Category: Match Reports 6s

Saturday saw us push for promotion against our near neighbours. With some bruised and battered from the previous weekend and unavailabilities, the 6s managed to remain strong with the aid of DQ, Ackers and Mustard coming in, the latter arriving pitch side 10 minutes before the start as he found it difficult leaving his beloved East London, resulting in a 3 hour journey.
Back to the game, with a 4-3-3 formation the opening exchanges showed this will be a good, fair and difficult match. Kevin thought he would try and take out their pacey right winger as soon as the game had kicked off, suppose that was the closest he was gonna get to him all game!
Callum was turning out to be a good out ball and had their left back and the rest of the defence on the back foot and linked up well with Pete and Trey. Between the three of them and the help of some intelligent passing from the midfield, we were slowly turning the screw and eventually got a deserved lead. A cross from the right lead to the ball dropping to the feet of Trey, who gladly tapped into an empty night.
With chances coming more often but not being taken, Old Salesians managed to win the ball in midfield and with their forward holding the ball up and shielding it just inside the area, Beans decided he would follow Kevin’s lead and swipe at the forward’s leg with the ball 2 yards away from him leaving the ref no option but to point to the spot. Most penalty takers have a bit of nerves before taking it, but if you have to take a pen against Swanny, there’s nothing to worry about. There’s reading the penalty and there’s Swanny’s idea of reading a penalty… before the oppo player had started to run up to the ball, Swanny decided to run off to the left post, leaving the rest of the goal to the roll the ball into to make it all square.
The rest of the half looked like it was going to see the teams go in on terms, but Pete had other ideas and knocked in from close range for Merton to regain the lead.
Mustard came on for Paul midway through and was in the action straight away by giving a free-kick away, calling for him to subbed by the Ram 🙂
Merton carried on creating more chances and possibly the miss of the season, from a corner from Ty, Chappell managed to get his head to the ball from below his waist from a yard out to somehow head over the bar! Thankfully, a few minutes later Trey showed off his skill by finding the bottom left corner from the angle by managing to score from a dropping ball which rolled down his thigh, knee, shin to bobble past their step-in goalie (lucky he was the shortest player on the pitch).
The second half saw DQ replace Trey and Ram with George H. Old Salesians started the half on the front foot and kept Merton honest and ensuring that the game was far from over. Merton were now struggling to keep hold of the ball and the back line were working harder to ensure that shots on goal were kept to distance, with Swanny making a good save diving to his right to tip the ball around the post.
Chappell was now taking corners as Ty’s calves, hamstrings and other body parts gave in and was replaced by Paul and thought he would test the oppo’s sub keeper and found his attempt coming off the far post but no one to tuck the ball home. Ackers and DQ were now linking up well, and the latter increased our lead after Paul decided scoring easy goals was not for him again. This brought a sense of relief and calmness to proceedings and was most important goal to put the game to bed despite Old Salesians spirited second half display.
Ackers put the final nail in the coffin with a shot from the edge of the area and added the extra coat of gloss on the score that was fully deserved from an all round good team performance.
With five games to go, promotion is in our own hands and to play a double header against our closest rivals Civil Service in a couple of weeks, we can go a step closer this weekend with 3 points!

Team: Swann, George H, Beans, Chappell, Kevin, Paul, Ty, Ackers, Callum, Pete, Trey
Subs: DQ, Ram, Mustard

Man of the Match: this goes to Callum as he constantly tormented their defenders.

Dick of the Day: A majority vote sees Chappell win it (is it a victory?) for his glaring miss from a yard.

Report by: Ram

Today was going to be a good day, I could feel it.

Maybe my aura was the good colour or because Kev’s face had that beautiful ‘day after kebab’ glow it often does, but the sun was shining and we were ready to bounce back after our dressing down at Carshalton.

Kitted up, stretched and raring to go, we lined up to gain a valuable 3 points against bottom of the league, which I have only noticed since the game have yet to register any points in the table, and averaging 0.5 goals per game, ouch. First outing of the season lining up in a 4-3-3 formation (courtesy of yours truly) as we showed intent to press from the top and play free-flowing attacking football.

