Author: Matt Haswell

The 4s maintained their unbeaten record, but this was far from a convincing display and perhaps the only thing that could be takenfrom it is that good team get results on bad days… and we got out of jail here!

Injuries and unavailability meant a few changes to the starting XI with Paul Ellis coming back in goal (apparently 3 clean sheets isn’t enough to keep your place … sniff) and Jamie Buckley and Shaun Jones replacing the missing Chicken Kiev and Fat Controller. This accounted in part with the slow start the 4s made and we could easily have been down and out before we woke up. An incredible clearance off the line by Marc Cottrell and a fine save from Paul kept it 0-0 but then HSBC split us apart again far too easily and tooka deserved lead. As this stage it was all HSBC and I couldn’t see where we could get back in the game. Then suddenly Ricardo made a break and fed Kieran in on goal, he was tackled well but the ball broke to Dan Kelly and he finished well … Always scores the hard ones… we’ll come back to that later.

This should have kicked us into gear… but HSBC weren’t done and a smart turn and shot on the edge of the box left Paul with no chance and it was 2-1 and half time.

A few choice words at half time a slight change of shape had little effect initially with HSBC still bossing things… but we startedto influence the game on the break and had a number of excellent chances to score, most notably Giz, Shaun and Dan Kelly (who hit thebar with the goal gapping… cost… £1 fine) before Shaun Monoghan finished well round the keeper to equalise. We then took the leadwhen Dan Kelly beat defenders to the ball to squeeze the ball in to make it 3-2 and surely job done.

But HSBC weren’t done yet, Paul made a few smart saves before with a minute or so to go their striker was allowed to turn and shoot to get what they must have thought was a deserved point… But in one final twist, Giz won a free kick and after pushing Giz and Jamie Buckley away.. Marc Cottell stepped up.. and with Pearcey’s words of encouragement – “noooo , don’t shoot, how many do we put in the net from there” ringing in his ear.. He curled it into the bottom corner – The club will be pleased to hear that he will be finedif he ever mentions the free kick again… So feel free to ask Essex about it J

MOM:Dan Kelly

Merton 4’s came away from Civil service with all 3 points after a scrappy game in which it was more about the result than the performance.

On a surprisingly bobbly pitch Merton struggled for any rhythm in the opening 20 minutes and found themselves being second best toCivil’s swift counter attacks. Slowly and surely Merton crept into the game and forced a succession of corners, with Denys going the closest, heading wide after a pin ball in the box when arguably he should have done better.

Merton did however take the lead 7 minutes from the break when in the ascendency as Denys’s deflected effort (later awarded as an OG) squirmed into the corner of the net following a Thommo free kick that the keeper could only parry. Within a few minutes the lead was doubled as Denys again latched onto Lofty’s precise through ball and coolly lifted it over the on rushing keeper. 2-0 seemed generous s at the break and the gaffer seemed far from happy…

The second half produced a much more disciplined performance, with the midfield starting to get on top and the defence more in harmony. Thommo unfortunately pulled up with a calf tear midway through the second half which may keep him out for some while. Ian his replacement nearly created the third with a delightful cross which Giz could only get half a connection on and was scrambled wide.

The third however did arrive courtesy of a bit of trickery by Giz down the right 20 mins from the end as his whipped in cross was deflected home by the oppositions centre half into his own net.

The rest of the game was seen out by the resolute back four led by Pearcey, and by the Cat Chappell his third clean sheet in 3 games…

MOM: Pearcy

Team:Chappell, Tiddy, Pearcey(C), Essex, Alex R, Lofty, Shaun M, Thommo, Dan K, Denys, Ricardo. Subs – Ian J, Giz

Attendence:2

Report by:Simon White

Played at Wimbledon Common Extensions

It started so well for Merton. We created 4 golden goal scoring chances in the first 25 minutes through a mixture of good football and Pearcey winning the flick-ons from set pieces. Unfortunately Dan Kelly missed them all. Credit Dan for getting in the correct position to miss them and for never giving up, however, rumour has it couldn’t finish his dinner after the game and he missed a one on one with his mrs later that evening!!!!

Following their considerable let offs, Alleyn’s came into the game. Their forward 5 were very quick, very skilful and very off the cuff. They had not been coached in the discipline of defending and this made for a very open exciting game. The pendulum swung in Alleyn’s favour 5 minutes before half time when a breakaway lead to a good cross our box which was finished at the far post giving the returning Paul Ellis no chance. Chappell said he would have saved it.

