Author: Matt Haswell

Sunday Morning down at the Hood. Lovely day with the Church group giving away hot drinks and cakes. U14s oppo cried off but boys trained and posed for team pic. U13s had a friendly beating Croydon 3-1 With Chris getting a hat trick and MOM and Performance of the weekend and also had team pic. U12s were training. U11s beat Epsom and Ewell Colts 3-1 U10s beat Mitcham Park Junior Colts 10 – 0 with two of the boys Jamal and Harry getting hat tricks.

The first of two trips to Acton was upon us to face a very strong Actonians Association 5s side. Having beaten the same opposition we draw with last week so convincingly by five goals to nothing in the first game of the season, we knew that this was going to be a very tough game.

We arrived in good time with the whole squad there at least 45 minutes before KO, a first! With help required at the back we welcomed Mike Todt into the squad from the 3s. An addition that we hope will be a regular as the season progresses. Another new addition was Jake Hewitt, a good friend of the Plumridges. Kevin Locke was also part of the squad as the result of the sixes fixture being postponed.

We started off brightly with some good passing play however a good counter attack allowed the hosts to take the lead. Not long after was it 2 – 0 when Sam was spotted too far to the left of his goal which allowed the same player that bagged the first to fire into the bottom right from about 25 yards. It was 3 – 0 going into the break, Chris Outred giving away a penalty for a handball that could not be prevented. An attempted header out from a low ball played into the box from the left that got caught underneath him. ‘Ronaldo’, as he was referred to by a number of us, converted neatly.

It was a little disappointing going in at half time three down, it was not what we deserves from the football that we were playing. A few changes were made at the break with Ryan coming off to be replaced by Jake. Arnold gave was for Kevin who slotted in alongside Mike at the back with Chris reverting to the left of midfiend.

The second period was nearly a carbon copy of the first. Everything that Acton attempted they seemed to pull off. It just wasn’t our day. Another five goals by the hosts (according to the SAL website even though I only counted seven) allowed them to run out convincing winners. Two goals from Dan Gridley, one of which was a great free-kick that the keeper could do nothing about, put a little gloss on our performance.

A lot of work needed before the next game to come up with the right formation that will enable us to have a decent chance of victory. HSBC visit Joseph Hood next weekend with three points needed.

FINAL SCORE: Actonians Association 5s 8 – 2 Merton 4s SCORER: Dan Gridley (2) MOTM: Dan Gridley

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Chris Outred, Mike Todt, Edward Plaistow, Ryan Burchell (Kevin Locke), Michael Elgar, Dan Gridley, Arnold Collier (Jake Hewitt), Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge

This Saturday at Joseph Hood – ‪Merton‬ 4s, 5s and 6s are all at home so plenty to come down and support or play in! Afterwards – it is do or die for ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA in the rugby world cup! Merton’s bar is open with pizzas and FREE shots for ENGLAND TRY’s – so watch it at the hood for the first drinks session of the season! See you there!

Reserve your table with Peter Kemp or tell us on Facebook Page – free pizzas!!

The second game of our 2015/16 league campaign saw the visit of Weirside Rangers. A team that personally I had not face in the ten years that I had been at Merton. Having been thumped by five goals to nothing last week, we knew that Weirside would be trying their utmost to get their first three points of the campaign. With the defeat we suffered at the hands of Polytechnic last week, the three points were vital to us also.

Unfortunately we were missing the presence of Dan Gridley in the middle of the park due to work commitments and our Captain Chris Outred after he was called up to assist the 2s in Acton. We welcomed Michael Elgar into the squad along with Steve Burchell as a defensive back-up. Arnolds impressive display last week earnt him a start meaning Dulanie re-joined Dom up top.

It was a slow start to the game by both sides; most passes were misplaced and attempted through balls intercepted every time. It wasn’t until 20 minutes in that we managed to work our way through the visitors defence and break then down. Dom, showing great skill and determination, managed to beat three defences on the left of the penalty area and roll a ball to Dulanie who then beat the keep with a composed side footed finish. We didn’t manage to hold onto the lead for long with Weirside managing to equalise through a header.

A good period of play, where we managed to play the same football that we did against Old Salesians during pre-season, resulted in us going into the break one goal to the good thanks to a solo effort from Dom.

A good first half was followed by a pretty poor one. The opposition started brighter than we did using the speed of their wingers successfully on each flank. This resulted in second equaliser that was probably deserved. After conceding the second, we tightened things up at the back and let Dom and Dulanie do what they do best. With the way that we were playing it was clear that we could score again and that is exactly what happened when Dom unleashed a 25 yard left footed shot into the roof of the net. We were now deservedly leading 3 – 2 with 15 minutes to go. A number of injuries meant that we had to switch people around slightly. The last thing you want to do is change your back four when leading however we had no other option with Steve Burchell coming on to replace Joe at the back with the former moving into the middle of the park.

Weirside kept pilling the pressure on but found it hard to break through. The changes did not seem to be having an effect on the performance. With five minute to goal Weirside were awarded a corner. Unable to track my man in time, more concerned with organising who was marking who, the ball was floated to the back post to be met by a bullet header in the roof of the net. 3 – 3 is how is finished. A result we felt should have been bettered.

One of the main things that came out of the game is the need to organise set pieces earlier. Had we done so in this game then we would have walked away will all three points. Next week we travel to Old Actonians looking to improve on our slow start. If we keep the consistency flowing then it is only a matter of time before results start improving.

FINAL SCORE: Merton 4s 3 – 2 Weirside Rangers 5s SCORER: Dom Plumridge (2), Dulanie Richards MOTM: Arnold Collier

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Glen Porter, Joe Plumridge, Edward Plaistow, Ryan Burchell, Aaron Ackerman, Michael Elgar, Arnold Collier, Dulanie Richards (Dan Plaistow), Dom Plumridge (Steve Burchell).

Today saw Merton FC under 11’s first match of the season, a 10am home game at Joseph Hood.

Our oppenents last years top side Doverhouse Lions, who had comprehensively beaten us in a pre season friendly.

Mertons’ day got off to a bad start with only 8 players available in time for kick off. Even with this setback we started brightly, and put Doverhouse under pressure. After numerous attacks from both sides we managed to take the lead with a well taken finish. Our lead lasted only for a few minutes as Doverhouse found an equaliser when merton were slow to clear a loose ball. This small setback did not deter the yellows as they pressed foward once again, and found a well deserved second goal to take a 2 – 1 lead into half time.

After the break Doverhouse began to find their stride, and began to move the ball around with more effect. As a result of this we began to tire, and Doverhouse made us pay scoring six unanswered second half goals, resulting in a 7 – 2 defeat.

Allthough this may have been disappointing result it was a massive improvement on Our pre season encounter, and there were many good points noted throughout the game.

So on to next week Our first trophy game at home to SRC Colts lots to work on, but we can do it COME ON YOU YELLOWS

Merton FC second match of the season brought us Our first Trophy match, an 11:30am kick off at The Hood Vs SRC Colts.

A bright sunny morning greeted us with an outstanding turnout, of both players, and supporters. The game kicked off on time, to a quite scrappy start with a few mistakes from both teams, but nobody could take advantage. As the half time whistle blew the game stood at 0 – 0.

After a hopefully encouraging team talk the yellows returned to the pitch with the instructions of pass it quicker, work harder, and get me a quick goal ringing in their ears. This seemed to do the trick, when cutting in from the left a magnificent strike flew into the top right corner.

This was just what Merton needed now we had a taste for it, as we pushed for a second it soon came. Now everone wanted to be a striker, and we left Ourselves very open at the back, but thanks to a few good saves maintained Our 2 -0 lead.

Regaining Our shape the Yellows continued to press, and soon scored goals three, and four. With only a few minutes to play, we unfortunatley conseeded a silly consolation goal with a slight lack of concentration, but imediatley regained Our four goal advantage with a powerful finish.

A FANTASTIC 5 – 1 victory, and lots of happy faces. A great team performance with contributions from everyone, a special mention today for Our Goalkeeper, and Our Hatrick Hero you know who you are. Up next Epsom and Ewell Colts away, watch out the Mean Machine is on the move, COME ON YOU YELLOWS.

Both teams were buzzing to start their game today, boys were all showing their individual talents on both sides, unlucky for Merton the first goal took a deflection , the second however was made by great teamwork and a great pass from Thomas to Jamal to score over the top of the players into the top of the net to make 1-1. Oliver made a fantastic save pushing the ball over the top of the net.
The game was great end to end entertainment for us all supporting( great to see so many parents / carers watching) …. The game continued on, there was a strong shot at goal from Motspur Park which Oliver (GK) caught but struggled to keep it out therefore score went to 1-2 , so unlucky!
Then few minutes later we lost Possession of the ball and Motspur made a quick break and went on to score the third… The boys still kept their spirits high and came back with two shots hitting the post.
Game ended 1-3… Well done to Merton making one win and one loss.
Also we would like to thank the managers, Ref and ground staff for all their hard work!

Sunday morning at the Hood and what a cracking time. U13s beat Raynes Park Vale 3-2, U 10s lost 3-1 to a very strong Motspur Park side. U12s beat Twickenham Tigers 5-1 and U11s were leading 5-1 when i left . U 14s away in Whitton. A real tonic after yesterday Well done.

U14s lost at Whitton 5-2 (H-T 1-1)with a great battlin performance. They can build on this. Well done boys and Nick and thanks to the parents for their support.

1s lost 1-0 to Weirside Rangers, Defeat was a little unfortunate. Arturs saved a pen but they got to the rebound. We had our chances and shots but definitely not our day. But good performance.

Joe Griffin bags Man Most Handsome over Ben Cook in a closely fought contest. Just like the match, in fact, which Team Handsome lost 1-0 on a lovely, brave, sunny day…

The 3s go down 2-0 to Old Pauline in the AFA Cup – a close game of few chances

The 4s draw 3 -3 at home against Weirside Rangers

5s lost 4-1 (H-T 1-1) to the newly formed Ibis Eagles but lots of positives to take from the game.