Bank of England. What a treat of a venue! For this scribe, it was a first, and a privilege to set foot on such facilities. Banished to the ‘worst’ pitch of the lot, according to locals, Merton were greeted with a superb surface, conducive to good football. Unfortunately, the referee was an old foe, and it was taken as given before the kick off that Merton would be up against a 12th man of sorts. How true that would prove.
The game got underway, but almost immediately, there was a setback. Joe, who’d been in superb form in his new position of centre back, pulled up injured. It was a big blow, and although Danny Gridley was a more than capable replacement, it meant his enormous influence was lost in midfield.
And it showed. Bank of England were making all the early running. Although clear-cut chances weren’t necessarily coming thick and fast, Merton simply didn’t seem to be at the races; barely winning any first or second balls.
But about midway through the first half, that all changed on a dime. With one of their first attacks of the game, Merton unlocked the defence with some excellent build up play, and a fine series of passing put Dom through. Their defender realised the game was up; put in a lot-ditch tackle, mistimed it, and over Dom went. Stonewall penalty, and even the ref obliged by pointing to the spot.
Dom duly stepped up, and rolled it in with consummate ease. 1-0. Barely deserved, but Merton weren’t complaining.
But the goal gave Merton a massive lift, and they then took control of things from there. Down the right, Frankie did a superb job in both defence and attack. Ryan Burchell was right on his game in behind him, thus not allowing Bank of England a sniff. Things were equally solid down the left, and, best of all, Kieran was commanding his box with aplomb – coming off his line and confidently claiming any and every through ball on a skinny surface.
At the other end, chances and half chances were plentiful. Numerous free kicks were won in good positions with Dom causing havoc upfront, while sustained pressure in their box just didn’t quite see the ball go to feet when needed. The best chance fell to Mike. A great cross from Chris was met with a well-struck header. However, their defender cleared it off the line to prevent the two-goal cushion.
Nevertheless, 1-0 up at the break, Merton had every reason to feel like three points were in the offing. They had control, but the key would be to score another, and make the game safe.
The second half got going, and for the first 15 minutes of it, the two sides roughly cancelled each other out. There wasn’t much in the way of goalmouth activity, but Merton were still looking rock solid at the back.
Then Frankie suffered an unfortunate muscle strain, and had to leave the field. And it marked a notable change in momentum of the game. Perhaps the central midfield ran out of legs a bit too, but suddenly Merton retreated and invited wave after wave of attacks from the oppo. It wasn’t even counter-attack football: Merton simply weren’t able to get out of their half, and Dom cut an isolated figure upfront. The ref certainly didn’t help matters; ostensibly with an axe to grind against Merton, and the decisions blatantly all started going one way.
Yet for all of the barrage of pressure, Merton were standing tall. Everyone to a man was working their socks off, and, bar a free header from a corner, Bank of England actually failed to carve out any real chances. Certainly not from inside the box anyway. It just felt like one of those games the Yellows were going to see out.
But with about eight minutes to go, calamity struck. Merton just about dealt with a long throw in, but the oppo retrieved the ball and swarmed the Yellows’ box. Under immense pressure, Chris hustled their striker and just about stuck a foot out. Of course, there was no contact whatsoever, but it was enough for the opponent to spring himself into the air with a dive straight out of Hollywood.
Never a pen, but at the same time, with the referee having by now very clearly set out his stall, there was an air of inevitability about which way the decision would go. The spot was pointed to, another one of their strikers stepped up, and the ball was buried in the right corner of the net. Nothing Kieran could do. 1-1.
It was a devastating blow, but, heartbreakingly, worse was to come. About three minutes later, Bank of England were on the attack again, and their winger sent in a devilish cross. As he had done all game, Kieran called it loud and clear, and looked set to claim it. Unfortunately, the ball skidded awkwardly, and, after initially having it in his grasp, he fumbled, snatched, and then knocked it over his head. The ball nestled in the net. 2-1.
It was cruel on Kieran, who’d had a tremendous game until then. It was crueller still on Merton, who had put everything into defending their lead, and looked on course for a deserved victory. But with just minutes left on the clock, they now looked beaten, and weren’t able to conjure up a response. The final whistle went shortly after, and the dejected lads departed the field.
There were some initial inquests after the game, with the manager correctly pointing out that we’d gone on the defensive far too early, and not strung any passes together in the second half. But that was quickly followed up with the many positives which could be taken from this heartbreaking result. The lads had given it everything, and, for 80 minutes, had the measure of a team which would have thrashed them just four weeks ago.
