Merton 1s vs Old Garconians – 4th October 2014

This was always going to be a tough game because they all are in this division. Old Gs have mad a decent start to their campaign in Division 1 having been Div 2 Champions last season. We know they are a good team. Clappers had to shuffle the pack with another bout of unavailability throughout the club and we fielded a bare eleven. It was quite an even game with both having half chances but really nothing much in last third. Old Gs took the lead when a defensive error let them in for alead on 25 mins. But Bosh equalised almost straight away and another defensive error gave Old Gs the lead just before half time. In fairness their striker finished well with a chip over Angus. In the second half I felt we had slightly the better of it and deserved our equaliser with Vanny rifling home from 20 yards for the best goal of the game. We had chances to win it, particularly when their keeper fumbled a free kick but recovered well to block Ackers volley. Old Gs had a couple of players missing from last season and did not look quite the flowing side that beat us twice.  Merton looked a well organised and committed team and are still finding their feet in this division. Draws are not quite enough but there is no reason to think that Clappers and the boys wont start winning games. Ackers worked hard up front and showed great touch, Clappers and Browner were solid in the heart of defence and Woody and Snooks showed. Craig Usher on debut put in a strong performance But in truth all eleven played a significant part in this game.

Team: Angus Lees (GK) Rat, Browner, Clappers,Jonesy, Woody, Snooks, Craig Usher, Vanny, Ackers, Bosh.