Month: December 2016

Matt Haswell
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Merton Xmas Jumper Party – 03.12.16

More Results from the Hood in ‘The Jump Off’ as Toddy described it in an attempt to inject a little humour into a quiet,sober evening at the Hood.The winner was Connor Murphy, Runner up Mr Darcey and in third place was Woody. With many highly commended by the Judges. Thanks to Matt, Natalie, Sherbs and Amanda and all those who helped out on both sides of the bar. See pics of Christmas Jumpers

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[Show slideshow]
Posted in Uncategorized
Matt Haswell
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4s vs Carshlaton – 03.12.16

Carshalton 3-1 Merton
 

Carshalton. A game where the only guarantees are niggle and bad blood. But for the 4s, who’d come off the back of a number of narrow defeats, it looked a tough assignment against second from top of the league – especially with a depleted squad. No Dan Gridley or Joe Plumridge, and Sonny went into the game carrying a significant injury.

 
Nevertheless, the game got underway, and Merton perhaps surprised themselves at how comfortable they were. Not only was their shape rock solid, giving Carshalton short shrift in attack, but the Yellows were passing it around on the deck. Despite being into a noticeable breeze, they arguably had the best of things.
 
Central to it all was Will, who was immense, and won just about every challenge – both in the air and on the floor. Ryan, too, was an absolute rock at right back. But further up the pitch, Gubby and Mike Vogt were providing good outlets for attack, and Dom was getting ball to feet. The moment critique came around midway through the half, as Dom forced the keeper (aka utter mentalist) into an incredible reflex save.
 
In fairness, Carshalton had a couple of chances too, with Kieran making a fine one-on-one save with their striker, while Chris made a great clearance off the line to thwart another goal-bound shout. But the hosts were by no means bossing things, which is what made the opening goal all the more disappointing to concede.
 
For once, Will wasn’t quite able to clear his lines with a header, and the wind cruelly brought the ball back towards the danger area. A bit of a scramble ensued, but the goal itself was technically offside, as the man who tapped in the ball that was squared to him had only Chris in front of him, with Kieran a few yards off his line. But despite the protests, the goal stood, and it was 1-0 to Carshalton.
 
In truth, the goal rocked Merton somewhat, and they were under the cosh in the last five minutes of the half. But they just about hung on, and with the wind at their backs for the second period, they fancied their chances. The difficulty was that Sonny had already hobbled off, while Mike Vogt had picked up an injury too. That left the Yellows with the bare 11, and that soon became 10 as Frankie was forced off with a toe injury.
 
Still, Merton gamely battled on, and stayed right in the contest. The flashpoint came about 15 minutes into the half as Dom, who was causing their defence all sorts of problems, was bitten in the face by their disgraceful goalkeeper after chasing a ball down. Suarez-esque, and absolutely extraordinary. The keeper didn’t even deny it during the inquest that followed, but the referee hadn’t seen it, and thus couldn’t give it.
 
Unfortunately, the hammer blow came soon after, as the home side managed to get a bit of an overlap on the outskirts of the Merton penalty area, and somehow eked out a low shot which nestled in the bottom left corner of the net. 2-0, and it now looked a long way back.
 
Frankie had managed to get himself back on the park, but he wasn’t fully fit. Carl too, was also struggling, and with John Gridley still in the latter stages of his recovery from a calf problem, the 4s effectively only had eight players at 100%. Yet still they continued to show remarkable fight, and even managed to carve out some very decent attacks.
 
But the nail in the coffin came with about 10 minutes to go, as their striker made a good run down the right, and fired an absolute tracer bullet from a tight angle, which went in off the under side of the bar. It really was a thumping, unstoppable effort, and a deflated Merton outfit were now 3-0 down.
 
They gave it their all for the last few, determined not to let the scoreboard spiral out of control, and unjustly reflect on what was actually a good performance. Chris, who himself had been superb at centre back, took a brutal knock for his efforts, as their striker sent a high boot flush onto his nose. The subsequent blood and bruise was a fairly apt way to sum up Merton’s day. 
 
But the reward for their continued endeavour came at the death. They won a corner, which Frankie expertly drifted into the box. The excellent Will rose highest, and hammered home his header to make it 3-1. A fine finish indeed.
 