Two unfortunate late goals – one of them highly dubious – didn’t change that. This is a team very much on the up, and increasingly difficult to beat. Now it’s time to convert that into consistent results.
Team: Kieran Lee (GK), Ed Plaistow, Mike Todt, Joe Plumridge, Will Harrison, Frankie Kaligorou, Chris Outred, Dan Gridley, Ryan Burchell, Jake Hewett, Dom Plumridge
Surrey Youth Cup
Sheen Lions 0-5 Merton FC
On a cold sunny Sunday morning we arrived at Sheen Lions ground. Before the match we had no referee, but luckily their assistant manager agreed to step up to the challenge so game on.
An excellent performance by all the team. We looked well organised and hungry for the win. We were all in a positive frame of mind, after last weeks win.
The tactics from Steve were to play 1 & 2 touch passing and press them. We pressed them hard and had one or two opportunities on goal before Justin’s goal arrived.
We continued to press the other side, showing quick good passing and communicating well with each other. It wasn’t long before Marcus used his pace and skill to score our second goal. Sheen Lions were hungry for a goal but our defence stood strong to get challenge.
Our third goal came from our striker Marcus, from a deflection of a Sheen Lions player. But a well deserved goal all the same.
Our calm tactical passing continued leading to our fourth goal my first for Merton FC. Evan passed me the ball, passing on d player I put the ball into the top left hand corner.
With the first half whistle being blown shortly after.
Steve half time talk was to keep passing and work hard as a team.
Second half started. Sheen Lions started with a more aggressive pace looking for their first goal. We continued to pass effectively and kept up the pressure. It was a half that our defenders were made to work hard, but stood up the pressure well. Justin scored his second goal of the match from out of the area striking the top left corner. The score ended up 5-0.
Great match lets move onto the next round.
County cup weekend, and Merton were drawn against Whyteleafe Wanderers from the Tandridge League in their 2nd knockout round tie. A 2pm kick off meant that it was a slow burner of a day before time sped up in the build up before kick off.
A chilly day, and in the hilly backstreets of Whytleafe we were at a venue that would hopefully provide a great experience for the players to gain and take them back into the league football.
The message was to keep it tight and work hard against what would undoubtabely be a strong side. Playing on an immaculate 4G pitch provided a great backdrop for what would hopefully be a great game.
Kick off approached and the set up was evident of the game. Whyteleafe would have a lot of the ball, and Merton would need to work hard off the ball. A sloppy start handed Whyteleafe confidence and a goal within the first 3 minutes. Whyteleafe continued to play football and Merton countied to chase the ball and the players and struggled to keep up with the quick movement. The start got worse and whyteleafe extended their lead quickly, and sped into a 5-0 lead within 20 minutes.
Frustrations grew, but Merton’s spirit did not drop. And we worked hard off the ball. We managed to stifle Whyteleafe and began to become confident on the ball. We scored a goal, with a well taken finish from Felix. And that was no less than we deserved in this passage of play. Whyteleafe extended their lead to 6-1 just before half time.
Half time came around and the message was to continue the hard work that the players had put in from the 20th minute. It was important that we done this as we had managed to make Whyteleafe work for what they had.
Whyteleafe scored 2 further goals in the second half, in what was a respectable scoreline in the end. It didn’t look that way in the first 20 minutes!
Well done to Whyteleafe, good luck in the next round
Heads up and we now go again in the league. Your spirit and desire was evident in bucket loads throughout the second half. Next game Met Police in the league, we can now be positive in the league this season.
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Bridgnorth Town, Shrewsbury Town, Star Aluminum, Horsforth Fairweather
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself? I work at Lord’s doing tech projects which combines the two things I’m most interested in, sport and technology. I’d describe myself in 3 words as quiet, laidback, reliable.
How did you end up at Merton FC? I found the club on Gumtree while looking for a team when I moved to London. I checked out 2 teams, the first had 5 turn up for training while Merton had about 50 so I stuck with them.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Getting promotion to Division 1 in 2014
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Wolves, I support them.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions? Arrive early to get a medium sized shirt.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season. Promotion back to Division 1
RAPID FIRE:
Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Kevin De Bruyne
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Barnes Eagles, Mole Valley Predators, Sussex Uni 1s
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I’m 24 going on 40 (apparently) and work in tax (no not for HMRC). Boring stuff aside enjoy pretty much anything sport related and generally just having a laugh with mates. At any given time outside of working hours the most likely place you’ll find me is on the golf course.
