Match reports have started to come in for latest games at the weekend.  To view them go onto the team page, If the score is highlighted in blue, click on the score and this will link to the match report for that game.  Please continue to write them and if possible along with match day photos and send them into Matt for the website at [email protected] and Ram for the newsletter at [email protected]

The first game of the 2015/16 season saw a new look 4^th XI travel to Chiswick with Polytechnic 5s the hosts. Following last week’s performance, consistency in availability was vital. The only changes were John Gridley, Chris Dodd and Dan Plaistow coming in to replace Glen Porter (work), Ricardo Iglesias (3s) and Kevin Medina (5s).

With most players jumping up two leagues from last season, we knew that we were going to have a difficult time out on the field but we were buoyed by the great performance that everybody gave last week. If we managed to start how we left of last week then the hosts were in for a tough day.

We were on the back foot from the start, some sloppy passing along with players not tracking their runners allowed Poly to dominate possession. They had pace on each flank which they used to their advantage, with the majority of the time causing our full backs (one of them being me!) problems all game. We managed to keep them until ten minutes before the break. A corner from the left wasn’t cleared properly and following some pinball in the box the ball was blasted into the roof of the net. 1- 0 to the home side going into the break.

The team talk during the five minute break was one of many works with everyone chipping in with improvements that needed to be made. Changes were made; Aaron came back on to replace Chris Dodd and Arnold replaced Ryan. These changing didn’t really change much, neither did the team talk!

A sloppy free-kick was given away on the left ten minutes into the second period. More concerned about ensuring a tight line is kept, I allowed their number eleven an easy header that Sam could do nothing about. 2 – 0. We were being dominated at the point when the second goal was conceded and this allowed Poly to add to their tally. Sam did well to parry a shot following a break down the left only for their number 11 to bag his second by smashing the rebound into the bottom left. 3 – 0.

With just under thirty minutes left to go at the moment the third goal went in, we knew that there was still enough time to get back in the game. It was going to be tough but there was still a chance. With each and every one of us encouraging each other we were able to get into the game and dominate for fifteen minutes or so. During this time we reduced the deficit. Great hustling by Dan Plaistow on the right allowed Dom possession to free the ball to Dulanie on the left. A ground pass found Arnold, who under pressure, found the back of the net. A great team goal and I would say the best of the game. Not that I am biased!

We were putting more and more pressure on the opposition and pushing players up at every opportunity that we had. This backfired as they caught us on the counter to add another to their tally. 4-1 is how it finished.

Even though the score line doesn’t suggest it, Sam put in a Man of the Match performance between the sticks. Great distribution and playing the sweeper keeper role in a way that even Manuel Neuer would be proud of.

Obviously there are a number of things that we need to improve on however many positives to take from the second half performance. Next week we host Weirside Ranger at Joseph Hood where hopefully the end result is three points that will kick-start are season.

FINAL SCORE: Polytechnic 5s 4 – 1 Merton 4s SCORER: Arnold Collier MOTM: Sam Singer-Ripley

STARTING LINE-UP: Samuel Singer-Ripley (GK), John Gridley, Chris Outred, Joe Plumridge, Edward Plaistow, Ryan Burchell (Arnold Collier), Aaron Ackerman (Chris Dodd), Dan Gridley, Dulanie Richards, Dom Plumridge, Dan Plaistow.

With just two survivors from the team that lost 4-3 on the same ground last season, the new look Merton 3’s kicked off their season to the steady thrum of the North Circular at Crouch End. In a surprise turn of events, the referee for the day appeared to be Jeremy “Jez” Corbyn, which was very good of him considering he’d won the Labour leadership only a few hours beforehand.

Whilst a new team (of mostly old players), it was a case of history repeating itself as traffic issues meant that Merton only succeeded in reaching the requisite 11 players a few moments before kick-off. That said, this approach removed any selection dilemas, and the trusty 4-4-2 was called upon after some brief discussion, and accompanied by a hurried team talk, complete with all the standard advice any self-respecting football club should be covering. Having duly agreed to “keep it tight”, “take no risks in our defensive third” and “put fullbacks on the posts at corners”, Merton were ready to go.

On an uneven, bobbly, and narrow pitch the game took a while to come to life, but Merton eventually found their feet first and began to exert some sustained pressure on the Vampire’s goal. After a couple of wasteful set pieces, Merton took a deserved lead after 15 minutes; following some good work to win the ball back in midfield, the ball was passed in to Dan, who turned away from one defender, before shielding the ball from another. There didn’t look to be much danger at this point, but an on-rushing Darcy cleverly shouted for the ball, took it off Dan’s toes and left the covering defenders for dead who were still trying to work out where the ball had gone. Darcy drew the keeper and slotted in (slightly bobblingly)  via  the far post. 1-0.

Crouch End responded well with a spell of pressure of their own, forcing Artur into a couple of relatively comfortable saves, but having soaked this up Merton went straight back up the other end and added a second. This time, after some pinball in the opposition box, the maruading Tony at right-back ran on the ball from the corner of the 18 yard box and arrowed a shot goalwards. The keeper managed to save, but Darcy was on-hand again to hook the ball home from from a very narrow angle. The opposition appealed to Jez that the ball had already gone out of play, despite the impossibility of being able to score from behind the goal, but Jez was having none of it. 2-0.

Again, Crouch End responded, and on the brink of half time created their best move of the match, with a dipping 20 yard volley brilliantly tipped over the ball by Arturs. 2-0 at half time.

With a half time team talk that consisted of agreeing to do the same again, Merton started the second half brightly. In a collector’s item moment of creative flair, Dan played Nick in with a perfectly weighted through ball off the outside of his right foot (a proper Fifa R1 through-ball move) and we looked set for 3-0 as Nick bore down on the keeper. Everyone waited for the goal to come, but unfortunately as Nick also waited for the keeper to commit, a Crouch End defender made a stunning recovery tackle to steal the ball away just as Nick was about to strike.

This looked like it could be a pivotal moment, as Crouch End took advantage of this repreive to get themselves back in it. With Neil off for Riccardo, the midfield lost their shape and Crouch End began to dominate.  The goal came via a penalty; the tricky Crouch End no. 10 drawing a foul inside the box, and the resulting penalty emphatically dispatched, not once, but twice after Jez spotted some frankly blatant encroaching by 4 or 5 players. Nothing got past this man.

2-1 quickly became 2-2, via another set piece. This time a free kick; curled around the wall and into the bottom corner from 20 yards. Crouch End sensed victory.
Almost of nowhere however, Merton rallied. Without a lead to protect any longer, Merton came back into the game somewhat, and it was Darcy this time that turned creator, running on to a channel ball towards the corner flag, and tricking his way past the covering defender on the by-line. He got his head up and picked out Denys at the back post for an easy tap-in. Crouch End screamed in vain for offside, but once again Jez was not to be swayed, even ruling out an offside Crouch End “equaliser” a few minutes later for good measure.

That proved to be the only further alarm though, as Merton successfully saw out the remainder of the game. “World-class” was even mentioned  as Mike Reed expertly headed clear a long ball for the umpteenth time during this period.

So, three points a deserved reward for a gritty performance on a tough, narrow pitch. Darcy Yates was man of the match for his two goals and an assist, but special mention should also go to Arturs who made a couple of fantastic saves, and also the centre-back pairing of Mike Reed and John Stones who by and large dealt with everything thrown, kicked, or indeed hoofed their way.

Sunday Morning down at the Hood with the Youth section. And a cracking time!!. U10s beat Raynes Park Vale 6-3. U11s lost 7-2 to Doverhouse. U12s drew 2-2 with Shene Lions. U13s lost 4-3 to Moormead rather unluckily in great game. U14s lost heavily to Kew Park Rangers. With all Five teams at home it was quite an event. Well done to Steve and all the managers. All at home next Sunday so come on down and support the lads.

