6s vs Bank of England 5s – 07.11.15

Match Report –07/11/2015 vs Bank of England HOME

A rare home game for the Mighty Merton Sixes on a soggy Hood outfield for a game against top of the league Bank of England.

The players arrived and got changed in the dark as the lights wasn’t working in the lovely Hood changing rooms, although electricity wasn’t issue in the first team dressing judging from the noise of the crap music being pumped out – although I think it was to rub it in!

Once the team was changed, it was down to the now infamous 5 minute quick stretch and warm up routine, this time led by Matty.

Starting line-up was as follows: Merton’s new number 1, Dazza in goal, centre half pairing of Kev (Gaffer) and Chappell, full backs of George and Quinlan. Holding midfielder was John and Ty with Matty at the top of the diamond.  Ram and Mario were on the wings with Pete up top.  Impact subs were Kyle, Dan and new boy Mo (no not Simon!).

Smithy gave the team talk and outlined the well thought out pre-match plans to the troops and off we went.

So now to the game, the first ten minutes was a cagey affair, with both teams trying to suss out the opposition (although to be fair, we were under the cosh!).  Merton defended well without causing too much attacking threat, although we looked dangerous for set pieces (more to come later!).

Unfortunately, John made a clumsy tackle on the edge of the area and the ref gave a penalty, it was tight but I think it was the right call. Up stepped Banks player to score and we were 1-0 down.

Merton struggled to get anything going, and Bank was causing problems with their midfield runners, although they were limited to half chances the Merton defence stood tall!

Eventually the pressure told and Bank scored a powerful 30 yard screamer through a crowd of players, which Darren let through his hands (sorry Darren), although no blame was attached to the stand in keeper Merton pulled there socks up and got on with it!

Then a small miracle occurred, as I said Merton looked dangerous from set pieces, a corner was floated in and John failed to connect to a header, the ball was powerfully poked home from Smithy from a yard out.  The ball just crept over the line and with goal line technology and a beep of the refs watch the goal was awarded.  It was a worldy of a goal and only left Smithy with another 9 to get to overturn a drunken bet made with Steve.

Half time came and went and the second half started, with a few changes. On came Mo and Kyle for Mario and Ram.

Merton started well with a few tough challenges being made and started to pass the ball well, we felt the tide was turning in the game.  Unfortunately with roughly 20 mins to go Bank scored again with another long range effort from the right back and we were staring defeat in the face.

With the minutes ticking by, however the new Merton sixes kept their heads up and kept on going, which is becoming a great regular occurrence!  With 10 mins left and after sustained pressure from great deliveries in the box, Chappell pocked home from a scramble and made it 3-2 – GAME ON!!

Merton looked the better team and kept pushing and every player giving 100%, which was great to see!  With a couple of minutes left Merton had another corner and a great delivery found the head/body of Quinlan at the near post and the ball crept in! 3-3 amazing scenes and Merton fans went wild!

With the opposition now shell shocked, Merton even had time to create another couple of chances which went so close from Kyle and could have won the game.

Full time blew and the final score was 3-3, a great come back! It was nice to see the heads not dropping and everyone put a shift in!

Special mention to the ref, Razor Ruddock who was very good, I thought.

MVP:

George had a great game and played his best game in a Merton shirt and grew in confidence.

The three defenders getting on the score sheet and showing the strikers how its done was pleasing!

This week, though I am going to give it to Mr Merton – Martin Quinlan.  He had a great game and was on the scoresheet for the equaliser and left everything on the pitch! Well played!

Next week, away to our bogey side Old Wilsonians 8 let’s hope we can keep the undefeated league run going!

Written by SMITHY