MATCH REPORT: Mitcham Strollers FC 0 - 0 Merton-Upon-Caterham FC (2 AET 0) After successfully putting 6 past Addington United in the previous round, Merton were drawn against Mitcham Stollers for the next stage of the Surrey Cup. With Damon and Sean Smith, Dan Rowley and Chris Bailey all turning up dead on 10:30 the game kicked off with very little preparation. Fletcher was spotted arriving even later, bringing up the rear alongside Seans other half, adding fuel to the already flaming bonfire of rumours between the pair. With Captain Kieran Hayhoe absent for the game after getting lost in the friend zone and was been unable to find his way out, there was a partnership of Bullen and OToole in centre defence. Bulku and Wenham were full backs, Johnson and S. Smith in the midfield and Knott, Kingston, Rowley playing behind Jones up front in the place of Williamson who was ruled out earlier in the week due to a back injury. There was some positive news when Thumwood, Connor and Liam Hayhoe, Fletcher and Bailey all warmed the bench despite injuries just in case they were called upon. The game began with the Hornets having the first clear cut chance after just a few minutes. Kingston nodded a high ball into Knott who cleverly found Jones in space just inside the area but unfortunately he passed his shot wide. From then on it was pretty much on way traffic, Mitcham got the ball down well and created a number of chances which were brilliantly dealt with by Bulku, Wenahm, Bullen and OToole, not to mention Damon Smith who continued his fantastic form and dominated his box and produced some excellent saves. With the half coming to a close, Bailey was bought into the action for his first appearance since his ankle injury, to add some flair down the flanks. Instantly the young winger burst down the line and sent a cross to the back post. Kingston bought it down and rolled the ball into an oncoming Tom Wenham, again the shot failed to find the target. One final effort by Merton before the half time whistle, Wenham switching the play brilliantly, finding Kingston on the right and side but for a third time the shot went wide of the goal. 0-0 at half time and despite the lack of possession the game was evenly poised. A couple of changes saw an half fit Thumwood and C. Hayhoe enter the game for a few minutes at least, Thumwood went into midfield and broke up play before passing it neatly up the pitch while Hayhoe went up front adding a bit more pace to the attack. As I said, Mitcham had the majority of the ball in the first half but due to the outstanding defending, they were unable to create any clear cut chances, however, in the second period the defending was just as good but Damon Smith was required to pull out some class saves to keep the game at 0-0. Merton opportunities were rare but when they did come they should have been taken. A good phase of play saw the Hornets outnumber the Strollers defence, Wenham and Kingston played the ball nicely to each other before finding Sean Smith, his pass was just behind Bailey on the left and the chance was gone. The full time whistle came not a moment too soon and 30 minutes of extra time was to be played. Merton again started the better side, for the first 3 minutes. Bailey jinxed his way down the field before unleashing a shot which went over the bar. From then on, the ball was in the Merton half. Bulku, Bullen, OToole and Johnson all had to make last second blocks to prevent an effort on goal by the Strollers when finally they had a real opportunity in the most controversial of circumstances. The Mitcham number 10 was spotted at the Manchester United training ground working alongside Ashley Young but no one really knew why, but it all became clear. He burst down the left just outside the area, Bullen came across to cover and the wind must have knocked the skinny runt over. The number 10 dropped like Crystal Palaces points tally and the referee pointed to the spot. Damon guessed right and saved the initial effort but was unable to hold the shot and the Mitcham penalty taker converted the rebound. At this point the teams spun around and kicked off for the second half, Kingston worked the ball into the area but couldnt get a shot away then next he was given the ball outside the box, chose to shoot and finally gave the goalkeeper something to do as he pulled out an excellent two handed stop. With minutes to go Mitcham killed off the game when a midfielder danced through and slotted the ball home. A good effort with so many injuries before and during the game to deal with but definitely not a vintage Hornets performance who will feel like they could have done better. Next week is a return to league matters with a home game against AFC Horley Reserves who they beat on the opening game of the season 6-1, the fans will be hoping for a performance more like that. MOTM: The defence and goalkeeper all deserve the award but it goes to Elton Bulku for a solid display and for his calm footwork at the back. Attendance: 5
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 20:53:03 +0000
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