Merton 1s v Old Finchleians – 1st March 2014

It was a case of two points dropped in the end after an entertaining goalless draw and all round good performance in Finchley which just lacked the killer goal. The pitch was in fine condition after the weeks downpour plus the sun was out for a change. The first half was a scrappy affair with both teams looking to play direct on the narrow pitch and it was Ackers that had the first sight of goal after a menacing run from Snooks but his first time shot evaded the far post with the keeper beaten. Finchley were their typically combative selfs and the midfield battle was fairly even come the half time whistle. In to the second half and as the game grew older we looked more and more likely to break the deadlock with the back five providing the foundations for a wave of attacks usually resulting in excellent deliveries in to the box from Van or Snooks. A Tills header was superbly saved, Ackers was unlucky with a couple of snap shots and Boshers first touch almost resulted in a top corner special. Finchley were still a threat on the break but the chances kept coming our way when Snooks almost found the far corner of the net after a jinxing run and Tills could only find the keeper with the last kick of the game. So it’s four points from six after back to back north London trips and with Crouch End away next week we must take the performances in to next week and maximum points to maintain the promotion challenge.

MOM:

Team:Sherbs, Graves, Clappers, Browner, Al G, Manton (Bosher 70), Tilley, Woody, Snooks, Van (Whiteman 75), Ackers

Written by:James Tilley