The whistle went soon after, and the warrior 4s just about hobbled off the park with their heads held high. Perhaps it can get tiresome to consistently commend losing performances. But the biggest possible compliment and vindication came later in the change rooms, as the Carshalton captain said that it was the toughest game they had had all season, and that he was astonished that we were second from bottom.
 
Says all you need to know. Now to turn that into three points against fellow bottom dwellers Lloyds Warren next week.
 
Goal: Will Harrison
MOTM: Will Harrison (special mention to Ryan Burchell for a great game too)

Team: Kieran Lee (GK), Ed Plaistow, Mike Todt, Chris Outred, Ryan Burchell, Will Harrison, Michael Gubby, Michael Vogt, Sonny Kennedy, Frankie Kaligorou, Dom Plumridge

Subs: Carl Kewley, John Gridley

Posted in Match Reports 4s
Matt Haswell
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Youth Results – 04.12.16

Another strong set of performances from the Youth section today. Here goes with the results:

U9s lost 6-4 against Corinthian Casuals
U11s beat Ashford Town 4-0
U13s beat Tooting & Mitcham 5-4 in the Surrey FA County Cup and move forward into the last 8. Huge congrats guys.
U14s lost 3-1 against RPV
U15s beat Brockham Badgers 1-0

Well done to all – a great way to round off a fine weekend for Merton FC

Posted in Uncategorized
Matt Haswell
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Adult Results – 03.12.16

 

Results from the Hood

1s had a convincing win 4-1 against a rather unlucky Ally Pally (GS Woody 2, Jonny and Charlie) 2s lost 3-2 at HSBC and 3s lost 3-2 to Old Wilsonians, 4s lost 3 – 1 away to Carshalton and the 5s drew 2-2 at Civil Service. 6s beat 7s in a friendly. Festivities have started in the bar at the Hood!!!!! More to come!!

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Posted in Uncategorized
Matt Haswell
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Player Profile – Vincenzo Di Matteo

NAME: Vincenzo Di Matteo
TEAM: 3’s
POSITION: Centre Back/ Sweeper
BIRTH DATE: 28/10/87
BIRTH PLACE: Aldershot, Hampshire
PREVIOUS CLUBS:
Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I work for a commercial radio station based in Guildford as a Media Sales Executive. I would say I am ambitious and I love winning.

How did you end up at Merton FC?
I worked with Neal Davison at The Weybridge Health Club as a sales manager. Neal was my GM and invited me down 2 seasons ago.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
I won Managers Player of the Year at the end of last season when Lofty was managing the 3’s (before he deserted us)
 
4. If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why? 
Barcelona, because it would mean I could play with the worlds best team and win most of the time 
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Obviously a fry up Saturday mornings followed by a pre match dump at about 11.30am
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season?
Given that the 3’s were promoted last season and the position we find ourselves in this season currently I would say staying up would be a good ambition. And perhaps a better goals against record.
RAPID FIRE:
Childhood Team: Man Utd
Favourite team in the UK: Man Utd
Favourite team outside the UK: Napoli 
Childhood Hero: Paul Scholes 
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Drink: Robinson’s Peach Squash
Favourite Band: I’m slowly getting into Mustard’s Whale Music that he introduced me to last season 

Posted in Player Profiles
Matt Haswell
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Player Profile – Richard Gibbs

NAME: Richard David Thomas Gibbs (Gibbo / ChuChu!)

TEAM: 5s

POSITION: CF/CAM/LM/RM/CM/ CDM (utility man!)

BIRTH DATE: 13/02/1989

BIRTH PLACE: Cardiff

PREVIOUS CLUBS: a couple in Wales and a couple in Nottingham

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

Outside the club I work as a Finance Manager for BT Openreach. I think I come across initially to people as someone quite intimidating (probably due to the Gibbs frown!) and it’s probably why people often can’t tell when I’m taking the piss! In my spare time I try and play as much sport as I can (Football, Skiing, Tennis, FIFA) and love to travel!

How did you end up at Merton FC?

Mike Stone invited me to come along one day when I was looking for a club to join – never looked back since despite it being a 1 hour commute – great group of lads!

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Scoring a hattrick on my debut for the 5s – I then had to watch them loose 6-4 despite being 4-1 up after 20 minutes after I came off injuring sliding into the goal post to get my third!
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

Borussia Dortmund – I couldn’t imagine anything better than playing in front of the infamous Yellow Wall!