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Today’s Results. Down at the Hood the 1s continued a disappointing start but came up against a very strong Old Parks side (as good as anything we’ve played for a while) losing 4-0. A goal either side of half time settled it (action pics). 6s lost 3-0 to Old Wilsonians in a game of two halves. We should have scored a couple in first half but their keeper made some outstanding saves (pic). 5s game called off by Carshalton who could not raise a team (Sorry lads) 3s had a great win at Crouch End 3-2 (Goal scorers and assists: Darcy 2 goals + 1 assist, Tony 1 assist, Dennis 1 goal) but 4s lost 4-1 at home to Poly 5s.

3s win their final pre season friendly 4-1 last night. Goal scorers: Sean x2, Dave x1 and Dennis x1 – well done lads … Now for the serious stuff vs CEV on Saturday. Note to photography practise taking photos!!!

The 1s and 2s kicked off their first league games.  1s lost 3 – 0 away against EBOG, 2s beat Crouch End Vampires at home 3 – 1.  The 4s and 5s played friendlies, 4s drew 3 – 3 against Old Salesians 2s a good result and the 5s lost 13 – 2 against a strong Old Wilsonian 5s.

Pics :

Pedro, Alex, Will and Charlie prepare to make their Merton debuts for the 1s away at EBOG last Saturday. Confident. Question: is Ivan Gladkow stretching or taking a piss in the background? Bloody photo bomber!!!

Meet Merton’s dead lion day signings from the US: Alex and Will donned their cleats and delivered strong performances at de-fensive centre and wide offence wearing the famous yellow jersey for the 1s away at EBOG ‪#‎franchiseenhancement‬ ‪#‎deadlionday‬ ‪#‎ripcecil

All teams except 2s play next weekend, please come down to the home ground and show your support where the 1s host Old Parkonians kicking off at 3pm and the 6s host Old Wilsonians 9s in the Junior Noverts Cup kiccking off at 1pm.  Full fixtures can be seen on home page.

Merton Select 4s vs. Old Salesians 2s
Pre-Season Friendly Saturday 5^th September 2015

The last pre-season friendly was upon us before the trip to Chiswick next weekend for our opening day fixture against Polytechnic. This meant one last chance to rectify any mistakes identified over the last few weeks. On paper, coming up against a reserve side was a little daunting however exciting at the same time. We knew that the visitors would be able to get the best out of us.

The squad was made up of those that are likely to represent the 4s for the upcoming season. Most of whom stepped up from the 5s from last season. We welcomed back Joe and Dom Plumridge after a season out and Ryan Burchell made a well-deserved step up from the 6s. Sam Ripley was between the sticks.

The opposition started brightly however it was short lived. The confidence that shone through each and every player in a yellow shirt was a blessing. There were no long ‘Hollywood’ balls, no panicking, just easy flowing football that I have not witness in a long time. Our style of play was rewarded with a goal from Dulanie 10 minutes in and a solid defensive display allowed us to go into the break with that score line intact.

Changes were made at the break with Chris dropping to partner Glen at centre half with Joe pushing up to midfield. Jack replaced Aaron and came on to play on the left flank. We way the second half panned out, these changes were a mistake on my behalf. Never change a back line unless you really need to!

Regardless of the changes, we started how we left of, dominating possession. This possession allowed us to double our advantage through Dom. The only thing that Old Salesians could resort to was the long ball however it payed off due to the high back line. They halved the deficit not long after our second and found an equaliser ten minutes later with an audacious effort having caught Sam off his line. Conceding in the manner we did had an effect on us, passes we starting to go astray and frustration was starting to show. We were now on the back foot and found ourselves behind with ten minutes to go.

With the ‘Never Say Die’ attitude that we have always played with, we were piling the pressure on and managed to find the equaliser with a couple of minutes to spare, Dom poking home into the bottom left.