How did you end up at Merton FC?
I graduated from Uni in 2013, moved home and after a couple of years out whilst studying professional exams I was looking for a club to get back in to the game with that didn’t take themselves too seriously. Having been down for a few months now, I’m fairly comfortable Merton fits the bill.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now? I’d say probably my penalty save in the first game of the season, but mainly because it was purely down to the mind games I played on the striker psyching him out rather than it having any impact on the result.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why? Probably a bit of a left field choice, but I’d have to say the European Ryder Cup team. I’m crazy in to golf and I just don’t think there is another sporting event like the Ryder Cup. Plus I’d love to stick it to those Yanks, especially Patrick Reed!
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions? I used to have a lucky undershirt as a kid up until I finished Uni (though I don’t wear it anymore), but looking back I think it only stayed lucky because I only wore it when I thought we were going to win because I didn’t want to lose the luckiness. These days though, the closest thing to a ritual is calling my dad for a match report post game and then ordering a curry.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season. Really, I’m just looking to have some fun and get back in to football this year, I’m not putting any pressure on myself or the team, but it would be nice to avoid relegation given I think we were promoted last season with the 3s. From a personal perspective it’d nice to maintain my penalty save ratio at or above 50% where it is now too (shoot-outs don’t count!).
RAPID FIRE:
Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football):
Childhood Team: Supported Chelsea, played for Barnes Eagles
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I work in Digital Marketing on Personalised Videos. Outside of work my hobbies include disco dance, sunbathing and ping pong.
How did you end up at Merton FC?
Clappers scouted me on the pitch at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium (true story) and the rest, as they say, is history
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Having my first Merton goal stolen from me on the line by Tom Benham. He finished club top goalscorer last year, I wonder how…
If you could play for a professional team,which would be it and why?
Portsmouth- boyhood team
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
None as good as Mustard’s.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
I’m part of the 2s/3s supersquad which has enough quality in it to challenge for the league(s). Would probably count 2s out of the cup for now though
RAPID FIRE:
Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Rashford
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
Outside of the club I have been a Policeman for 27 years and a dog handler for 16. (Don’t worry I am always off duty where football is concerned) I had the honour of being awarded National Police Action Dog Team of the Year last year so must be ok at my job. I also run a dog training, walking, sitting business Surrey K9 Training (Thanks for the free advertising) I am very busy with work but still arrange things to get down to football almost every week. Advice to youngsters play as long as you can because you will miss it when you get old like me!
How did you end up at Merton FC?
I started at Merton as the team I played for folded, I still played Mid-week and decided to take up refereeing. I answered an advert for a club referee and started reffing Merton teams every week. I missed playing at the weekend and realised that the standard was still one I felt I had something to offer at (i know opinions will vary on that one!) Joined up and the rest is history 7 years later I have played for 4’s , 5’s and 6’s currently on loan from 6’s to 5’s!
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Best moment at Merton was walking out on the pitch in the same team as my son Ryan making his debut at 16 (ish) couldn’t have been a prouder moment and I am in awe of the fantastic young man and player he has become (much better than me and I take no credit for that)
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
If I could play for any team obviously the mighty SPURS would be up there (I’m used to disappointment) but I would have to say England! I would belt out the anthem and wear the shirt with pride and passion in the mould of Stuart Pearce or Terry Butcher not the prima donnas who think they are bigger than they are nowadays. Rant over!
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Pre-match routine got to be the pre-match dump! Remove excess body weight and avoid those embarrassing skid marks !
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Now I seem to be on permanent loan to the fives my hope for the season is that the team continue in the rich vein of form and team spirit we have and go on to win the league!
RAPID FIRE
Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Merton – Ryan Burchell
Childhood Team: Spurs unless you count I played for Hales Hornets in little league!
Favourite team in the UK: The mighty Spurs
Favourite team outside the UK: Barcelona (been to the stadium great set up)
Childhood Hero: x men (cartoon version)
Favourite Food: steak extremely well done yum
Favourite Drink: used to be Becks lager now a nice speckled hen !
Favourite Band: The script but love all sorts of music !
