2s vs Polytechnic 31.10.15

Reserves report 31/10/15

Merton Res 1,   Polytechnic Res. 2   (H-T 1-1)

It was always going to be a difficult game as we knew Poly were a strong side currently topping our division. Although the scoreline looks close the win was decisive with Poly having the better of the game. From the start they settled better and had pace and movement upfront and through the middle with a solid defence. They were, as you would expect a well organised outfit. However with Paul Pearce and Joe Griiffin as centre backs and Eggy and Connor at full backs they found it difficult to break us down. They opened the scoring after 30 mins when a slightly dubiously awarded free kick was swung into the area and Sherbs, our keeper, lost it. 1-0 and I blame the parents. This actually galvanised us and we pressed but we did not seem to create much but a free kick of ours resulted in a push on Jase and Oli Ross stepped up and equalised from the spot. The events are caught conclusively and quite brilliantly by our improving resident camera man. . (H-T 1-1) The second half continued much as the first, although we had a good spell at the beginning of the second half but did not capitalise on it. Both sides found it difficult to penetrate and our defence was doing well under pressure but after about 70 mins a really good passing movement cross and finish resulted in Poly’s winning goal. It was a good game to watch and although the ref (Patrick Griffin) arrived late and compensated by leaving early and came in for affair amount of on field criticism I thought he did pretty well. Paul Pearce’s display at the back earned him the ‘Man most handsome’ award from Team Handsome and the dubious delight of taking Cherbs home for the week. Merton now need to get a consistent side out and dig in for some points. Poly looked a very good team and their club with their 1s top of Senior Div 1 are thriving which is good to see.