Merton 5s v HSBC 7s – 15th October 2011

Looking at recent results, we knew that our opponents this week were going to be no walkover with them having defeated a team we lost so convincingly to last week in West Wickham 5 – 1 two weeks prior. We went into the game knowing that we had to play some of our best football in order to get a result we would be happy with.

Having arrived later than planned due to traffic, we were unable to warm up properly as the referee was eager to get the match underway on time. We lined up with our new first choice keeper in Josh Browne, who came in to replace Glen Field after some unconvincing displays of late. Our back four remained unchanged for the fourth consecutive week in the shape on Dan, Lee, Darren and myself. Our midfield consisted of Dulanie, Aaron, Chris Dodd, who came in to replace Ben, who chose to visit Newcastle to watch his uncle’s side spoil Spurs day with a late equaliser, and Chris Outred. We welcomed Patrick and Tee back into the starting line-up following their punishment of being benched last week.

The game was a lively one straight from the off and it took only 5 minutes before we found ourselves behind. A defence splitting pass from midfield found their striker who finished smartly off the inside of the near post. The lead however only lasted a couple of minutes as Dulanie equalised, his right footed effort beat the keeper at the bottom left. Chris Outred then put us 2 – 1 up 5 minutes before the break, converting a rebound after Tee’s effort had hit the post.

Unlike last week, the team talk at the break was a positive one. There was a few things that needed to be improved on and in order to assist in making those improvements we introduced CC7 into the fold. With his services not required by the 3s, we took advantage. Not long after the restart did we double our advantage, a mazy run by Patrick, with an equally impressive finish at the near post from a tight angle put us 3 – 1 up. HSBC were finding it hard to contain us and failed to get a rhythm going in regards to their passing game. They did however, half the deficit with 20 minutes to go, albeit with a strong appeal for offside turned down. Patrick took the weight off our shoulders shortly after the hosts’ second with a carbon copy of his first to regain the two goal advantage at 4 – 2. We were surprised at how easy he made it look considering the keeper should never be beaten at the near post, let alone twice! Not long after his second did Patrick grab his third to claim his hat-trick. A delightful ball from the right by CC7, found the sweet spot of Patrick’s head to end the game at 5 – 2.

A great game of football to be part of and to witness according to those that came to show their support. The only negative to take from the game was losing Tee for a minimum of 4 weeks due to a torn hamstring. Next week we host Old Wilsonians 6s, who will be looking for revenge following our narrow win at their place in September.

Team: Josh Browne (GK), Dan Outred, Lee Lenihan (Capt.), Darren Avey, Edward Plaistow, Dulanie Richards (Chris Callus), Aaron Ackerman, Chris Dodd (Sevan Mutafyan), Chris Outred, Patrick Mhondiwa (3), Tee Nash Bizayi

MOM:Patrick Mhondiwa

Written by: Edward Plaistow