We came in at the interval disappointed but not downhearted. The game became stretched as both sides went for the next goal. After half an hour of two good sides slugging it out and missing reasonable but not great chances, Merton were awarded a free kick wide on our left. Ricardo, who does not understand the difference between meet time and KO time, delivered a dangerous ball into the box which glanced off the stumbling Ian Jordan’s head into the roof of the net. A well deserved equaliser.

With 5 minutes remaining, the referee (a cross between Lenny Henry and John Cleese) awarded a very debatable free kick 25 yards out. The confident Alleyn’s number 10 pushed everyone away and struck a free kick Beckham-esque destined for the top corner. I looked to the floor in frustration at conceding when out of nowhere, Paul Ellis rolled back the years and twisted in mid air to somehow touch the ball onto the bar. In my 30+ years of playing football it was in the top 3 saves I have ever seen. Simply outstanding. He made another save that was only really good 2 minutes later.

All in all an enjoyable game, with a fair result between 2 strong sides. Great performances from Kieran and Alex at full back and from Paul Ellis for THAT SAVE. Roll on next week at Civil Service.

MOM: ?

Team:Ellis; Alex, Pearcey, Jeremy, Kieran; Khalid, Buckley, Quainton, Ricardo; Kelly, Denys Subs Ian Jordan, Shaun Jones

Attendence:8 people, 3 Children

Report by:Mark Thomas

A venture into the unknown for Merton’s 4’s on Saturday as they entered the Surrey Cup for the first time in recent history with atrip down the A3. Even El Presidente Terry joined us for our away day to offer his support.

Thommo tinkered with his line up and played a fluent 4-3-3 formation and right from the start Merton seemed up for the game and settled into a good rhythm.

New Bosman signing Denys signed from ‘Chicken Kiev’ the gaffer’s words not mine was leading the line well, with good link up play with Ricky and Dan Kelly. Thommo was enjoying the freedom behind the front men and it was he who had the best 2 opportunities of theearly exchanges the 2nd of which being an attempted chip that floated just wide.

With the midfield on top, chances came and went for Merton as it began to look like it might be one of those days but fortunately 15 mins before the break the breakthrough finally came via a spot kick, our 2nd in 2 weeks when Dan Kelly was brought down in the box. Sean M cooley slotted home and Merton were on their way. 1 nil became 2 nil within moments as Thommo’s break and cross down the left (following a great pass by Essex ) found Dan Kelly at the back post and his header back across goal in turn found the debutant Denys to head home.

The second half followed the same format as Merton continued to carve out chances and it was no surprise when they added a third courtesy of a Thommo special as he flicked the ball up and volleyed top corner with his left peg. Thommo grabbed a fourth following a great team build up starting with Alex at the back continuing with a good hold up and through ball from Ian. An own goal completed the rout. Chappell preserved his 2nd clean sheet in a row with a fine block in the closing momentsto seal a good away day win.

Good performances all round particularly from Essex at the back supported by Pearcey, and Sean M in midfield. The gaffer was even seen to be smiling after the game…

MOM: Mark Thomas

Team:Chappell, Kieron, Pearcey, Essex, Alex R, Lofty (C), Shaun M, Thommo, Dan K, Denys, Ricardo. Subs – Ian J, Doddsy, Atko .

Attendence:7 people, 12 Sheep, 6 Horses.

Report by:Simon White

Most of the pre-match talk surrounded Shauno’s recently self-purchased yellow Captains armband and Thommo’s fine system. £1.00 each week just for being bald seemed a bit harsh, but it set the coffers in motion on what was a profitable day for future night outs.

To the game, on another warm afternoon the Merton Strollers (aka 4’s) began their new campaign with a hard fought if not stuttering display, to earn a one nil win and a welcome three points.

With the visitors starting with nine men, it was Merton who started the more slowly, somewhat confused by their two man advantage and unable to keep the ball well enough to create the gaps that were there to exploit. By the time Southbank had made up their full complement of players they had undoubtedly the best chance of the opening fifteen mins, when there big striker just failed to connect to a through ball and Chappell eased him away with a friendly barge!!!

Still somewhat annoyed by the ref’s decision not to award a penalty in their favour Southbank promptly managed to concede one of their own. Merton’s fleet footed player manager Thommo skipped down the right showing a rarely seen turn of pace and was adjudged to havebeen impeded as he scurried into the box. Jessie in turn found just enough time to put down his Samsung Galaxy and slotted home just past the keepers outstretched left arm.

The rest of the half was fairly even, there were a few half chances to either side and Merton probably shaded the possession.

Second half and Merton again started slowly, unable to get to grips with Southbank’s system they had Mark ‘The Cat’ Chappell to thank for keeping their lead as twice he denied Southbank forwards with point blank saves. Merton slowly got back to grips with the game though and in the last half an hour they had more than enough chances to double their lead with Stacey, Kieron and Dan Kelly all going close.