Understandably it wasn’t long before we took the lead, Matt whipping in a cross to absolutely nobody as their centre back – unfortunately for him – pocketed the ball in his own net in an attempted clearance. Things carried on in similar fashion as our front three of Trey, Paul and Callum ran rings around their defence, linking up well with pace and confidence to bag our second goal of the game, and third, and so on…

I couldn’t write this report without a mention of two world class goals, Paul from the p-spot smashing home a waist-high volley cross from the right, and myself with a belter from outside the box even Frank Lampard couldn’t muster, I’m pretty sure the bar is still shaking. 6-0 up at half time we had well and truly put the game to bed, which was fortunate considering I couldn’t stop my legs from cramping (admittedly a long cycle before the game wasn’t my best idea).

Chappell, as he often does, played with confidence and was willing to assert his authority, although attempting yet another injury on our own team with Matt this time the victim does present the case for a more channelled approach to his aggression. Ty had his most lazy-Fabregas performance to date, pinging 40 yard passes for fun, which unfortunately Matt would often clear out for a goal-kick their end for good measure.

Considering our outstanding link-up play in the first half, man of the match could have gone to a number of people; Callum and Ty for great link up play, myself for naughty tekkers and that wondergoal, or Paul for putting yet another good shift in up top and a Zlatan-worthy strike, but Trey had a game to remember, causing all sorts of problems up top with his movement in behind and netting a brace to top it off.

There are a few contenders for dick of the day; Chappel’s self-destructive aggression, Ty’s booking for not winding his f*cking neck in, or even Matt forgetting he isn’t Steven Gerrard and doesn’t ‘score for fun’ from 40 yards… however this week has got to go to our very cocky keeper Swanny, who for some reason thought he would try and take on their centre forward and losing the ball in front of goal, which really should have been punished if their striker had more composure.

But, of course as he will remind me “the sun was in my eyes”, which I would argue is less the reason to take a chance!

MOM: Trey

DOD: Swanny

I will keep this short and sweet as not to prompt further complaints from the Carshalton hierarchy as per usual when we mention the fact they shouldn’t be in our league etc…. so here goes!
Merton 6’s went into this top of the table clash a bit undercooked due to postponements and lack of game time. So when everybody arrived on time, the management was full of hope of a positive result. The squad was pretty much the same that has got us into the good league position we currently occupy, so there was no need to change this on a weekly basis and pick players from other Merton squads to strengthen.
The game started and Merton were very good off the mark, with challenges being won and some good passing in midfield. Unfortunately, Carshalton’s direct game with balls over the top were catching us out and was no surprise when they cut in from our right and a shot squirmed through Swanny’s hands to make it 1-0.
From this point on, Merton really upped their game and gave a really great display and caused Carshalton no end of problems and bar some great saves from their keeper we should have been at least level. Again though we were caught on the break, and a powerful long range effort lobbed Swanny (the ball was about 3 feet off the floor, sorry Swanny!) and Carshalton went 2-0 ahead.
Merton immediately hit back with a great move that George B finished off. Then after it was attack after attack from Merton and we really should have been level. Unfortunately, we didn’t take our chances where as Carshalton did and again they scored just before half time making it 3-1.
We were very unlucky and should not have 3-1 down with the chances we created and the half time team talk was one of a positive note. A few changes were made to freshen things up and we started again! The second half started with Merton on the back foot and maybe our heads were still in the first half when we felt hard done by. Chances still came our way with George missing a really good chance to get us back in the game, but to be fair Carshalton were the team in charge.
Then came the sour note of the game whereby Spence who was having a great game, was knocked off balance whilst shielding the ball out of play, and took a nasty fall on his wrist. It did not look good and was now pointing in the wrong direction and with him is great deal of pain, was forced off and straight to hospital. A while later we got the results of a double fracture and dislocation!! Very nasty, but thanks to Rat for taking him to the local A and E.
After this our heads didn’t really seem to be in the game and it was no surprise to see Swanny being lobbed again from a really well placed free kick to make it 4-1! Sorry mate!!
Being 4-1 down didn’t stop Carshalton trying to kick us off the park, and some of their players were lucky not to see red. But as the game was edging towards the end they got a 5th after a dubious penalty was given and the skipper booked for his protest. The penalty was awful and Swanny made a good save, but unfortunately was beaten by the re-bound. 5-1 final score.
On a positive not, we have had our two spankings from them and both our nearest rivals are still to play them so let’s focus on promotion!!

Now for Man of the Match, and as no votes were cast, I will give it to the following:
MoM: Special mentions to the skipper (thought he had one of his better games!), Pete who worked hard up top, Chris and Ty for non stop running and Spense! BUT I am going to give it Chappell, battled hard and never gave up even when backs were up against the wall!
DoD: The skipper is not getting it this week!! Could give it to Spence for a broken hand (your supposed to break legs in football), could give it to the whole squad for not backing the skipper up when there was some argy bargy! But I’m afraid it has to go to Swanny this week, two lobs ;o) , a very slight error for the first and should have saved the penalty!!! (Please don’t leave us though!!!!!!)

It gives me a great sense of satisfaction writing this report about the eagerly awaited Merton derby, the first competitive game between two Merton teams in many a year! 

On a personal note and knowing of all the struggles in previous years, it’s great to finally see competitive Merton 6’s and 7’s getting full squads out week in week out and future is looking bright! 

Anyway onto the game and the sixes were missing a few regulars in Tyron (sunning himself in Mexico), Pete and George so in came Merton legend Spense for a run out.  The sevens were pretty much unchanged from recent weeks and are starting to form a very competitive squad for themselves.

The game was played on a heavy pitch at the hood and the first 15 minutes you could tell nobody had played competitive football for a few weeks as passes went astray and touches were heavy.  It then turned out to be a very even affair with both teams coming close, firstly a great save from Gubby denied Callum for the sixes and then some neat play by the sevens opened up the defence and Malcolm missed a great chance.

The match was still a bit scrappy and as was the case with two teams who knew each others strengths and weaknesses, this was to be expected.  It was Merton 7 who seized the initiative with good work down the left and a squared ball (think it was Scott) across the box was slotted in by Dobson. 1-0 to the sevens!  Was there a shock on the cards with the Merton lower team taking the lead against there higher counterparts!  The gaffer of the 6’s was not pleased and with the half coming to an end words were exchanged within the squad, actually it was just Chris moaning, but still words were exchanged!  Half time came and a few changes were made by the sixes in a bid to freshen things up!

The sevens half time talk must of consisted of keeping things tight for the first 10 minutes, but unfortunately for them, this only lasted 1 minute as straight form the re-start the sixes equalised! Some great work from Callum saw him take a shot (which was going wide) and take a massive deflection into the bottom corner of the net and the score was 1-1!

Again the same pattern of play was similar to the first half, but the better chances were starting to fall to the sixes.  Dan P was particularly guilty of missing a sitter!

As the half wore on the sevens looked slightly more tired and with the extra sub on the sixes side this began to tell.  A few players from sevens began to pick up knocks with Dan and Billy in particular limping around, it was then when the sixes struck again.  After the ref finally found his whistle, a freekick was awarded to the sixes and with presence of mind a quick freekick from Chappell released George who broke free and squared the ball for Trey to neatly slot the ball in the net. 2-1 sixes!

As the game was entering the latter stages the sixes had further chances to put the game to bed, but whilst it remained tight the sevens were always in the game and towards the end caused numerous problems for the sixes defence.  Scott was causing problems with his runs and Adam on the wing was seeing some joy.  Swanny made a great save to keep it 2-1 and with the final kick of the game Dobson volleyed wide from close range.

After the game much banter was delivered from the sixes, but they knew they were in a game and in fairness the real winner was Merton Football Club.  I personally found it difficult playing against mates on the oppo and others may have done as well as both teams weren’t at their best.

I would like to mention that Ram apparently nutmegged someone three times, but I didn’t see it so it doesn’t count. 

Also for a change the sixes skipper is writing a report without scoring or finding an assist.

Now for Man of the Match, and as no votes were cast, I will give it to the following:

Sixes: I am going to give it Paul, battled hard and produced that bit extra to make the difference.

Sevens:  A choice between Gubby and Adam, however I will give it to Gubby for keeping the sevens always in the game.

Dick of the Day Sixes: Nominations were for Chris for playing in a very very attacking midfield role and too much moaning ;o) and Dan P for a missing a sitter. But as they need to be dished about fairly, it goes to Swanny for two reasons a) for being late and b) the reason for being late was he was attending a hospital appointment to arrange an operation for his bad back (I am sure they didn’t recommend playing football after that diagnosis!)