After a 0-0 draw to EBOG last week at the Hood, the Merton men donned their yellow kits again at the Hood for a match up against HSBC, who were promoted last year from the Senior 3 division. Most of the Merton men arrived to the Hood at 12:45 sharp for their first 2pm kickoff of the season. The team welcomed back veteran defender Rat, who had been injured in the first game of the season. Vanny, still side-lined with a lingering hamstring injury, led the warmups and locker-room banter. He informed the team of HSBC’s recent form, stating incorrectly that HSBC had defeated EBOG by two goals, knowing all too well that this would psyche the guys up after last week’s draw to EBOG.
Before kickoff, a minute of silence was held to remember the tragic death of Nick Papanastasiou, who was a beloved Merton player and friend. Both teams stood opposite each other at the center circle for a minute of reflection. The Merton players wore black bands around their right arms as tribute to Nick and his loss to the club.
Merton had the first chance of the game as young James, making his first start for the 1s at left wing, (hopefully first of many) found himself on goal early after crossing up the HSBC right back inside their penalty box. Despite a solid look at the goal, HSBC’s keeper made a diving save on James’ shot. This was Merton’s best chance of the first half and one of the best of the match.
Both teams played extremely physical football and neither took a clear advantage early. The ball was in the air more than either would have liked, but Merton’s strong midfield trio of Tilly, Woody, and Will Low, won a majority of these aerial contests. However, the team lacked composure early and fiddled away a number of would be chances that could have turned the game Merton’s way.
HSBC overcompensated for their inferior skill with physical play and tried to rattle the Merton side with a bit of trash talking. The trash talking started out quite benign, but later in the first half after a clean tackle by Chaz in Merton’s box on a frail number 9, the trash talking escalated quickly to ugly exchanges of words, late tackles, and face-to-face square offs. Unfortunately, this made an already sloppy match, sloppier and resulted in a number of skirmishes, which culminated in Kearnsey’s red card around the 80th minute. He will miss three matches.
Despite a disappointing result for Merton, in which the team could not capitalise on its chances, there were a number of bright spots. Merton was close to scoring on several occasions. In the second half, Chaz sailed a squarely hit header just wide right off of a corner and Charlie, in typical solid form, had a number of shots on goal, most notably, a volley that was saved by their keeper. Els, a late substitution for right wing Milo, gave the team a much needed spark off the bench and demonstrated his speed and skill on the ball by running around defenders and nearly taking it to the house a few times. Manny and Brauner came off the bench in the second half for James and a gimpy Rat, respectively, and kept Merton fresh. The team will follow up on Rat’s injury after training on Wednesday.
In spite of the match’s poor standard of play, the defence held strong and limited HSBC to just a handful of chances. Per usual Siri was stellar, though not needed nearly as often as in the past two matches. Siri did make his presence known in the first half with a diving stop of an HSBC header from the six yard box off of a free kick from a few yards outside of the top right of the 18-yard box.
In the past three matches, Merton’s defence, led by Siri, have held the opposition to just one goal. Even with the team’s defensive effort, Merton has been held scoreless in those three matches and has managed just two points to show for it. With some offensive fire power in Vanny returning shortly from injury and hopefully Tom Rowe later in the season, the team should make for a formidable foe and a tough team to face in league play.
Through six games, Merton sits 5th in the table with 9 points, only two points behind HSBC, who are 2nd with a game in hand. This would have been a huge victory that would have catapulted Merton to 2nd in the table. Merton was the better side and will be ready for HSBC next time.
Next week Merton heads south to the Charterhouse School for a second round AFA cup matchup against Old Carthusians, who play in the Arthurian League and are one of only a few English clubs to win both the FA cup and Amateur Cup. There is no doubt that Merton will be up for this one.
TEAM: Siri (GK), Kearnsey, Chaz, Clappers, Rat, Will Low, Tills, Woody, Milo, Charlie, James Laughton
SUBS: Brauner, Els, Manny
MAN OF THE MATCH: Will Low was voted man of the match for his dominating performance
in the middle
DICK OF THE DAY: Kearnsey’s red card earned him dick of the day, despite 4 votes for Vanny.
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I am a Graphic Designer working for a publishing company in North London specialising in the maritime industry. You may not know, but I also put together the Merton Way every week. If you read ‘Ram’s Heads Up’ then you might have drawn your own conclusions as to what kind of person I am, but I’m just a down to earth bloke who enjoys a good laugh but likes doing things against the norm.
How did you end up at Merton FC?
I was looking for a club near Sutton as my girlfriend lives down there as the travelling after football/cricket from North London on a Saturday evening was tiresome and long. So now I find myself travelling down on a Saturday morning from Wembley.
What was your best moment in your Merton FC career till now?
Not many memorable ones, that’s the problem when you play consistently well each week. Seriously, I would have to say first goal for the club against Civil Service. A left foot volley from the edge of the box with the goalkeeper nowhere near it.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
FC Barcelona, my second team. To play that kind of football every week and in the Nou Camp would be a dream.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
To make sure I have atleast one shot at goal, otherwise I don’t get many chances during the game.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
To have a winning season with the sixes. That means win more than we lose! Also to be competitive in all our matches.
Weirside pulled off a robbery right under the noses of the Met Police (FC) to snare all 3 points at Imber Court. This was an emotional day for Merton, sporting black armbands and holding a minute’s silence to mark the tragic passing of fellow boar Nick Papanastasiou last week. Merton started the game in Nick-esque fashion, with high energy and intensity, and might have had their first penalty a couple of minutes in when Dan skinned his man and was clipped on the line as he cut into the box. The game ground to a halt as everyone turned to the referee for his decision. Was it a pen or a free kick….? Neither, apparently, and the game went on. More bemusement followed as Merton’s back 4 stepped up and confidently called offsite. No whistle…. and what seemed like half an hour later the ball was walked into our net with Big Jase setting off in hot pursuit of the ref which may have contributed to him twanging his groin 10 mins into the 2nd half.
Weirside’s next real chance (of 3 in the match) wouldn’t come until the last 5 minutes of the game. In the interin, almost everybody in yellow tried and failed to notch. First, Joe Grew flicked a header against the angle of post and bar. Then Pearcey was clipped in the box and went down quicker than an AC/DC groupie. Free kick awarded for diving. Then a Weirside defender blocked a cross/shot in the box with his hands raised above his head like an umpire signalling a six. No pen, despite a free-kick being awarded for the same thing in midfield 10 minutes later. As a sort of interlude from the succession of missed chances, Stoney put in a good old fashioned chopper on his opposite number, who moaned about it for the next 15 minutes to anyone within earshot. Sadly that didn’t include the perpetrator as Mike had crocked himself and limped off straight after. Gresty followed a couple of classic amateur football moments (treading on the ball in the centre circle and shanking a cross out of play from the corner of the 6-yard box) by somehow managing to kick the ball over the bar whilst laying on the goal line. Then his header in midfield put Dan clear through on goal, but the keeper saved bravely to send Merton into the break a goal down.
Merton pushed forward in the second half, finding joy from Cookie and Alex Goodwin pinging balls in behind the full backs. Pearcey was inches away from connecting with Dan’s cross from the right and then he headed wide from 6 yards on the end of Rayner’s. More good work down the right saw Dan stab a shot agonisingly between the post and Gresty. Lots of chances, but it much work for the keeper. That changed when Jordan rose like his Liverpool idol John Barnes (the player; not the awful pundit/channel 5 football presenter) but his header from the edge of the box was brilliantly tipped onto the bar. Cometh the hour mark, cometh DQ from the bench, making his Merton return after a succession of injuries/sexual harassment claims. And it’s fair to say he looked a little rusty with his first effort, blazing high over the treeline from 10 yards out. He got much closer with his second though, a header nodded down at the back post, bouncing back off the upright and being scrambled away. Next up was Lofty, unleashing a fizzing piledriver which infuriatingly swerved back in towards the keeper and into his midriff. Weirside did have the odd foray into Merton territory, mostly mopped up by Stoney and Cookie at CB and the Alexes at full back. When they did carve out the chance to put the game to bed, Sherbs pulled off a wonder save, leaping at full stretch to palm the ball round the post. Merton’s final chance came when Cookie surged forward and was scythed down on the edge of the box. Up stepped Alex G who bent a sumptuous free kick up and over the wall…. and inches wide of the near post. With that, the final whistle blew and the game was lost. The failure to score continued deep into Saturday night, but that is another story.
So a frustrating result and a game Merton really should have got something from. But to be honest it pales into insignificance in the context of this week.
Team: Sherbs, Alex King, Ben Cook, Big Jase, Alex Goodwin, Mike Stone, Gresty, Joe Grew, Rayner, Pearcey, Dan Kelly. Subs: Lofty, Jordan, DQ
MOM: Alex Goodwin who just pipped Alex King, hitherto unmentioned in this match report because there were so many misses to get through.
