4s vs Actonians Assoc. – 14.11.15

Merton 4s vs. Actonians Association
5s SAL Minor Division 1 South
Saturday 14^th November 2015

After the disappointing drubbing we received from Economicals in the AFA Cup last week (we that is best forgotten), it was back to the league campaign and the home tie against Actonians Association. Having defeating us on their home turf already this season, we knew we were in for a tough day.

There was concern that we were going to be without a referee until on the stroke of KO he finally arrived being accompanied by a brolly due to the standard British weather at this time of the year. Following a minutes silence to pay respect to the families that lost loved ones following the attacks that took place in Paris, the game was finally ready to get underway.

We lined up slightly different this week. It was clear during last weeks’ game, and other previous performances for that matter, that we were getting overpowered in the midfield and also struggling with support defensively. We decided to play a 5-3-2 formation with myself and John Gridley playing as wing backs. A number of our regulars were unavailable so we welcomes Aaron back into the mix along with Sevan Mutafyan who decided that he had spent enough time away from the game! Steve Burchell also helped us out and thanks needs to go to Clive (5s Manager) for allowing us to use him.

We starting brightly and kept out shape for the majority of the first half. We were compact and creating enough chances to stay in the game. Actonians had the better opportunity however Sam was at his best to prevent them from taking an early lead. His impressive form continued throughout the first half. The one goal that we did concede was on the counter attack after a goal kick with intercepted. 1-0 at half time.

The second period was one that the referee, and me personally, would like the forget quickly. We found ourselves 3-0 down following some good play by the visitors however we were made to finish the game of with a man less following my sending off for two bookable offences. The first was for an aerial challenge where I ‘apparently’ caught their number 17 with my studs on my way down. Following a number of incidents where this particular player over reacted it was clear that there was nothing in it however following a conversation between the player and the ref, I was brandished with my first yellow card as a result of the player saying that I caught him. Ridiculous!

My send yellow was a stupid one. The referee might have well been wearing blue and white as nothing was going out way. We were getting punished for every challenge that we made but the visitors got away with it. This included one player raising his hands to Ryan and another for taking Sam out when claiming a loose ball. Back to my second yellow that resulted in my dismissal. A decision was given against us for a silly tackle and out of frustration I kicked the ball away. The ref claimed that I kicked it ‘miles away’ however 5 second later the player had the ball in his hand ready to place the free kick.

The game finished 4-0 however with a little more work on the 5-3-2 formation I think the wins will start to come. Next week we travel to Dulwich to take on Alleyn Old Boys where nothing but a win is good enough!

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 0 – 4 Actonians Association 5s SCORER: None MOTM: Sam Singer-Ripley

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Glen Porter, Steve Burchell, Edward Plaistow, Chris Dodd (Sonny Kennedy), Aaron Ackerman (Ryan Burchell), Joe Plumridge, Chris Outred (Sevan Mutafyan), Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge.