Year: 2014

The day started poorly and got continually worse.

Two thirds of the team arrived in Finchley at 2pm, the agreed meet time, and then had to wait a further hour for the rest of the team, including the kit, to turn up just before 3pm having been caught up in every traffic issue possible on route. Finchleans and the nicest ref in the world were very accommodating though and the game kicked off about 15 minutes late.

We dominated the majority of the game but didn’t create any chances of real note. A series of over hit corners and misplaced passes through the middle was all we had to show for our possession. In fact the only two chances we did create were both for Finchleans. Midway through the first half Oaksey came to claim along throw but he misjudged it and the ball was helped over him and past a wrong footed Tilley on the line. Then about half way through the second half a long ball sailed over Browner’s head to Will who was sweeping up. Rather than clearing however he passed across the area to the Finchlean winger who scored well from a tight angle. We pushed hard for the last 20 minutes and Browner had a goal disallowed for half time but we still didn’t trouble the Finchleans keeper enough.

No one really shone but Will Taylor made a positive impact coming on for his first 1s appearance in the second half.

We must learn from this game as it wasn’t dissimilar in quality to any of the 3rd division games we had last year and therefore gifting them two goals was a waste of a good opportunity to get points on the board.

Team: Oaksey (GK), Will Low, Clappers, Browner, Jonesy, Wilgo (Clowesy 75), John, Vanny, Tilley, Jase (Will Taylor), Ash.

MOM:

Written by:Clappers

The prematch excitement became too much for me at the prospect at wearing the AC Milan strip… I was hoping it might mean we play like them. Despite having the kit we were not going to play at the San Siro, furthermore we weren’t allowed to play on the ‘Big pitch’ because the 4s had craftily stolen it and started late, deliberately to wind up Clappers –full marks.

We then enjoyed a particularly long warm up due to a classic case of the opposition forgetting the kit, was their organisation even worse on the pitch? There was an enormous sense of optimism among the squad, Ivan was on fire with the kick ups, with both Gladkows in the starting XI losing didn’t seem likely.

Eventually with the game started, Milan immediately showed their class against the lemons (they wore a yellow kit) who had a serious case of slow starter syndrome, with the lemons having a high average age across the back four, Milan looked like they ought to produce a rugby score, something Tom Rowe could appreciate, but the offside rule wasn’t. The midfield was fully functioning with the Gladkow brothers ruling with an iron fist and there was Irish John causing all round confusion for both opposition and fellow team mates whenever he spoke. With Merton veteran in goal Alex Herbert hitting the giant target man and high flying actor Jason Statham with pin point precision it left the oppo at the back in all sorts of problems. The lemon goal keeper was a little vertically challenged and even with his step ladder he couldn’t reach the bar, but with balls flying well over the bar he didn’t even need to start climbing…

Eventually the deadlock was broken, it was the club superstar and younger, less mature Gladkow, Ivan, who scrambled the ball over the line after three or four bites of the cherry, after having had a few golf balls in the bar, this ugly five yarder had become goal of the season. The second goal came when the young rugby player ‘picked’ the ball up down the right flank and the ball fortuitously ended at slippery Chris Rayner’s feet who arrogantly decided he should knee the ball into the net.

Half time arrived.There were oranges – fantastic! The team reflected how ‘decent’ the performance had been thus far and concluded more goals were on the cards, with Femi failing the punctuality test, he was the fresh pair of legs to come on. Who would he replace? Nobody. He must have been very late!

The opening quarter of the second half saw a revival in energy from the opposition, Milan were slow throughout the team, although the old veteran Sherbs pulled off a string of phenomenal saves, leaving many to ponder how things could have been different for ‘The Crazy Gang’ had this man been between the posts instead of Neil Sullivan. Eventually the lemons broke through the Milan defence, were they back in the game? Not for long.

Jason Statham, left to a standing ovation from the spectators (they were all standing anyway), but he had been terrific winning the aerial battle all day long. Femi was on. He had cleaned his boots, luckily there wasn’t much time left for him to get them dirty, but he did make an immediate impact, using his searing pace to break the line of defence and beat the tiring defender; he squared the pass to the rugby player who avoided the temptation to pick the ball up and drop kick it over the bar, but he nervously side footed it past the little keeper. 3-1 Merton.

A historic day for the club; 5 wins and 1 draw… ‘The Merton Way’

Team: Sherbs (GK), Clowesy, Clappers, Kev Wood, Jonesy, John Lynch, Vanny, Tom Rowe, Jase (Femi), Rayner

MOM:

Written by:Tom Rowe

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Terry demanded ‘3 points – minimum’. By the game’s end, we were on board with his thinking. For this felt like 4. An 87th-minute winner from James Tilley in a hard-fought and hard-won match capped an organised, compact team performance and two notable individual ones. Oaksey in goal made two absolute wolrdies – the first tipping round the post in horizontal flight after a dangerous ball across the 6-yard box was deflected by a Merton boot. The second a point-blank stop on the line with his feet from a close-range header. Our number one had no right to reach either of them.

At the other end, Femi ran the Weirside defence ragged, first breaking clean through and winning a penalty (and if it was a pen, which it was, and a clear goal-scoring opportunity, which it was, why no punishment for the defender?). Jonesy also let the opposition off the hook from the spot.

No matter – Femi wasn’t done yet, collecting a defence-splitting pass from Wilgo before bamboozling his opponents and sending a searching cross into the area, finding Tilley who gave the move the ending it deserved by sweeping home with a first-time left foot volley from 10 yards. Big celebrations followed, particularly after the assorted unpleasantness from Weirside’s number 8 (stamping this week, head-butting the last time we played)

Other performances of note: Clowesy at right back was an insurmountable brick wall for their left-winger. And Kevin partnering Clappers had 90 minutes remarkable for their composure and assuredness. Chris Rayner on the left of the front three ran himself into the ground, his quality consistently high.

Talking of consistent. Three games. Three wins. And a minimum three points.

Team: Oaksey (GK), Clowesy, Clappers, Kev Wood, Jonesy, John Lynch, Tilley, Will Low (Browner), Vanny (Willgo), Femi, Rayner

MOM:

Written by:Willgo

The score line was not a fair reflection of a well fought game which Salesians deservedly won but not by the margin the score suggests.

Starting up the hill and into the wind against last season’s cup winners looked like a tough prospect and it looked even tougher after 10 minutes when we gave their right winger too much time and his low hard cross was slammed into the net from close range. However within five minutes we were level when Clappers powerfully headed in a typically well directed Rayner corner.

The rest of the first half was an evenly fought affair with both sides having their fair share of possession with Merton creating a few half chances and Oaksey, at his excellent best, keeping out the best Salesians could offer. Vanny and Femi were occupying the Salesians back four whilst our back four were getting to grips with the regular Salesians’ attacks. Half time was imminent and a close 1-1 looked like something we could build on with John, Tilley, and Woody starting to match their midfield three but then SMASH the Salesians centre back strode forward and powered a 25 yarder into the top corner and minutes later we were in the changing room frustrated that we hadn’t held on.

The second half started very much like the first, except without the wind which had chosen to disappear much to our disappointment, and both sides enjoyed good spells. However after about an hour Salesians got their third and the game changed. As they relaxed and we pushed for a goal the gaps started to appear and Oaksey was called upon to make good save after good save if the oppo beat our valiant defending. We called on Jase and Will to replace Woody (a little Thailand jaded) and Vanny (another hamstring twinge leading people to ask whether he’ll ever play 90 again) but both found it hard to impose themselves on the game and the waves of Salesians attacks continued and finally the fourth goal went in. However we continued to attack and push for a goal to make the score line a bit more respectful but for all our efforts that final ball eluded us.

Lots of positives to take from the game where we didn’t look a league below our opposition but also we need to learn from them and start to respect possession some more. Fitness and application were good and if taken into the league we should progress.

To rub salt into our disappointment Terry “4 points” Baker decided to nip back to the Hood straight after the final whistle so he could watch the 2s however he forgot that he had the valuables in his car so the Merton boys sat patiently in the bar with no money and just one sock each waiting for his return.

Team: Oaksey (GK), Clowesy, Clappers, Kev Wood, Jonesy, John Lynch, Tilley, Will Low (Browner), Vanny (Willgo), Femi, Rayner

MOM:

Written by:Simon Clapperton

After last week’s drubbing we needed a much better performance against the league leaders and we certainly got it but without the result unfortunately.

BB Eagles came to the Hood on the back of a very good run and so we expected a tough game but for the majority of the first half we more than matched our high flying visitors. We dominated possession with John, Woody, and Will Low bossing the midfield and Ivan and Femi continually running at, and past, their full backs but unfortunately or possession didn’t result in many chances being created apart from a good Will Low effort that the keeper palmed away at full stretch. The Eagles threat is definitely their pace upfront and they did get past us a couple of times but the back four stood strong and repelled any resulting efforts. They did hit the cross bar though and so level at half time was just about fair.

The second half started with Eagles pushing more men forward and putting pressure on our back four and pushing John deeper to help out. We stood firm though and started to re-establish ourselves and got back into the game but then came the match changing contribution for the ref.

Clappers bought their left winger down about 40 yards out and 10 yards in from the touchline. The ref rightly booked him where the offence took place, so yes 40 yards out and 10 yards in from the touchline, and Clappers turned to jog back into position ready to defend the freekick but to everyone’s amazement the ref told the Eagles player that he could take a quick one and the ball was sent in to the area where an unprepared John could only send it into his own net.

A clearly annoyed Merton came out fighting from the restart and pushed Eagles back. We had a couple of Femi efforts frantically cleared and a strong Woody shot pushed out by their keeper but we couldn’t draw level and with five minutes to go Eagles scrambled in their second from a corner.

A good all round team performance, which on another day would have given us something to show for our efforts, and should give us the belief to push on from now.

Team: Sherbs (GK), Clowesy, Clappers, Browner (Olly Braid 20), Jonesy, John Lynch, Woody, Will Low, Vanny, Femi, Jason. Unused sub: Mike Reed

MOM: Jonesey / Will Low

Written by:Simon Clapperton

Not the prettiest of games on a heavy pitch, but a well-organised Merton side were excellent value for their point.

Jason – forcing a couple of excellent saves – probably made their keeper work harder than Sherbs in goal for the boys in yellow, although that was largely thanks to the hard graft and concentration shown by all of the back five, goalkeeper included.

Jonesy was Merton’s standout performer on the day, playing in a sort of left-back-cum-left-mid hybrid position. It didn’t seem to matter in what third of the pitch the ball was on the left – Jonesy was there to offer strength in defence and attack.

Elsewhere, Tilley had a couple of headers that might have tested the keeper another day, Wilgo led the line working extremely hard with Jase, and Woody stamped his authority and quality all over the midfield from the first minute to the last.

Plenty to build on for a 2012 that promises much everywhere you look: Clappers moulding a new centre-back from birth; defending our Portuguese tournament title; Tilley’s engagement/stag celebrations (and the small matter of his wedding)… First things first, however – let’s continue on in the same vein as this performance. Happy new year!

Team:Sherbs (GK), Clowesy, Clappers, Browner, Jonesy, John Lynch (Welsh Will 70), Woody, Will Low, Tilley, Willgo, Jason (Olly 75)

MOM:Jonesy

Written by:Willgo

The Firsts continued their recent improvement in form with a win in the local derby at Mitcham. Both sides were promoted last season and have both struggled in the higher division. It was a scrappy first half and whilst there were not many scoring opportunities OWC’s came the closest when they hit the bar with a very good strike. We had our half chances but did not trouble the keeper. OWCs were getting on top as the half progressed and I felt we were a little fortunate to go in level at half time. However the second half was a different matter and we played much better right from the start. OWCs failed to deal with a low drilled corner and Tills was on hand to prod it home. We were soon two ahead when Jase’s determination (oh and his speed) beat the centre back and keeper to a loose through ball and scored. We were dominating the game and had several good chances to put the result beyond doubt. Clappers headed a corner narrowly over the bar. The third goal came from the spot when their defender brought down Tom Rowe, just managing to get him before he ran out of the area. Woody slotted the spot kick home beautifully to get us a valuable 3pts. Richard Melvin reffed the game very well and firmly and it never threatened to be like some of the games of yesteryear between the clubs. OWCs since winning Div 3 last year have had an awful season and their skip said nothing had gone for them. And you could see what he meant as they really did not seem to enjoy any good fortune in this game either and understandably got a little frustrated. They are now adrift at the bottom. Our Back four, marshalled very well by Clappers, operated well and the team defended well all over the pitch. Ash came to watch the game and is recovering well from his injuries. (See Pictures link) The consultant says that everything is in the right place and knitting together nicely. He certainly looked well and is coming on our end of season tour to Portugal. AS he cant play he has volunteered to stay up drinking with the boys and make sure the curfew is enforced properly ahead of the matches. It is good to have someone I can rely on to do this as I have never been quite sure that it has been adhered to. Away next week at Old Easthameians another of our fellow strugglers and another vital game. But this was agreat result and avery good day.

Written by:Max Herbert

This was a hard won point away in East London. It was not the conditions for pretty football and there was little of that on a poor surface, even by Jo Hood’s standards, and with a gale blowing down the length of the pitch. Old Es kicked down hill and down gale for the first half. It really was a strong wind and our whole team defended resolutely clearing a great number of swirling high balls. But for our part we got our tackles in and created a few good chances of our own from passing movements which were not helped by the pitch. In fact, strangely both teams played better into the teeth of the gale. Our best chances came and we definitely played our best football in the first half. Jase headed narrowly wide after a very good passing movement and a flighted Will Low cross. We had a few corners (See pic of a Old Es clearance)So when we walked off the pitch for half time all square I thought we could win. Unfortunately I think that is what all the Merton lads thought.(See pics of half time talk from Clappers) As it happened Old Es had a much better second half. They came out of the blocks very quickly and tested our defence and started to dominate. Old Es No 9 lead their line well throughout the game and they played off him effectively. With the help of the wind we repelled them but their centre back (No 5) controlled the back and cleared pretty much everything. We had a few chances from corners but far too often we launched the ball high and forward hoping for the gale to give us something. Right at the end Will Taylor screamed a volley agonisingly wide and then the game was over. This was our third clean sheet in a row, but unlike the previous two, I felt this had a little more good fortune in it as Old Es carved out and then wasted two golden opportunities in the second half. Still a point is a point and it was never going to be easy. And we certainly battled away. The whole squad put in a good shift and we defended well and in an organised way. Clappers lead and organised the team in his characteristic style. Next week its back to the Hood and the comparatively lush turf for the visit of Alleyn Old Boys who are flying high in the division. It is very tight at the bottom with 4 sides within 2pts of one another and we need to keep up the momentum we have developed. (Max Herbert).

Team:Sherbs (GK), Jonesy, Clappers (Capt) Browner (Olly Braid 50mins), Clowesy, Woody, John Lynch, Tills, Willgo, Willow, Jase (Will Taylor 70 mins). Sub not used Vanny

MOM:

Written by:Max Herbert

It was a bit of a disappointing day down at the Hood on Saturday with all three home teams losing. More so for the 2s and 4s who probably started as favourites to win but we knew we were up against strong opposition. The visitors, Alleyn Old Boys are strong challengers for promotion in division 2. It was in fact a pretty good game to watch with both teams moving the ball around on a much better surface than we often have at the Hood at this time of year. Alleyns settled very quickly and took the game to Merton. They had much the better of the play but their final ball let them down. Merton looked to counter on the break but were increasingly pegged back. We did have a couple of chances and shouts for penalties in melees but nothing serious. Alleyn’s went ahead on the half hour when we failed to deal with a cross and the half clearance was picked up and rifled home. We came back a little after that but 1-0 at half time was not too bad. The defence and midfeld had worked well and the forwards had done their share of closing down. The optimism of forcing a result in the second half soon disappeared as it started very badly with us conceding a rather soft penalty which was rifled home. This was a real self inflicted wound but in true Merton style we battled back. Woody and Tills worked their socks off and Browner had an outstanding game against some quick and lively forwards. Sherbs dealt with some difficult moments and got the knocks to prove it. Most of our good attacking started down the left with Jonesy making inroads. The goal that we deserved came from a well delivered free kick from Woody headed powerfully home at the far post. With about 10 mins to go we pressed really hard and gave Alleys something to worry about but they held on for the 3pts that they deserved. The game was really well reffed by Pat Ryan and helped keep the game flowing in the right spirit.

We are in the relegation dog fight with Old West Citz anchored at the bottom and then us Old Actonians who we have to play twice, CEVs and Weiside the other candidates. At the top it is two out of the three Civil Service, BB Eagles and today’s opposition. I thinkCivil Service may well win it but it is very close between AOBs and BBE. AOBs looked a very good side in the way they moved the ball about and ran into space and they had a bit of pace so it will be interesting to see what happens. Next week we get a look at BB Eagles again. As ever some weird stuff turned up to be washed with the kit (see pic) whose are these? The clever money is on Willgo. Vanny usually slips his smalls in to the kit bag to get a spin but he was with the 2s.

Team:(4-3-3); Sherbs (GK), Jonesy, Browner, Clappers, John Lynch, Tills, Woody, Will Low, Willgo, Jase (Tom Rowe), Will Taylor (Hoppy).

MOM:

Written by:Max Herbert

Merton were able to continue their good form with a gutsy performance securing a deserved point against a very competitive HSBC side. It is a great pleasure to go to HSBC whatever the outcome because of their tremendous facilities it is even nicer when you come away with something. HSBC started the better and got into their stride much better than us. They had the confidence of a side that had a successful promotion season last year and have made a good start to this campaign. They were quickly ahead. Oaksey made a good save from a corner but they were quicker to the loose ball and smashed it home. They then dominated the game but we gradually got a foothold in the game and 1 nil at half time meant we had everything to play for. We played much better in the second half and after creating a number of chances Browner headed the equaliser powerfully from a corner. We ere well on top in the second half and it was HSBC who were pinned back. We had some good movements but our shot or final ball disappointed. When they pressed our defence held out strongly and Oaksey did some great work from corners. The ref, Obi Bentley, had a good game, although he made enough decisions to upset everyone. It was one of those games that was very competitive, if not combative, and needed a strong ref otherwise it might have got out of hand. And he was that strong ref. This was an excellent performance from Merton because HSBC were a very good strong well organised team and whilst both teams may think it was three points lost a draw was probably a fair result. Everyone performed really well but a couple of relative newcomers were outstanding; Matt Bosher worked his socks off to good effect and Hoppy after he had beenfouled rather nastily got his dander up and won everything in midfield for the last 20 mins. But in fairness everyone put in a good shift as did their players. Home to Old Actonians next week which will be another hard game. Max Herbert