Dick of the Day Sevens: Not my place to say, but just for Malcolm’s miss let’s say him.

Another match report written by the gaffer can only mean one thing! More of that later!!

Anyway, with selection being a headache this week it meant the mighty Merton sixes went into this home game with the 13 hardy soles!  Well I say 13, prior to game John was sent to the stands by the ref for wearing his “light” half plaster cast, when John explained that Montero was allowed to wear one and tried to argue that he could elbow someone and cause the same damage the whole team sighed and knew that was the end of that argument! 

So this left us with 12 and with all the confusion going on and sending the sevens players to the right pitch a lack of warm up and team talk went un-noticed!

On to the game then, Merton have started to build a friendly rivalry with Old Blues.  We are two teams evenly matched and over the years we have had many a great game against them and they are a great bunch of lads!

Merton started slowly and the lack of warm up was beginning to show.  Everyone’s touch was letting them down and passing was pretty much non-existent!  Old Blues were looking threatening and putting in dangerous crosses which we struggled to clear.

About 20 mins in, Old Blues finally took the lead with a bit of mix up between keeper and defender ending up with Michael punching the ball 5 feet to an attacker who put the ball in the empty net.  Merton were struggling and some last ditch tackles from Chris and the skipper prevented further damage.

After the skipper barked instructions very angrily, Merton seemed to wake up and finally got a foot hold in the game.  Paul missed a glorious chance from some great work by Pete and everyone thought maybe this wasn’t going to be our day.

Another couple of close long range shots from Chris (getting closer and one day will hit the target!) meant that Merton kept up the pressure. 

Approx 30 mins in Merton equalised.  After some great work by Callum then Trey to square the ball to Ty, he calmly shinned it in to the bottom corner (only joking it was a great curling finish!!). 

Old Blues then rallied and had some more great chances but was denied in particular by a superb save from Michael, unfortunately he dislocated his thumb in the process and was in pain but held out to half time.

Merton went into half time 1-1 and we could count ourselves very lucky as we knew we weren’t playing up to our normal greatness.  During half time the gaffer desperately tried to sneak on Swanny but realised he wasn’t on the team sheet, so that was ruled out, but with Chris injuring his dodgy hamstring, he volunteered to put on the gloves for the second half.

The second half started slowly but Merton were the better team and started to create some great chances with Paul, Pete and Trey all coming close.

Merton’s defence looked a bit more solid and withheld the physical play of Old Blues.  That was until a counter attack caught Merton out down our right and after their skipper put in a dangerous cross in the corridor of uncertainty, the gaffer tried to desperately to divert it from danger, but manged to divert in onto the far post and with the ball creeping along the line their striker smashed it in.  It wasn’t an OG at all!! (ok, maybe it was!).

Merton then went on the attack and managed to create yet more chances and this definitely had the feeling of one them days.  George went off injured as he couldn’t see properly and then with our only substitute coming on (our original GK) at right back, the gaffer was met with discontent from the crowd (Matt) as that wasn’t his position (if I hear that phrase again I will shoot someone!), but Michael didn’t complain and got on with it!

Callum was causing all sorts of problems against a tiring Old Blues and kept driving at the defence, eventually his talent prevailed and he skipped past a few challenges and smashed the ball in the net – 2-2!

Merton with the wind in their sails, went for a winner and again created numerous good chances!  However, we fell behind again to a brilliant header from a great Old Blues corner.  We were left reeling and wondered what we had to do to beat Old Blues!

Anyway, with time ticking away Merton went to a 4-3-3 to try and snatch a draw.  Now as mentioned at the top of this brilliantly written article, there is a reason Mr Skipper/Captain/Organiser and general dogs body chose to write this match report.  In the dying moments of the game the skipper ventured forward for a corner, with a first poor ball in by Ty, he made amends by drawing out the defenders to put a whipping ball in for the skipper who scooped low, like he was picking up dropped kebab meat after a night out and powerfully worked them neck muscles to glance a header into the bottom corner – it was superb header and the best so far of his 3 – yes 3 goals (strikers take note!) this season!

Moments later the full-time whistle went and Merton fault to the end for a hard-earned draw.