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

Join in the general banter of the team ripping one another to shreds until we go out and do the business on the pitch (we all like each other really!).

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

It started of being to beat Dulanje’s total and retain the golden boot however finding myself playing a much more defensive role and having 0 to date has meant a revised goal of getting at least 1 and helping the 5s Win the league!

 

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Dwayne Bedford – Dwayne’s come a long way since last season and puts a huge shift in every game – he’s also learnt to head the ball – well kind of!

Childhood Team: Arsenal

Favourite team in the UK: Arsenal

Favourite team outside the UK: Dortmund

Childhood Hero: SuperTed

Favourite Food: difficult one – probably a Ribs and Wings combo!

Favourite Drink: Vino – red wine all the way

Favourite Band: Guns N’s Roses

Posted in Player Profiles
Matt Haswell
0

Player Profile – Siraj Durrani

NAME: Siraj Durrani       

TEAM: 1s

POSITION: Goalkeeper

BIRTH DATE: 28/08/1992

BIRTH PLACE: Slough

PREVIOUS CLUBS: We could be here all day.

 

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?
I currently work as a Data Security analyst, so I deal with internal and external threats to a large American Insurance firm. My work colleagues know me as a very reserved guy, which I totally agree with. My childhood friends know me as the dictator which says something for my footballing demeanor.
How did you end up at Merton FC?
I moved to London around July and was looking for a new team. Had a look on Gumtree and here I am.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?
Getting Motm vs BoE and saving two pens in said game.
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?
Eibar. Small ground, ¼ of the population at every home game. Small budget, yet fight way above their weight.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Never wear the same brand boots and gloves and always tape left knee before right.
Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.
Get promoted and have a decent cup run.

 

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football): Chaz Martin / Ander Herrera.

Childhood Team: Manchester United

Favourite team in the UK: Wigan

Favourite team outside the UK: Eibar

Childhood Hero: Santiago Canizares

Favourite Food: Pizza

Favourite Drink: Rose Milk

Favourite Band: Erra

Posted in Player Profiles
Matt Haswell
0

Player Profile – Mark Chappell

NAME: Mark Chappell

TEAM: Merton FC … That’s who we ALL play for J

POSITION: Centre back / Keeper

BIRTH DATE: 12/7/1970

BIRTH PLACE: London

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Charring Cross, Ditton

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

I’m a recruitment consultant by trade and spend most of my free time doing stuff behind the scenes for Merton FC (or so Mrs Chappell would say). I have a wife and young daughter who fill up all my remaining spare time.

I have always been a sore loser and passionate player – often times too passionate for my own good. I cherish my friends and my team mates, and will defend both until my last breath

How did you end up at Merton FC?

My brother joined the season before me and encouraged me down. Scored at both ends on my debut at Bank of England for the 3rd XI… 23 seasons ago!

What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Captaining the 5s to league victory and nearly going unbeaten in season but for the meanies at West Wickham

If you could play for a professional team,which would be it and why?

Any that would be silly enough to pay me money .. Except Chelsea .. You couldn’t pay me enough to wear that shirt

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

Usually too busy chasing around organizing stuff!. I’ve always worn a 2nd pair or socks or compression socks under my pads – but its far from a superstition

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

For someone, ANYONE, to collect some silverware at the end of the season. As for the 6s I think we have a great squad this year and will be up there – Can’t say we will win the league as Carshalton are clearly playing players playing beneath their abilities and will run away with it sadly

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (so far): For 6s – Paul Onomor… Despite his finishing

Childhood Team: Wimbledon

Favourite team in the UK: AFC Wimbledon

Favourite team outside the UK: Miami Dolphins

Childhood Hero: Don’t believe in Hero’s

Favourite Food: Italian

Favourite Drink: Mojito

Favourite Band: Phil Collins / Genesis

Posted in Player Profiles
Matt Haswell
0

Player Profile – Andrew Graves

NAME: Andrew Graves but mostly known as Rat.

TEAM: Merton 1’s

POSITION: Right Back

BIRTH DATE: 25/01/83

BIRTH PLACE: Croydon

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Redhill, Egham Town & Molesey.

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

Outside of the club I am a Director of a Pop-Up Bar Business that supplies bars for various events. Off the pitch I would describe myself as a fairly relaxed person who enjoys watching and playing pretty much any sport and having a good drink every now and then.

How did you end up at Merton FC?

I played with former Merton FC Legend Lewis Ackerman at Molesey. When we both left he asked if I wanted to come to the Hood and join. 30 minutes of Clappers taking the piss out of my nickname, half a pre-season game and a portion of Spaghetti Bolognese was all it took to persuade me that this was the club for me.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Reaching a cup final and promotion to Div 1 a few years ago are team highlights but my bicycle kick finish for the match deciding 3rd goal on Saturday (see 1’s match report) should live long in the memory for those that witnessed it…..
If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

Easy….Crystal Palace FC. To pull on the red and blue jersey and play in front of the country’s best fans before having a night out with Sir Alan Pardew would be a true honour.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

I try to take as long as possible to get changed thus avoid carrying the goals out. I also sit nowhere near Clappers if he has been taking Paracetamol during the week.

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

After last season’s struggles, a top half finish would be great, but more importantly, to make sure our new younger team additions are enjoying their football with us and stick with the club.

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season: Alexei Sanchez

Childhood Team:   Crystal Palace FC

Favourite team in the UK:          Crystal Palace FC

Favourite team outside the UK: Valencia FC

Childhood Hero:     Paolo Maldini

Favourite Food:     Pizza 

Favourite Drink:     Any Craft Beer

Favourite Band:     Coldplay

Posted in Player Profiles
Matt Haswell
0

Player Profile – Mike Reed

NAME: Mike ‘Mustard’ Reed

TEAM: 3s – The Boars

POSITION: Wherever we’re looking a bit light.

BIRTH DATE: 29/10/77

BIRTH PLACE: Penzance, Cornwall (Kernow)

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Porthleven Rangers, Wendron United, Ironside

Tell us who you are outside of the club. What do you do, how would you describe yourself?

Live in Essex with girlfriend and step-daughter. Work for the National Crime Agency. Volunteer for the Samaritans. As Neil Impiazzi did, back in my first season, I would describe myself as keen as mustard.
How did you end up at Merton FC?

Moved from Cornwall to London in July 2001, within first few days of starting my new job, asked the first bloke in his twenties / thirties that I could find if he knew of any local teams. He gave me Lofty’s number, the rest is history.
What was your best moment in your MFC career till now?

Not necessarily the best but so many memorable moments with MFC:

Ranging from – scoring from a shot within the centre circle, having a free scoring purple patch on and off the pitch on club tour to Portugal and beating promotion rivals Old Parks away whilst having no more than 10 men on the pitch at any time

To – getting sent off after 0 seconds at Southgate Olympic, and getting cleaned out by the opposition keeper, again in Portugal, that led to me having foot surgery and missing approx 2 years of football (and putting on nearly 2 stone!)

The best ‘moment’ though was, the Lofty / Mustard double act of managing / captaining the 2s to promotion to division 1 in 2008/09 (the first Merton team to do so in 25 years) and then after a really hard fought season, retaining our place in the top division the following season.

If you could play for a professional team, which would be it and why?

Manchester United – I have supported them since I was 4 and followed them ever since. Growing up in Cornwall, supporting Man United was clearly a logical choice for me, given that they’re right on the doorstep. Bryan Robson was my favourite player, he played for Manchester United and that’s how it started for me.

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

On the morning of every game, I settle down in front of my laptop to see what’s happening on the internet whilst enjoying a wholesome serving of beans on toast.

Lastly, share us your goals/expectations for the season.

Aside of all teams across the club having a good season, my goal is to ensure that the 3s reach a respectable league position, in what is a higher league after getting promoted last year. At least half of our players are new and we’re still in the process of finding our feet – they’re a good bunch of guys with decent ability, so despite a tricky start to the season, there are definitely signs of encouragement.

RAPID FIRE:

Player of the season (at Merton, or in professional football):

Childhood Team: Manchester United

Favourite team in the UK: Merton Football Club

Favourite team outside the UK: Real Madrid (as former Man Utd greats (Becks, RvN, CR7) joined them and I like to see their success continue)

Childhood Hero: Rocky Balboa

Favourite Food: Cornish Pasty (must be from Horse and Jockey)

Favourite Drink: Bloody Mary

Favourite Band: Massive Attack

Posted in Player Profiles