If we take this performance into the season and keep the consistency then I see no reason why we can’t challenge for silverware. All we need is belief and to do it ‘The Merton Way’ and it will be a very successful season! FINAL SCORE: 3 – 3 MOTM: N/A

SQUAD: Samuel Singer-Ripley, Kevin Medina (Ricardo Iglesias), Joe Plumridge, Glen Porter, Edward Plaistow, Ryan Burchell (Arnold Collier), Dan Gridley, Aaron Ackerman (Jack Hamill), Chris Outred (C), Dom Plumridge, Dulanie Richards

This weekends fixtures, 1s and 2s play their first league game, all other teams have friendlies except 6s, whose game has been called off.

whether you are playing home or away this weekend please come into the bar and support the club by having a drink or two.  This will be a good time to socialise with new members who have joint the club this season and make them feel welcome.  The bar will also be showing the San Marino vs England game from 5pm. Good luck to all teams and the start of the new season.

Saturday’s News

Round Robin at the Hood was won by Diasporra (?) Irish lads on GD from OldSmiths. Our boys put up a good show and Thanks to Ryan Gresty and Steve who organised things so well in the absence of a lot of Merton Regulars who were at the other big match. A lot of the lads (see pic) were at Sherbs and Amanda’s wedding (pic).

Oldsmiths 3s vs. Merton Select XI Pre-Season Friendly Saturday 29^th August 2015

The penultimate pre-season friendly was upon us with still no idea where players will likely be situated for the upcoming season. In all fairness, this performance didn’t change much.

To ensure that the new faces were kept interested, it was essential to ensure that they were given some game time, even if not best suited at this level. All bare one of the new quota arrived at the away ground on time and ready to go. Due to numbers all players were given 45 minutes, fitness and injury permitting.

We fielded our strongest XI to start with albeit with a few changes due to 3 of the original starting XI opting to witness a dull 0 – 0 draw between Spurs and Everton at White Hart Lane instead due to the numbers available for the game.

It was a sloppy start from Merton, gifting the ball to the host whenever we gain possession. They capitalised on this by firing and early goal following a mix up at the back. It wasn’t long before we starting playing the football that we knew we were capable of even if it did only last 5 minutes! A long ball from Chris Outred to Dulanie found the back of the net after the latter fired in off the post to equalise. That is as good as it got in the first half. It was easy to see that the opposition had been playing together for a well and given the time to gel by going into the break 4 – 1.

The second half was a little more positive. 5 minutes in we managed to pull a goal back from an audacious attempt from Josh Bennett from inside his own half. 4 – 2. We played some better football with the communication improving however the quality Oldsmiths was visible. They managed to add a further 2 goals to their tally to finish on top as 6 – 2 winners.

Next week we should have a better understanding of who is likely to play where considering all Merton teams have a fixture, either league or friendly. Hopefully better results are on the horizon to give a little confidence going into the season.

FINAL SCORE: 6 – 2 MOTM: N/A

SQUAD: Kieran Lee, Ryan Burchell, John Gridley, Steve Burchell, Edward Plaistow, Aaron Ackerman, Chris Dodd, Glen Porter, Josh Bennett, Chris Outred, Dulanie Richards, George Hall, Mario Tossio, Malcolm Kandulu, Jack Hamill, Darren Avey.

The Youth Season starts with a bang with two big Sundays.
Just a reminder that there is a big YOUTH DAY down at them Hood Sunday Sept 6th 2015 As part of our Charter Standard Compliance we have to arrange a meeting with the Parents and players to tell them about the RESPECT programme andwhat is expected of them as players and members of Merton F C We use this as a day to introduce them all to Merton F C
It is a big day and Surrey County F A are bringing their Respect Roadshow and team down to present.
We also give out the kit to each player and there will be a BBQ
Steve believes that there will be 60 to 100 people there and we have hired the hall for the key hours 11am to 2pm for the Respect presentation and kit distribution.
If you get a chance please come along and support the event
I am unfortunately away suffering from Post traumatic wedding stress disorder and will be in Italy.
Steve is arranging for parents to do the BBQ and Dave Laughton will be in charge of the bar but any help we can muster would be much appreciated.
The League programme gets underway just one week later on Sunday 13th September when all our FIVE
teams are at home which makes it a very special day for the club and a great start for the season.