Now man of the match, it wasn’t the best week for Merton, but like the Arsenal managed to get a draw when playing bad!  There was no doubt about the best player on the pitch though and that was Callum, so well played!

Dick of the Day was a harder choice, it could have gone to a number of players – Paul for missing numerous good chances (he was ill though, so definitely get lets off!).  John for plastercast gate.  Dan P for kicking the ball miles out of play at every opportunity (can’t give it to him though for playing out of position!).  But this week I am giving this to a forgotten face who used to be play in the centre of midfield for Merton – Matt, this is for having a go at the gaffer for a substitution he had no choice to make as we had nobody else.  It was truly out of order and maybe the frustration of those knees not healing is getting to him – we miss you Matt!!

Let’s get another win next week!

Line up:  Michael, Ram, Dan P, Locke, George, Paul, Ty, Chris, Callum, Trey, Pete

Subs: Dylan

Another home game on a chilly day for the mighty sixes and with back to back wins under their belt, expectations were high against a physical looking Alleyns side.

It wouldn’t be a match report without mentioning our fallen midfield hero John who still has a sprained wrist from too much……………….fifa! Get well soon buddy!

With everyone arriving nearly on time, things were looking positive and with a quick warm up and team talk from the skipper we were off and running. 

From the off Merton were playing some subline football and creating numerous opportunities to put the ball in the net when disaster struck!

A slight lapse in concentration from the skipper left him with a decision to make, take out the onrushing striker or let him pass and score.  Well, I don’t need anyone to tell me I made the wrong decision and Alleyns went 1-0 up.

The good thing about football is that when you make mistake early on, you get a chance to make amends.  Almost immediately after going behind, Merton had a corner.  A beautiful ball was put in by Chris and with the skipper out thinking the defenders by moving one way and other (tits one way and gut other!) he leaped like a salmon migrating up river and thundered in a header and the Merton fans (Matt) went wild in celebration. 1-1!

From then on Merton dominated and created some great chances to take the lead.  Finally, the pressure told and with Paul nicking the ball off the defender, he squared it to Pete who slotted in for his first goal of the season and finally his reward for some great play in recent weeks! 2-1 Merton

With the wind on our back we played some great football and should have been out sight, but Alleyns remained in the game.  With half time approaching, we were awarded a dubious corner! Pete took it and with the help of the wind it was going in directly but Tyron decided to touch it with his arse or thigh and turned it in to give Merton a 3-1 lead at half time.

After the break and with a few fresh legs Merton decided they didn’t want to play football anymore and maybe thought the game was won.  How wrong we were!  With the wind getting stronger and now in our faces it was playing havoc with the newly acquired professional match ball and Merton struggled to clear their lines!  Beans was jumping way to early and heading fresh air (sorry Beans, had to try and give you stick for mocking me in the last report!).  He had a good game really!  Anyway, Alleyns had a change of personnel and now seemed to be playing players in their most dangerous positions and causing the back four havoc!  They scored straight away with a good solo goal and we were thinking the worse.

With attack after attack the Merton defence and goalkeeper repelled most efforts with some great tackles and great saves from Michael.

With Alleyns pouring forward looking for an equaliser, Merton went up the other end scored on the break!  Dan taking a pot shot and the ball swerving over the keeper.  4-2 Merton and surely we couldn’t throw this away! WRONG!!  Back came Alleyns and they scored again with a well placed wind assisted effort in the bottom corner. 4-3! 

At this point Merton were really struggling and an equaliser looked to be on the cards! Merton were first thankful for the woodwork and then a superb one handed save from a point blank header by Michael!  This was the kick up the arse we needed and now with the wind dying in the late afternoon sunshine, Merton retained control of the game and started to create chances.  First Pete went close and also a shot from Chris was saved well.  With a few minutes left Trey chased down a hopeful pass by Paul, beat the offside trap and the keeper to score his first goal for Merton! 5-3 and surely that was the end of that! WRONG!  There was still time for Alleyns to score a superb consolation to make the final score 5-4 to Merton.  A truly great game and would have definitely been match choice on sky!

I would like to say the sixes are gelling really well now and with the injection of youth confidence is starting to come back! The first half was the best I have seen a sixes team play in a long while and we should have been four or five goals clear!

