Merton FC Centenary 2010

Centenary Fixtures (SAL Representative XI and Lloyds TSB Invitation XI)

Sunday, 5th September 2010

Merton 1 – 0 S.A.L. Representative Team

The big day arrived with a promising weather forecast but not the weather we were promised. We were able to field a strong side and the League also had a good team out with a good measure of the local elite. We started pretty well in a nice competitive game. As ever we made and missed a few good chances and went ahead after 25 mins when Woody scored direct from a free kick. We had chances to make it 2 but did not take them. In the second half the SAL side found their feet and got use to playing together. They started to really get to grips with us and we were pushed back on defence nad tried to hold on to our lead. There were two outsanding saves from Oaksey that stopped the Re team getting the draw that they probably deserved from the balance of play. Woody was outstanding in midfield and was named as our man of the match (picked out by John Millar SAL Chairman). Clappers lead the team very well and everyman of 17 man squad made a contribution. The team was urged on by a crowd of 100+ including the Lady Mayor and her entourage.

The crowd were distracted by Merton’s ladies team on the adjoining pitch winning their opening league fixture 4-1. After match catering was excellent and provided by Dodge and his team. The match was well controlled by Matt Cannon and his assistants Gareth Dineen and John Doe, to whom we are very grateful. Gareth tried to explain to me that when i introduced Mustard to the game (not for the squeamish) his first four tackles were all fouls. I thought I should put the record straight for the centenary. Mustard never fouls anyone, there is no intent, he is either trying to win the ball or control and unfortunately if anyone is nearby from either team they run the risk of collateral damage. You will notice his team mates give him plenty of room. Lofty generally plays on the other side of the pitch. It was really good to have Muserrd, Lofty, Shauno and Simon Murphy, real Merton stalwarts in the squad on such a day. Also Danny Wells (GK) on the touch line, hosting the Lady Mayor but ready to come on if it got too hot for Oaksey.

We are also grateful to Pat Falon, Mike Brown and Bob Leeds for bringing the Rep team down to help showcase our celebrations. It was a good strong side Captained By Nick Haynes and with good representation from Old Salesians and Old Wilsonians and some of our local rivals. Their man of the match was Chris Webber who was always a danger on the wing. All these elements and the representatives of The SAL, AFA and other SAL clubs and the improving weather that helped make this such a good day for us. Thanks to Ian Lewis and the organising committee (Dodge Dixie Clappers Sherbs etc etc ) who worked hard to prepare everything on match day.

Team (4-4-2) Oaksey, Jonesy, Browner, Clappers (Capt), Sherbs, (Lofty), Ivan (Shauno), Al, Tills Woody, Jamal (Matt), Ash (Simon Murphy), Danny Boy.