRTH PLACE: Slough

PREVIOUS CLUBS: We could be here all day.

 


Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I currently work as a Data Security analyst, so I deal with internal and external threats to a large American Insurance firm. My work colleagues know me as a very reserved guy, which I totally agree with. My childhood friends know me as the dictator which says something for my footballing demeanor.
How did you end up at Merton FC?
I moved to London around July and was looking for a new team. Had a look on Gumtree and here I am.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Getting Motm vs BoE and saving two pens in said game.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Eibar. Small ground, ¼ of the population at every home game. Small budget, yet fight way above their weight.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Never wear the same brand boots and gloves and always tape left knee before right.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Get promoted and have a decent cup run.

 


RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Chaz Martin / Ander Herrera.

Childhood Team: Manchester United

Favourite team in the UK: Wigan

Favourite team outside the UK: Eibar

Childhood Hero: Santiago Canizares

Favourite Food: Pizza

Favourite Drink: Rose Milk

Favourite Band: Erra

Posted in Player Profiles

NAME: Mark Chappell

TEAM: Merton FC … That’s who we ALL play for J

POSITION: Centre back / Keeper

BIRTH DATE: 12/7/1970

BIRTH PLACE: London

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Charring Cross, Ditton


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

I’m a recruitment consultant by trade and spend most of my free time doing stuff behind the scenes for Merton FC (or so Mrs Chappell would say). I have a wife and young daughter who fill up all my remaining spare time.

I have always been a sore loser and passionate player – often times too passionate for my own good. I cherish my friends and my team mates, and will defend both until my last breath

How did you end up at Merton FC?

My brother joined the season before me and encouraged me down. Scored at both ends on my debut at Bank of England for the 3rd XI… 23 seasons ago!

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Captaining the 5s to league victory and nearly going unbeaten in season but for the meanies at West Wickham

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

Any that would be silly enough to pay me money .. Except Chelsea .. You couldn’t pay me enough to wear that shirt

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

Usually too busy chasing around organizing stuff!. I’ve always worn a 2nd pair or socks or compression socks under my pads – but its far from a superstition

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

For someone, ANYONE, to collect some silverware at the end of the season. As for the 6s I think we have a great squad this year and will be up there – Can’t say we will win the league as Carshalton are clearly playing players playing beneath their abilities and will run away with it sadly


RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (so far): For 6s – Paul Onomor… Despite his finishing

Childhood Team: Wimbledon

Favourite team in the UK: AFC Wimbledon

Favourite team outside the UK: Miami Dolphins

Childhood Hero: Don’t believe in Hero’s

Favourite Food: Italian

Favourite Drink: Mojito

Favourite Band: Phil Collins / Genesis

Posted in Player Profiles