As I write this, numbers are high again for selection this week and unfortunately will have to move a few players around as to make both the sixes and sevens competitive.  If I move you around don’t feel you have been dropped, but I want to give the sevens the best chance possible of surviving and this means we all may have to move around from time to time – all I am doing is trying give everyone football so bear with me!

Now man of the match, could honestly say everyone put a shift in! Special mentions go to Callum who had a great game with some superb touches and direct play.  Chris for his non-stop running and his shots which are finally getting closer to the target!  But this week it has to go to Paul – he was brilliant, two assists and broke up play well and was on time so well done him!

Dick of the Day was a hard choice, it could have gone to a number of players – Beans for missing every header this week (it was the new balls fault!), Chappell for going down injured again (fourth week in a row!).  But this week I am giving this to Tyrone!!!  Claiming a goal that was going in already direct from a corner off your arse/thigh from half a yard is not in the spirit of the game – poor form (tin hat on when he reads this as he will moan all week!!!!)

Let’s get another win next week!

Line up:  Michael, Josh, Beans, Chappell, skipper, Callum, Ty, Chris, Paul, Trey, Pete

Subs: Adam, Aman, Dan P

MERTON FC 2

OLD WILSONIANS 1

After the disappointment of the cup run which means we can no longer qualify for the next round, focused was switched back to the league where a good season is anticipated! The regulars had returned from wooing there lady friends last week and the team had a look of familiarity to the squad. The gaffer had just about recovered from a traumatic week as he managed to get everyone a game of football and assisted in creating the new seventh team!

Anyway on to the game, Old Wilsonians 8’s is a problematic fixture for us in the past and we had already lost heavily to them in the cup, so a tough game was expected. With a good attacking team on paper it was time to put these youngsters through there paces and hopefully give them a good platform to start there adult football adventure with Merton.

Merton with pace on both flanks and up top started brightly. Every player was enjoying early touches on the ball and looking to play out from the back which was a breath of fresh air!

It wasn’t long before chances were being created with Callum and Pete both going close. The midfield pair of Ty and Chris dominated and made it difficult for Wilsons to create many chances. Midway through the first half Merton got the breakthrough. A superb, long and accurate throw in from Skipper (and report writer!) found Paul in the area who superbly turned and shot (or crossed) and the ball looped over the keeper into the net, 1-0 Merton.

After we scored Wilson’s began to up there game and Merton were on the back foot. Dangerous free kicks were given away and there wingers were starting to stretch the play. Inevitably disaster struck and Wilsonians scored. Good play from their winger who managed to slip past Ram and set up their striker one on one with Swanny who managed to dink it over him and with the skipper anticipating this, tried to clear off the line but got the faintest of touches to no avail. Some of the squad are saying this was an own goal, but I’m not having it!

After dominating the play we were left wondering if this was going to be one of them days! Our heads slightly dropped and our crisp play was starting to desert us. Then the moment of controversy in the game. If this was the premier league this would have been on all the back pages and still be talked about in years to come!!

Wilsons broke and with Smithy not sure whether to go ball or runner left them both! Wilsons were in behind (calm down John!) and after a squared ball we were all waiting for the net to bulge and be 2-1 down! However instead of simply kicking the ball in the net, the striker fell over the ball, and decided to use a hand in knocking the ball in instead – a goal was given and there was outrage (Ty should have been booked as was out of order to the ref!). This is where the spirit of the SAL comes into play and with the oppo skipper noticing the handball and striker also partially admitting it, the goal was chalked off. My hat goes off to the skipper and will make sure an email is sent to the club praising his efforts!

This seemed to finally spark Merton back into life and maybe gave us the kick up the arse we needed! After winning tackles and starting to get the ball down chances were being created again and it wasn’t long before we re-took the lead, great play from Paul led to him finding Callum who cut inside and took a shot which was pushed in the net by the keeper making it 2-1 and it wasn’t even half-time yet.

Half-time came and went and to be honest the second half flew by without much incident! Changes were made by Merton and all who came on had blinders! We even introduced one of the youngest player in Merton’s history with Dylan making his debut!

Chances again came and went for Merton and we should have added to our scoreline and we were still wondering if we would rue these chances. Wilsonians did have a couple of half chances but the defence stood strong and with them tiring due to no subs Merton held on for the win.

