This week saw us travel to 2nd place Carshalton following a hefty 10-0 decent to the hand on West Wickham last time out. Following two no-shows, we were restricted to a squad of 12 however this meant that we were able to start the game with 11 unlike last week. Going into the game, confidence was low following the dismal season we have had so far but like all Merton teams, we pulled together and worked as a unit. Even though the game ended in a 2-1 defeat, the team put in the best performance of the season. Conceding within the first 30 seconds everyone thought that another drubbing was on the cards. Fortunately we gathered ourselves, with the midfield and defence staying strong and compact, to limit the opposition to mostly long range efforts. Midway through the first half we score, a converted square ball into the bottom right hand corner. We conceded the eventual winner near the end of the first period. A loose ball failed to be cleared leaving their number 10 with a free effort that found its way through a crowd of defenders and the keeper.

We finished the game with 10 men due to Dan Gridley being shown a harsh red for dissent late on.

There are so many positives to take from the game, if we can carry these into the remaining fixtures there is no reason why we can’t cause more problems for those opposing us. Everyone deserves a huge pat on the back for the performance, however a big mention has to go to Josh Bennett for another solid performance all over the park with that ‘Never Say Die’ attitude, proving that he is a benefit to Merton.

With this new found confidence we look forward to our next game. FINAL SCORE: 2–1 MOTM: Josh Bennett

TEAM: Ben Macey (GK), Clive Corrigon, Danny Gridley, John Gridley, Edward Plaistow (Capt.), Aaron Ackerman, Chris D, Josh Bennett, Chris Outred,  Dulanie Richards, Steve Cross. Subs. Kieran Yansen

Posted in Match Reports 5s