Under 14s vs Epsom Town Yth – 08/10/17

Match Report – Epsom Town Youth v Merton FC U14

1-0

Lineup:

GK – Milo

RB – Liam

CB – Entri

CB – Nikoy

LB – McKenzie

CM – Daniel

CM – Eddie

RW – Hugo

LW – Justin

CF – Theo

ST – Kieran

MOM: McKenzie

After two disappointing performances in the league our focus switched to the cup for a difficult encounter against top of the league Epsom Town Youth. They were an extremely well set up side with an organized defence and solid game plan. This led to a cagey start with no real chances for either side. On a small, bobbly pitch it was hard for either team to get their passing games going and equally difficult to get in behind. Unfortunately for Merton we went behind after a corner was well cleared by Liam but the volley from outside the box went through a group of players and Milo could only palm it into the corner of the net. Merton looked to hit back immediately as McKenzie played a superb penetrating pass that split the defence that Fareed controlled well as he spun past the defender but the goalkeeper made a high quality save.

It was more of the same after half time as Epsom Town consistently tried to win free kicks and score from set pieces. Merton’s defence held strong for the rest of the match with some much improved defending after some sloppy play in previous matches and McKenzie and Liam did an excellent job at the wing back position. Merton’s chances were limited although a substitute appearance from Justin who came on at left wing led to more play around the box but unfortunately for Merton they couldn’t find a finish or killer ball in the final third. Next week is a first home game for several weeks against Twickenham Tigers and hopefully a return to winning ways after a much-improved performance this week.