One sour note was Swanny putting his back out which could see him sidelined for a while, but up stepped the skipper to stand in goal for the final moments (when they found a proper adults shirt that fitted him!!!)

Anyway let’s hope we can carry this form onto next weeks game and as I write this report numbers are high so bare with the manager!

TEAM: Swanny, Ram, Adam (Beans), Mark, Kevin, Callum, Chris, Tyrone, Paul, Pete, Trey

SUBS: Adam, George, Dylan

MAN OF THE MATCH: The whole squad played really well and this was our best game this season! But a clear winner this week was Paul – well played that man!!

DICK OF THE DAY: I am not happy about this but apparently after scoring an own goal (it wasn’t) and at fault for the controversy (I didn’t see the runner!) and the shirt debacle. Yes its me (Kev!) – as the saying goes “every dog has its day!”

MERTON FC  2

SOUTH BANK CUACO  0

Fresh off of the back of this season’s first win, the Sixes welcomed South Bank back down to the Hood for the early kick-off. A little too early for some, with Paul turning up just moments before the start, keeping traditions alive and well. John would be so proud.

There were some enforced changes to last week’s winning team, with Chris unavailable and Swanny having that back of 90 year old. In came Anan hungry for minutes on the pitch, and Kieran, thirsty for… well we all know what Kieran is thirsty for.

After the usual drill sergeant like levels of motivation from the gaffer, and finer tactical pointers (“Give the ball to the young lads”, “Kieran, if you’re seeing three balls just stop the middle one”), we were ready for blood.

The first half was a tight affair, with both teams playing some decent football, but neither team making the breakthrough. Merton did get some luck though with South Bank losing a player to injury, and thus having no subs for the rest of the game. No we had to take advantage to of this and test the tiring South Bank legs.

At this point it should be noted that the defence were particularly playing a blinder, holding a compact, but high defensive line, and winning first balls left, right and centre. South Bank’s dangerous forward line were getting frustrated. George was having the best game of is Merton career.

The only real trouble to speak of was a couple of misunderstandings between the back four and the stand in keeper. The defence left, what they thought were, a couple of easy balls for the keeper. But with Kieran on the look out in case any WADA testers turned up, he was slow off of his line.

Luckily we made it to half time without any disasters. 0-0.

Fresh legs were needed up top, so on came Paul and Scott. The less said about Ram’s brief, but brave, cameo the better.

The pressure was all Merton. Corners, free kicks and long throws were all flung into the box, but still no break through.

Finally the break through came. Paul made a strong run into the box and was sent tumbling to the ground by the keeper. Blatant penalty surely?! All eyes went straight to the referee, who remained impassive. In the confusion Scott found the ball at his feet and found the back of the net. 1-0 Merton.

Merton continued to have the best of the play and soon enough all eyes were again on the referee, demanding another penalty. Scott found himself in a position to shoot and tried his best to bend the ball into the top corner. His best wasn’t all that good. The ball was flying miles wide, but for some unknown reason a South Bank defender threw a hand at the ball. This time even the ref couldn’t deny it.

Now the arguments begin. Who will take it? The usual suspects are all interested. Pete. How many did you miss last season? Ty. Not the way you’ve been taking free kicks today. Kev. No chance gaffer. So up stepped Scott, in the midst of fine goal scoring run. He did his best to miss it, he really did. He hit it straight at the keeper. But he fumbled the ball, and bang, 2-0.

All Merton had to do was see out the remaining minutes of the game, and do nothing stupid.

South Bank had nothing left to give and their frustrated forwards had no answer to Merton’s experienced and robust defence.

It ended 2-0. A second straight win and the Sixes find themselves 3^rd in the league. Bring on next week and Alleyn Old Boys down at the Hood.

TEAM: Kieran, Kev, Chappell, Beanz, George, Adam, Anan, Ty, Callum, Trey, Pete.

SUBS: Scott, Ram, Paul.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Unanimous this week. Nothing and no one got past George at right back this week.

DICK OF THE DAY: It could’ve been Ram for his brave effort whilst playing ill (hungover). It could’ve been Paul for his phenomenal time-keeping. But this week Adam was literally Dick of the Day. A dick so popular that even one of the opposition players had to have a feel.

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