False start for 1s against Tough TFT
The Soash’ made their way to a wet and windy Fishponds for the first game of the new season. After taking 4 points from the opposition last year hopes were high for a good result. A few players were missing but we still managed to put a strong squad out.
Ethon
Matt Aron Nick Ball Al
Dom Danny Harry
Quinno Jack Hands
Moulesy
Subs: Shi$$y, Dunc
Preparations weren’t the best, Moulesy had to wear different boots due to leaving one at home, Dom forgot one of his shinpads and due to work commitments Jack Hands, playing his first Merton game for a couple of years made it just before kick off.
In truth the first half was pretty poor with Merton second best to most and finding ourselves doing a lot of chasing and it was no surprise to see ourselves down 1-0 at half time.
Merton kept it the same for the start of the second half and immediately looked better, pressing together and winning the ball higher up the pitch. Merton were rewarded for their improved performance when Dom met one of Quinno’s long throws to stick the ball past the keeper and into the corner.
Dunc and Shizzy came on for Al and Harry respectively to make their debuts as Merton pushed for a winner. Unfortunately within a few minutes of scoring TFT hit us on the break to go 2 1 up and that was how the game finished. All in all TFT definitely deserved the win due to Merton’s performance in the first half.
From what we have seen so far it is likely that TFT will be up towards the top of the league this year and so we will need to beat them next time around if we want to finish above them!
Other notable inclusions:- Really hench referee, Ethon spending post match in the groundsmens shed drinking the cans I'd bought for George earlier!
MOM Nick Ball - Well played pal!