Resolute defending by the back four with Lofty and Tiddy in front saw the game out, with Pearcey even having enough time to go close at the other end with two far post headers in the dying minutes.

Thommo’s post match report in Summary was must do better… A fact not lost on the players, but then again we all do love a 1-0 win…

MOM: Mark Chappell

Team:Chappell, Kieron, Pearcey, Shauno (C), Jessie, Dan K, Tiddy, Lofty, Colin, Thommo, Hailstone – Ian J, Stacey, Doddsy.

Attendence: 8

Report by:Simon White

The 4s faced a daunting trip to North London to face the Champions of the Minor Division 1 last season (only the 4 leagues above us) in the AFA Minor Cup. Our prospects were not helped with the suspension of key player so far this seasdon, Dean Wilkinson and by Front Man Dean Porter climbing out of his sick bed.

That said it was clear that everyone was up for the challenge and we made it clear that we would not travel all that way to get rolled over, and at a minimum we’d let Winchmore Hill know they were in a game. Occasionally this boiled over, but it was a fantastic contest from minute one.

Winchmore settled into their game quicker than Merton, our new formation with new personnel wasn’t helping. They had the wind to their advantage and it was clear they had a favoured ‘out ball’ with their left winger being used as the young whippet chasing the hare. Tommy Savile had his hands full and the defence was being sorely tested. They soon scored after a couple of clearances were well charged down by the Winch attack and the bounce favoured their striker who finished well.

Then a flash point which helped define the game. The Whippet went in late on Richard Prosper, Richard stood his ground only for the whippet to grab him by the neck. Richard thankfully was pulled away before any retaliation but amazingly the Referee took no action. Soon afterwards there was salt rubbed into our wound when the Whippet was put through and round Lee to score and make it 2-0.

Amazingly, despite everything, Merton never lost belief and knew that the game would change in the 2nd half when we’d have the wind and their ‘out ball’ would be easier to defend and harder to use. We finished the half well, Seyang testing out their full back on a number of occasions and it was clear we had a real chance to turn this round. With the idea that ‘the next goal could win it’ ringing in our ears we started the 2nd half having given Tommy a rest and made a tactical change bringing on Jamie.

Chances came and went and it was getting tougher and tougher to believe we could turn it around. We started taking the odd chance going forward, but with Dutch Mo as our security playing brilliantly we continued to believe. Then with 10 minutes to go and Dean contemplating 3 up top, Thomas Taylor won the ball off their keeper and crossed for Charlie Radford to score the weakest header you’d ever see (I bet their defender is still having nightmares)… GAME ON.

Within minutes we were level, good work around the box and a finish from Glen Porter… But we didn’t want extra time, we wanted the win. Sure enough with time running out Thomas Taylor stepped up and finished an amazing 10 minutes of football to take the win. Amazingly we got a huge slice of luck to end the game. Winchmore piled forward and scored what looked like a perfectly fair goal, but the ref disallowed it for off-side and the game was over. He did look tired… perhaps he didn’t want extra time either :).

Special mention should go to Lee Wilkinson who made a number of decent saves, and man of match Moise Djunter. The team spirit of this team was put to the test this week and we’ve shown that together we are a formidable team. A huge thanks and respect goes to Dean Wilkinson who came to watch.

Team:

MOM: Moise Djuntier

Report by: Mark Chappell

This week saw us host South Bank 4s in the SAL Senior Novets Cup with a Quarter Final place for the victors.

The game started a bit scrappy our end, not challenging for headers and coming off second to most. This continued for the first 15-20 minutes until we finally got into our rhythm and started playing some football as we have produced in recent weeks. SB’s central midfielder was trying to control the game but we soon saw to it that he was quietened down by our quality throughout the team.

Chances came and chances went but nothing was really dropping for clear cut chances and then a major blow when SB scored to take the lead and put one foot into the next round.

Half-Time 1-0 to South Bank

Words were exchanged at half time and we knew what we needed to do. We have faced the situation before of coming from behind and with our winning mentality we went out to try to grind another positive result.

With 25 minutes on the clock left to play Nikko picked up the ball inside the opposition’s half and started to run at their left back, the centre back joined in to defend their goal but Nikko’s slick footwork (and some good strength) saw him cut inside and place a beautifully crafted shot into the opposite top corner. A goal out of the top drawer and game on.

From here on in there was only one team looking likely to score as we bombarded their goal. A header from a corner from Dean P just over the top and another header from a corner hitting the crossbar and some near misses with shots from Nikko, Dean W and Alvin.

