Under 10s vs Old Isleworthians Yth Whites – 31/03/2019

Merton Under 10s vs Old Isleworthians Youth Whites

 

31^st March 2019 – Under 10s report

 

It was a cold Sunday morning at Joseph Hood Rec and this was the last game of the season. Spring has officially arrived but the biting wind reminded us that Winter was not finished with us yet. As the boys warmed up with their customary pre-match Rondo, parents on the side-lines simply shivered. Personally, I could have done with a hipflask but I know that is frowned upon at 9.30 in the morning.

 

Today’s opponents, were Old Isleworthians Youth who arrived in ones and twos; at one point it looked as if they would struggle to make up their numbers. They did manage to get a full team out.  

 

The first half commenced with Merton playing left to right on the back up pitch.

 

During the first few minutes, Merton played with good energy levels and work rate. They made the better start and were in the ascendancy. Good pressure from them meant that they were creating more clear-cut chances; there was also some lovely one touch football on display.

 

With 15 minutes gone, Dave went on a run, rounded two defenders and slotted in off the right-hand post.

 

One nil to Merton!    

 

Old Isleworthians were determined to react positively to conceding and played themselves more into the game. Merton were turning the ball over and Old Isleworthians were growing in confidence.

 

Twenty minutes played, Merton failed to clear after Old Isleworthians’ first corner. When the ball broke loose, it was lashed into the bottom left of Max’s goal.

 

1 all. Game on!

 

Max was called upon to make a couple of good saves to keep Merton on level terms.

 

Twenty- three minutes gone, great footwork from Faris, then a run and shot that hit the post. Close! 

 

After 24 minutes, following their second corner, Old Isleworthians scored with a good shot to the top left of Max’s goal.

 

1-2.

 

Moments later the referee blew for half time.

 

 

The second half started with Merton kicking right to left.

 

Merton put their opponents under pressure as they went in search of the equaliser. 

 

7 minutes played, after a shot from Dave is parried, Percy slots home from close range.

 

2 all

 

Merton had worked hard to get back on level terms and their efforts had been rewarded. The game became more open and both sides created chances. It seemed as if the next goal would be decisive.

 

When the next goal came, after 19 minutes, it followed the best passing move of the game. A succession of crisp first-time passes by Merton ended with Louis assisting Maxwell who shot low to the bottom left corner of the Old Isleworthians’ goal. It went in.

 

What a great team goal! 

 

3-2 to Merton!

 

Old Isleworthians were not finished yet, they created more chances. Excellent defensive work from Harry, Ollie, Joe, Rio, Dave and Max kept them out.

 

Would Merton be able to hold on for the win?

 

Yes, was the answer. In the end, the win appeared comfortable because of what happened just before full-time.

 

With 24 minutes played, Louis and Maxwell exchanged passes on the left-hand side of Old Isleworthians’ penalty area. Maxwell looked ready to return the ball to Louis but instead he curled a shot into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. It went in.

 

4-2 to Merton

 

Moments later the referee blew for full time.

A very good win to end the season. Well done boys!

 

Maxwell was awarded Man of The Match.

 

After the match, the team said goodbye to Joe and wished him well for next season.

 

 

Special shout-out to Bobby who was unable to play today.

 

 

Author: Mike Pitt