It took until 3 minutes from time and a great strike from Tommy to earn our place in the quarter finals. The ball fell to Tommy 20 yards out and he stroked it home with his left foot leaving the keeper no chance.

A performance where we showed we don’t just do the pretty stuff all the time and can grind out a result. Again we showed our determination to not be beaten. Quarter Finals to look forward to in the first of 3 trophies we hope to be winning this season.

Team:

MOM: Tommy

Report by: Dean Porter

We went into this game on the back of a first class performance with 10 men last week, knowing we had to put that to the back of our minds and get the job done in what is our local derby.

From the outset it was clear for all to see that with our passing and movement Old Westminster Citz were in for a tough afternoon and after the quarter of an hour mark it was Dean P outjumping the defender on the back post to give Merton 4s the lead. The finish was simple but the build up play again showed how well this team has gelled together and every player touched the ball in what was a patient but deadly attack. The final piece of the attack saw Nikko teasing the oppo before teeing up Seyumg to put in a perfect cross to the back stick.

The pace of Nikko and Seyumg on the right side was a constant threat to the Old Westminster team, cutting through and creating chances for a few shots around the box, which unfortunately were slightly off target. It wasnt long though before more distribution fromDean W and Tommy to the wings found Nikko who played in Dean P to cross into the danger area, which Alvin Dee managed to attackafter some great movement to slip the ball pastthe keeper with a delicate side foot volley. At 2-0 the confidence was forever growingand the passing became slicker and quicker to control the game going intohalf time.

Half-Time 2-0 to Merton.

A few wise words of warning not to get complacent at half time saw us start the second period where we left off and again Old Westminster were chasing their tails in an attempt to retrieve the ball from us. It wasnt too long before another great move with us passing out of defence feeding the midfield where Dean W controlled the passing moving from side to side, saw us set up the third goal. Dean W finding Richard Prospere on the left wing who put a pinpoint cross outswinging to find Dean P on the run into the 18 yard box to cooly volley into the opposite corner with the instep. Richard has now dubbed himself ‘pinpoint prospere’ after his ‘pinpoint’ crossing in recent weeks. 3-0 Merton and the points looking to be in the bag.

A bit a ball watching and a rare threatening attack from Old Westminster saw their midfielder slide in their right winger who finished nicely into the opposite corner. 3-1. Unfortunately our clean sheet was gone and it seemed that it was mainly due to lack of concentration as we seemed to try to rub the performance in their players’ faces a little rather than concentrate on adding to the goalstally.

30 mins left and the departure of Jamie Brisk saw Thomas Taylor enter play and immediately he made his presence felt moving well and feeding off of Alvin’s headers. One chance on the left came and went and another should have really killed the game completely. Nikko was still running thedefence ragged and it was from this that Dean P managed to get the ball from a deflected shot from Alvin, a little greedy in the search of the hat trick saw his shot saved by their keeper and then a complete mix up with the Old Westminster defenders saw the ball deflected in for an own goal.

Old Westminster Citz seemed deflated after seemingly starting to get back into the game but in the end despite some poor finishing the game probably could have ended a lot worse for them.

A good game played in a good spirit and only encouragement from our team when mistakes were made. Just need to keep this winning mentality and positive spirit going into our cup game next week with a quarter final place at stake.

Good all round performance, well done lads, still a long way to go to achieve our goals though!

Team:

After our first loss of the season last week and a string of home games, we today travelled to West Wickham sitting two points behind them in the league with a game in hand.

There were mixed views on the team selection and everyone had their own views on the way we should attack the game and this was probably the cause of our poor start to the game. We were getting on each others’ backs after mistakes and getting unneccessarily involved in little arguments in the midfield. Going through the motions and none of our passing anywhere near where it should be it wasan argument in thne midfield that saw Tommy sent off. Arguing with a West Wickham player, their forward player ran half the length of the pitch to get involved causing a reaction from Tommy which left the ref with no option but to show the red card.

This didnt look good for us with the way we were performing and the fact that this team were obviously one of the better teams in theleague but suddenly with 10 men, everything changed. Our mentality was that we were not going to lose this game and with Dean W pulling the strings and Dean P slipping into centre midfield we seemed a stronger side and in wasnt too noticeable that we were a player down. Everyone started to put a shift in and work for each other and the passing and movement that we have started getting accustomedto came back to its best.

10 minutes from half time a low cross from the right found Jamie on the left who controlled and converted a smart finish to put us in front against the odds.

1-0 Merton and we were turning the corner.

The defence were keeping tight and West Wickham chances were few and far between. A couple of great challenges from Chappell in the centre and a great goaline tackle to defy the West Wickham striker by Glen Porter saw us maintain the clean sheet until half time and go in with a very well deserved lead.

Half-Time 1-0 to Merton.

Tommy apologised to the team at half time for the red card but was just as effective on the sidelines shouting encouragement and praise for the players left on the pitch. We started the second half pretty much where we left off with everyone putting 110% in. Jamiecame to life on the left and started worrying their right back and with Seyumg, Richard Prospere and Dean W joining in on the attacks it was surprisingly only us who looked more likely to grab another goal.

Big Mo was introduced into the game at the expense of an injured Tommy Savile which meant that the team was shuffled around with Seyumg now dropping in to fill the hole at right back.

More attacking play with the defence looking comfortyable and it wasnt long before a cross came in that Alvin converted into the back of the net raising the team spirits due to the fact that we had gained exactly what we had deserved.

2-0 Merton

With about 35 minutes of the game to go Chappell took a ball to the side of the head with force that left him dazed and unable to continue so Nikko came onto the right side of midfield, Big Mo played centre with Dean W and Dean P dropped into Centre back with Glen. (Trying to keep up with all of the changes)

With 10 minutes to go it only looked like one team was going to win this one but it was with this time left on the clock that the icing was well and truly put on the cake. A corner from Dean W defended by the West Wickham centre half dropped about 40 yards out. With the West Wickham defender trying to latch onto the ball he was beaten to it by the run from Dean P from his own half to strike the ball ferociously into thefar top corner. The crowd went wild and the team came together to celebrate a goal out of the top drawer that really marked the whole team performance.

West Wickham gutted not to take advantage of the extra man for all of that time and Merton 4s keep moving on the up!

3-0 and a fantastic win, performance of the season so far! Well done lads!

Team:

MOM: Dean Wilkinson

Report by: Dean Porter

The 4s seemed very relaxed and full of confidence prior to kick off this week. It was a great buzzing atmosphere but there is always a sneaking suspicion that it might all go horribly wrong with so much expectancy for the 3 points.

Any doubts about the game were quickly erased with some quality football being played around the South Bank midfield. A number of chances came and went but you could feel a goal was coming. To our surprise it came from a scramble after a great delivery from Dean from a corner. The ball bouncing off the crossbar, only for Tommy Savile to ‘nod’ the ball home (with his ear).

1-0 Merton and with the defence having a comfortable time of things, (who I must point out had a solid game), it looked like this was going to be a comfortable win for the 4s until a break from the SB centre midfielder saw him unchallenged until a last ditch tackle from Richard Prosper which was deemed a free kick on the edge of the box by the referee. A little delay and then a quality free kick from the SB player pegged us back to 1-1, no chance for Lee to save although he thought he should have done better.

Nearing the end of the half it looked like we may come into half time without our deserved lead but with about 5 minutes to go the ball fell to the feet of Tommy who looked up and dinked a lovely ball into the path of Thomas Taylor just inside the box who calmly slotted home into the opposite corner.

Half –Time 2-1 to Merton.

A couple of changes were made at half-time with Chris Barnes and Dean Porter coming on to bolster the midfield and give more of an aerial presence up front. Again the half started as we had finished the last, good passing and a few half chances before a lapse in concentration saw us concede a sloppy goal defending a very high line, 2-2!

Fortunately the attitude of the team has drastically improved over the weeks and without any problems we kicked off and stepped up the pace. A lovely chip from Dean found Dean Porter at the back stick but with the tight angle was only able to head onto the post for the keeper to catch the rebound easily. 30 minutes to go and it was time to release this week’s secret weapon – Nikko.

From the moment he stepped on the pitch he was troubling the left back with his fresh legs and ferocious pace! But for passing instead of shooting on a few occasions, he could have assisted a couple of goals early on but it wasn’t long before his first went in, a lovely central through ball from Thomas Taylor and with the defence splitting, Nikko just had to run in and slot past the keeper. 3-2

At 3-2 and with 15 minutes left we were looking to control the game and shut out the opposition. Nikko had other ideas though and picking the ball up just inside the SB half he ran past the defender and fired home from the edge of the box to give us a comfortable cushion. South Bank were pretty deflated once the fourth went in with such little time left and it just meant playing out the last few minutes to keep the unbeaten record going this season.

Top of the league and next week we encounter the first round of the SAL cup. Another trophy to play for this season that we have our eyes on!

If we can keep this positive mentality and determination up we will be a very hard team to beat this season … And who know what we can achieve!

MOM: Sayumg Pibulsonggra

Report by: Dean Porter

Team: