Merley Allendale YFC

Eagles Under 15   2007 - 2008

League: Dorset Youth League U15 Division 2

Final Position: 6th out of 10 teams

Sponsor: None

Training is held on Saturdays at Merley First School 09.30 to 11.00.

Date	Opponents	Venue	Comp	Result	Scorers	Man Of Match
09-SEP-07	Westland Sports	A	League	1 - 9	T.Joy	Dominic Roberts
16-SEP-07	Dorchester Dynamos	H	League	4 - 3	L.Polchar, D.Roberts, R.McGregor, T.Joy	James Rimmer
23-SEP-07	Blandford Youth	A	League	0 - 3	-	Alex Wathen
30-SEP-07	Poole Town Rovers	H	League	7 - 2	T.Tiller (pen), L.Kerley, C.Miles 2, T.Joy, A.Hadley, R.McGregor	Lewis Kerley
07-OCT-07	Donhead	A	League	0 - 4	-	Andy Hadley
14-OCT-07	Rossgarth Youth	H	League	2 - 4	D.Roberts, T.Joy	Dominic Roberts
21-OCT-07	Broadstone Braves	H	League	0 - 0	-	Craig Miles
04-NOV-07	Durweston	H	League	8 - 0	C.Miles 2, R.McGregor, T.Joy 2, B.Amey, A.Wathen 2	Ben Lourence
11-NOV-07	Broadstone Braves	A	D.Cup	5 - 2	o.g., B.Amey, C.Miles, A.Wathen, E.Bailey	Leo Polchar
25-NOV-07	Westland Sports	H	League	0 - 5	-	Ben Lourence
16-DEC-07	Blandford Youth	H	League	0 - 1	-	Leo Polchar
06-JAN-08	Poole Town Rovers	A	D.Cup	1 - 5	C.Miles	Robbie McGregor
20-JAN-08	Donhead	H	League	2 - 1	B.Amey 2	Ben Lourence
27-JAN-08	Broadstone Braves	A	League	1 - 1	D.Roberts	Leo Polchar
03-FEB-08	Dorchester T. Stars	H	League	3 - 2	B.Lourence, E.Bailey, R.McGregor	Craig Miles
10-FEB-08	Durweston	A	League	3 - 0	L.Polchar, E.Bailey, T.Joy	Elliot Bailey
24-FEB-08	Poole Town Rovers	A	League	11 - 0	E.Bailey 4, B.Amey 4, R.McGregor, L.Polchar, D.Roberts	Ben Amey
02-MAR-08	Dorchester T. Dynamos	A	League	1 - 2	T.Tiller	Alex Wathen
08-MAR-08	Rossgarth Youth	A	League	0 - 3	-	?
20-APR-08	Dorchester T. Stars	A	League	1 - 1	?	?

Stats

League: Played 18, Won 7, Drawn 3, Lost 8, Goals For 44, Goals Against 41

Cup:      Played 2, Won 1, Drawn 0, Lost 1, Goals For 6, Goals Against 7

Players Awards

Ceremony held at AFC Bournemouth on 17th May 2008

Player's Player Of The Year:             Leo Polchar

Most Improved Player Of The Year:  Elliott Bailey

Manager's Player Of The Year:         Ben Lourence

Match Reports

Sunday 9th September 2007  Westland Sports 9  Merley Allendale 1
I open the first match report of 2007/8 season with the depressing words a disappointing start to the season” following a 9-1 loss to Westland Sports. While we were hoping for better start to our Division 2 campaign following last seasons relegation from the top flight, I am confident that the opponents that we faced today will be one of the teams challenging for promotion at the end of the season despite this being their first time in the league.
      Although disappointed for the team I remain confident that we will have a good season as we have a better, stronger and more balanced team than last year. With this in mind it was particularly pleasing to see that one of our new signings Tom Joy scored our consolation goal 21 minutes into the second half. The teams performance overall was not poor as the score might suggests and, as we gained confidence in the second half, passing and movement improved and Polchar and Tiller both came close to scoring.
      While all players worked hard there we some particularly good performances from the tireless Dominic Roberts (MOM) and James Rimmer who looked calm and composed in our new look back four. Our two new players Tom Joy and Leo Polchar also worked hard in the middle of the park and deserved more for their efforts. Tom Tiller also covered every part of the pitch no doubt in an attempt to inspire his team in his new role as team captain. In the second half our goalkeeper Alex Wathen also made some outstanding saves at the feet of the advancing Westland players.
      In summary we know the areas of our game that we need to work on and will all be back on the training ground on Saturday to make sure we fulfil our true potential.

Sunday 16th September 2007   Merley Allendale 4 Dorchester Town Dynamos 3
I am pleased to report our first win of the season in blustery conditions against a good Dorchester side. With the wind at our backs in the first half we took an early lead (8 minutes) when Leo Polchar fired in a long range shot which, as it says in the coaching manuals, he managed to bounce the shot up in front of the diving goal keeper.
      Our lead was further extended when Dominic Roberts scored from a set piece corner. Dorchester replied immediately when their fast forward broke away to make it 2-1. The 2 goal lead was restored before half time when Robbie McGregor, on as a substitute for Elliott Bailey, scored from close range with a well struck shot. This lead was added to when Tom Joy scored our fourth from the edge of the penalty area on 34minutes.
      To their credit Dorchester continued to compete and in the second half, assisted by a strong wind at their back, scored two goals on 39 and 43 minutes before Merley back four got the measure of the wind assisted ball dropping behind our defence (hands up managers fault for not addressing this properly at half time).
      The team continued to work hard and showed patches of attractive passing and movement football which is a good sign that we are starting to come into form. Man of the Match this week was James Rimmer who played the ball confidently out of defence and look most composed throughout. Overall their were some great performances from all the players so to single any other player out would be unfair. Also, a well done goes to Jonny Read who, despite not getting off the subs bench today, stayed positive and supported his team.
      This was a good result particularly when considering that we managed to hold onto a one-goal lead for 27 minutes (this is not recommended for the managers stress levels!)

Sunday 23rd September 2007   Blandford Youth Bullets 3   Merley Allendale 0
      I write this match report with mixed emotions as I have just watched our Under 15 team play the best football I have ever seen them play, only to lose 0-3. You might read this and think ‘well he would say that wouldn't he’ but you know your right when even the referee comes over at the end of the game to congratulate the team on their performance, and tell the team that he reckoned they had about 70% of the possession and played some great football.
      The first half saw a composed performance where we were so much in Blandford's half that our goalkeeper only touched the ball about three times. Craig Miles went close on 15minutes when the keeper saved with his feet. Lewis Kerley, in his first game as centre forward, gave 100% having been told his role was to make a nuisance of himself against their back four.
      The team continued to press the Blandford goalmouth, forcing our opponents into making a number of panic clearances from their goal area. At this point it was clear the our players were enjoying themselves with one heard to shout “come on lads this is superb football”. Despite all the pressure it was 0-0 at half time.
      The half time team talk was easy, just keep doing the same but watch them on the break.
The second half saw more of the same with some great passing and movement from the back all the way through to midfield. At this point had we scored I am sure we would have gone on to win handsomely. However on 14 minutes the inevitable happened, their goal keeper retrieved the ball from yet another Merley attack and his drop kick found its way behind our back four and was finished off by their centre forward, 0-1.
      Have played so well up until that point the team was shaken, and for a moment we lost the pass and movement and failed to retain the earlier possession. The team gathered itself and continue to press Blandford but failed to produce a finish. Unfortunately, our continued efforts and frustration allowed Blandford to break and they scored twice more on 24 and 26minutes. In the closing minutes Tom Tiller hit the bar but by this time it was too late.
      At this point I find myself asking the question would I have preferred to win at any cost or lose playing such great football. I think that it would be the later as I know that today saw the break though in our playing style which long term will win us more games than we lose.
      MOM was so difficult to decide as everyone played so well. But in the end the decision was unanimous and it was awarded to Alex Wathen for his performance and decision to play in goal rather than outfield for the benefit of the balance of the team.
      Finally, while disappointed about the result, the people I feel sorry for are the mums and dads who couldn't make it today because you missed a performance from your son that would have made you extremely proud.

Sunday 30th September 2007   Merley Allendale 7   Poole Town Rovers 2
      As Jimmy Greaves who used to say football is a funny old game, last week I sang the praises of our team when they lost while this week we won and I was unhappy with the way we played! It may have been that a number of forced changes upset the balance of our team but whatever it was we did not play with any great fluidity, confidence and determination for much of the first half, notably in midfield.
      However Tom Tiller got us off to a good start scoring from a penalty after only two minutes. Despite this we rode our luck as Poole Town hit the post twice before Lewis Kerley’s determination paid of when he closed down the defender and his blocking challenge forced the ball over the line. After a lengthy hold up due to a Poole player breaking a collar bone, Poole came back at us scoring on 28 minutes to make the half time score 2-1. If fairness to Poole if it were not for the sterling efforts of our back four we could have gone in level or trailing at half time.
      After a few ‘constructive’ words of encouragement our performance in the second half improved and confidence grew. This was rewarded on 6 minutes with a well-taken goal from Craig Miles. This seemed to lift the game in midfield with Craig leading the way and taking more control of the play. Then on 14 minutes Tom Joy, who had been playing a deeper midfield role in the match, scored a disputed goal that the opposition linesman flagged as offside. Fortunately the referee himself was in line with the play and allowed the goal. 
      Confidence was now high and Craig Miles scored a second on 22 minutes followed on 26 minutes with a well deserved goal from Andy Hadley which  hit the cross bar and found its way across the goal line.  At this point many of the Merley players were pushing forward trying to get on the score sheet. This push forward must have had an effect on our goalkeeper James Rimmer when a Beckham’ like shot from the Poole half caught him off his line (I fear he will be reminded of this on a few more occasions by family and friends!) However in the keepers defence he did make up for this when he prevented Poole form scoring from a one on one chance. On the 34th  minute Robbie McGregor scored a well earned goal having come close on several occasions.
      'Man of the Match' went to Lewis Kerley who demonstrated the determination and effort that I am looking for from the rest of the team.  So it is back to the training ground to practice pass and movement and lets hope that next week we can win and play the great football we are capable of playing.

Sunday 7^th October 2007   Donhead 4   Merley Allendale 0
      I am not sure it is always wise to complete match reports so soon after the final whistle but I shall try to positively reflect in this match and the Merley performance rather than my disappointment for the team. Once again I find myself reporting on a game where the team has played attractive passing and movement football only to lose.
      At the start of the game we felt confident that, despite having a depleted squad, we could beat Division 2’s current league leaders. Merley got off to a quick positive start with a snap shot from McGregor which unfortunately took a deflection wide. The only counter from Donhead coming from long balls out of their defence for their fast forwards to chase down. Once again Tom Tiller played a captains role filling in in defence alongside Dominic Roberts who was quick and strong both defending or when going on forward runs. The central midfield pairing of Polchar and Joy worked hard to maintain possession and Elliott Bailey look composed up front laying the ball off for shots from Miles and Polchar who both went close.
      Wathen battled hard on the left side of midfield with his only reward for his efforts being an ankle injury on 28 minutes that ruled him out of the rest of the game. Fortunately Andy Hadley had shown great commitment and managed to rush from one sporting event to the match making sure that we maintained a full team of 11 players. Then on 30 and 32 minutes we were shocked to go behind with two really soft goals after clearly being the better of the two sides.
      At half time we were confident that we could still get a result but were knocked a third time when we conceded yet another soft goal immediately after the restart. This gave us a hill to climb but the players were more determined to make a come back which still seemed likely when Polchar’s volley from a quickly taken throw was parried by the goalkeeper. Merley continued to press with well placed free kicks and corners provided by Craig Miles. Donhead's only answer continuing to be a long ball for their forwards to chase down. As the clock ticked down heads began to drop a little but Elliott Bailey continued to work hard and created space in their area with one particular piece of skill that I think even surprised himself! (it was great to watch though). Merley continued to press but by now it was end to end stuff with Merley on the attack and Donhead on the counter.  The end result of this being a further goal for Donhead on the 30^th minute.
      So in summary an excellent performance from all players (including those not named above) but we did not take our chances while Donhead took advantage on the break and were made to look worthy winners with a handful of soft goals. So we will continue to work hard on our play, sack the goal keeping coach, and wish for some of overdue good luck that our opponents seem to have.
      MOM the match was a tough decision this week but was awarded to Andy Hadley for a series of excellent performances and for his commitment to the team to get to the game (oh and thanks to dad for getting him there).
      To all players keep the faith -  we will get the improved results that our play deserves. Personally I think it is the manager who needs to go (anyone got Mourinio's number?)   

Sunday 14^th October 2007   Merley Allendale 2 Rossgarth 4
      People say it is not the winning it is the taking part that counts, well that is fine but when you do not deserve to lose it is pretty hard to accept. At the start of the day Rossgarth were above us on goal difference in mid table but we fully expected to maintain our unbeaten home record.
      After a slow start and suffering 10minutes of early pressure we began to play the pass and move football we been perfecting since last season. In the 12^th minute a move straight off the training ground saw Craig Miles break down the wing to cross for Tom Tiller to net. Unfortunately a marginal offside decision saw this goal disallowed. On the 20^th minute a tactical substitution that traded hold up play for pace saw Robbie McGregor come on for Elliott Bailey (sorry son) which immediately caused the Rossgarth defence some problem as Robbie used his speed to close their back four down and force them to make errors.
      On the 26^th minute our efforts were rewarded when Dominic Roberts netted a perfectly struck corner from Craig Miles. Rossgarth came close in the closing minutes of the half but Merley reach halftime with a deserved lead.  The half time team talk called for focus from the start but unfortunately this did not happen. In less than a minute from the restart Rossgarth levelled with a comedy goal where two Merley players left the ball for the other and the resulting failure to clear let the Rossgarth striker nip in to score. Merley battled back and on the 12^th minute our current leading goal scorer Tom Joy nipped into the box to beat their keeper to a bouncing ball and score. Merley held the lead for eight minutes when Rossgarth beat the Merley offside trap to score. At this point Merley forwards and midfield were keen to push on and grab the winner but this did leave gaps between our midfield and defence that were exploited by the long ball which by this point was difficult to deal with as Merley faced into the sun.
      Dominic Roberts again came close when his header downwards from a Miles cross bounced over the cross bar. Keen to hold onto their unbeaten home record the Merley lads continued to push for the winner leaving the back four exposed. So with 3 minutes and one minute to goal Rossgarth got behind our defence to slot two goals past a diving Alex Wathen. Once again this should go down to a managers error as we should have held the midfield and settled for the draw - who knows.
      All I can say now is that there is a couple of tweaks needed in our set up but when we get these right heaven help our opponents. Once again there were great performances all round but Dominic Roberts edged it for MOM the match through his surging runs and positive play in the goalmouth. However equal praise should also go to the unsung heroes Jonny Read and Elliott Bailey who, due to the closeness of the match, got little or no time on the pitch. It is they who represent the spirit of the team and their patience with the manager is much appreciated.

Sunday 21st October 2007   Merley Allendale 0   Broadstone Braves 0
    This week the challenge started before we had even kicked the ball as we struggled to field eleven fit players. Elliott Bailey was given the armband in the absence of Team Captain Tom Tiller for his determination to overcome an injury and help make sure we could field a full team.
      From the start Merley put pressure on Broadstone with a flurry of attacks and some good passing and movement off the ball. Craig Miles was at the heart of our attack not only providing some excellent crosses but also coming close with two well struck shots in the first 10minutes that were parried by the Broadstone goalkeeper. With about 15minutes gone, and with Merley well on top, Broadstone finally created a chance, which was well blocked and saved on the line by our keeper, James Rimmer.
      Throughout the half we saw a series of strong runs from the heart of our defence from Dominic Roberts that put Broadstone on the back foot. Merley continued to press with the ongoing pressure being rewarded with a series of corners that saw threatened the Broadstone goal on a number of occasions. Just before half time, at the and of a series of well placed passes, Tom Joy came close with a driven shot that went just over the bar.
      At half time players were full of determination to get back out on the pitch and score the much needed goal that had alluded them. Within minutes of the restart our new player Ben Amey, who we had made a striker on his debut, came close with shot with his favoured left foot from the edge of the penalty area. All the players battled doggedly to try to get the deserved result none more that Leo Polchar who no doubt wanted win more than most against his old team.
     Andy Hadley continued to show his top form for the season, at one point holding off four Broadstone defenders in the corner of the pitch as he sought to create an opening. Tom Joy again came close with a glancing header from yet another superb cross from Craig Miles. As Broadstone continued to hold on the frustration within the team grew and with it a fear among the supporters that yet again, after being on top of our opponents for most of the game, Broadstone might score on the break. However we need not have been concerned as Ben Lourence marshalled the defence around him to make sure there was no repeat of previous games.
      As the final whistle blew there was more than a little disappointment from the players who knew that they had deserved to win. However, having started from the position at beginning of the week where it looked as if we might not be able to field a full team, this was a good result. All players from our injured (Elliott) and new (Ben) Striker though to our battling full backs Alex Osborne and Jonny Read should be congratulated from a good solid performance that we can build upon next week. Man of the match was awarded to Craig Miles who was all over the pitch, taking players on, crossing, shooting in the way that we know he can.
      There are many things we could be disappointed about in sport this weekend lads (England Rugby, Lewis Hamilton, Drogba scoring etc) but your performance was not one of them…well done.

Sunday 4th November 2007   Merley Allendale 8 Durweston FC 0
      The Fireworks started early this year with a decisive result against a depleted Durweston team (I ear wigged their managers team talk). This week, for the first time in a while, we had a full squad to choose from which meant we had some different options we could try. However we took nothing for granted as this was the team that beat Broadstone (the team we had drawn with the in our last match) 6-0.
      With Tom Tiller taking the goalkeepers Jersey for the first time this season,  we opted to play two pacey strikers  Robbie and Ben Amey who, as instructed, closed down the opposition defenders from the start. This paid off immediately when on 2minutes a loose ball found Craig Miles on the edge of the penalty area and was driven passed the keeper.
      Merley kept the pressure on Durweston and continued to look menacing with little response coming from their opponents. On 16 minutes Leo Polchar injured his foot and had to come off for treatment which forced us to push Dom Roberts forward and slide Ben Lourence into the centre back position with Jonny Read slotting in as full back.
      This reshuffle did not have a negative affect as immediately after the change Tom Joy slotted in his first goal of the day. This was immediately followed up with goals from Robbie McGregor (22 minutes) and Ben Amey (24 minutes); both had been threatening throughout the first half.
      While the forwards bathed in the glory much credit should go to the defence who remained solid throughout. James Rimmer was calm and composed on the ball while Ben Lourence, now in his less favoured central roll, was dogged and determined and even managed to save the blushes of the under-worked goalkeeper by tidying up a ‘Paul Robinson like’ miss hit clearance (Tom I think you owe Ben one). 
      At half time the talk was all about not being complacent and trying to keep a clean sheet as well as scoring. I also took the opportunity to make the first of several changes by replacing Ben Amey with Alex Wathen. This change brought immediate rewards when Wathen scored with a well struck shot from inside the penalty area 4 minutes after the restart.
      To their credit Durweston continued to try to make in roads into our defence as we push forward hungry for more goals. This resulted in Tom Tiller making his first real save on the goal line 7 minutes into the second half. 5 minutes later Craig Miles scored his second with a low struck shot from outside the area past a now despondent Durweston keeper. 
      With all Merley players performing well it was a difficult decision who to take off to give our 3^rd substitute Elliott Bailey a run out. With 19 minutes to go this dubious honour fell to an Andy Hadley who had continued to dazzle the opposition with his footwork throughout the match.
      Merley continued to push with Robbie McGregor now attacking from a wide midfield role. Confidence as you would expect was high and we even saw some excellent attacking runs from our full back Alex Osborne to compliment another solid performance in defence from him. Tom Joy, now playing in a front three, scored his second on 30 minutes to maintain his leading scorer position.
      For the final 20minutes or more I had to put up with the Merley players on the side line, including the injured Polchar, nagging me to let them get back on. However the replacements on the pitch were determined to make their mark. They did not disappoint and provided the best goal of the game. Bailey controlled the ball on his chest, turned and chipped the ball perfectly through to Wathen who had got behind the Durweston defence. Wathen then chipped the advancing keeper to make the final score 8-0.
      Man of the match went to Ben Lourence for a great performance among many others around him. Next week we have we play Broadstone in the cup and I look forward to carrying forward the confidence gained from this long overdue result. As I said earlier, when we play to our potential as we did today there are not many teams that will beat us.

Sunday 11th November 2007  Dorset Cup - Broadstone Braves 2   Merley Allendale 5
      This week we were once again blessed with a full squad to select from which gave the manager a headache with every player hitting form around the same time and all keen to play. We opted for our most attack minded team with Amey (smash) and McGregor (grab) up front.
      Disappointingly our start to the first half was very scrappy on a narrow pitch. Our first chance fell to our top scorer Tom Joy who uncharacteristically headed wide from close range. Immediately after this Broadstone had a 1 on 1 with our keeper Tom Tiller only to knock the ball wide of the post. The ball continued to bobble back and forth in the middle of the park with neither team in control. At this point Ben Lourence was the best player on the field tackling tenaciously and playing the ball wide out of defence.
      Our forwards continually chasing down the ball put pressure on Broadstone and paid off when on 10minutes a clearance in the six yard box struck one of their own players and crossed the line. Despite this Merley continued to fail to get to grips with the game despite a further goal from Amey on 18 minutes following a through ball that saw him get behind the Broadstone back four. Merley continued to stutter their way through the game with the only sign of light coming from flashes of skill from Hadley.
      Merley were made to pay for their failure to get control of the game when Broadstone scored on 20 minutes. This goal gave the Broadstone players hope and, on 24 minutes, Tiller was forced to make a finger tip save from a well struck Broadstone free kick taken from the edge of Merley’s penalty area. A Merley clearance from the resulting corner dropped on the edge of the penalty area and was met with an unstoppable Broadstone volley to make the score 2-2 on 25 minutes.
      At half time we took a chance and substituted Hadley and McGregor for Wathen and Read which allowed us to push Joy and Roberts forward. As the second half started Merley appeared to control more of the game and push back Broadstone. This increased pressure was rewarded on 43 minutes when Craig Miles fired in a shot from an acute angle to get us off to a great start.
      Fourteen minutes into the second half our hard working forward Ben Amey was replaced by Elliott Bailey. Merley continued to threaten the Broadstone goal and dominate midfield. This pressure resulted in a number of corners and on 24 minutes Alex Wathen got his head to a Miles corner to score.  Elliott Bailey continued to work hard to regain his regular place in the team and on 28 minutes his efforts were rewarded when he side footed a shot in the bottom left corner passed the diving Broadstone keeper.
      With the game won Tom Joy was taken off for a well earned rest and Robbie McGregor was brought back on to see if he could latch onto on of Tom Tillers long drop kicks. McGregor almost made it six when his shot narrowly cleared the bar.
       This rounded off a much better second half which saw great performances from all players. We were strong at the back with the tireless Lourence and cool and collected Rimmer supported by fullbacks Osborne and Read despite having to struggle to see the ball dropping through the sunlight.
However the key to the improved second half was the performance of the midfield paring of Polchar and Roberts and for his outstanding efforts Polchar was awarded Man of the Match.
      The team worked hard for and were rewarded with a win that takes us into the third round of the cup. The hardest part of the day fell to the manager to decide which player to substitute and he continues to ask that players show patience and confidence that all will be given an equal opportunity to play if they are able to maintain their excellent form (particularly messers Hadley and Bailey as I would like to be back on you Christmas card lists!)

Sunday 25 November 2007   Merley Allendale 0   Westland Sports 5
     A home game against what is clearly the best team in Division 2, without three of our regular players, is what I call a challenge. At the start of the season Westland gave us a lesson in passing and movement when they beat us 9- 1. I therefore asked the boys to dig deep and battle for everything in the knowledge that if we did this we could match them and maybe get a point or three.
     Within the first 7 minutes our changed team threatened the Westland goal twice and had the top of the table team rattled. This battling continued and, with the first 15 minutes passed the tell, tell signs of our opponents moaning at each other were heard as they realised Merley weren’t there just to make up numbers. The toughest job was given to Robbie McGregor and Ben Amey who were asked to playing wide rather than in their more familiar central role.
     Our goalkeeper and captain Tom Tiller instilled further confidence in the team as he repeatedly came off his line to collected the ball from the feet of the opposition forwards. Leo Polchar fought hard in the centre of midfield to protect his defence while the central forward pairing of Alex Wathen and Elliott Bailey held up the ball and, when not in possession, put pressure on the Westland defence. Towards the end of the second half Westland began ominously to pass the ball around in midfield but once the ball was moved forward found their equal in Ben Lourence and Dominic Roberts. As the end of the first half Westland netted the ball but were deemed to be offside which added further to their frustration?
     As the half-time whistle went their linesman said to me “core you’re a different team” clearly indicating to me they were expecting to stroll through the game to win. At half time it was emphasised that we needed to continue to battle and start the second half as we had ended the first. The team responded and again equalled the skills of the Westland team with sheer effort and determination.
     Alex Osborne and Lewis Kerley our wide defenders resisted Westland attacks and even pushed forward with overlapping runs. Unfortunately as we began to tire Westland breached our defence on 12 minutes. This was followed by a second solo goal from their right winger who ran it from the half way line beating two chasing defenders to score and make it 2-0. The combined affect of the two quick goals and tired legs on a heavy pitch allowed Westland to start to play their pass and movement game. Merley continued to try and get back in to the match with shots from Tom Joy and Elliott Bailey almost scoring against a brave keeper diving at his feed. However this rallying effort suffered a further set back when Westland scored a third goal on 16 minutes.
     Fresh legs were brought on with Jonny Read taking the place of Lewis Kerley at left back, while Lewis was pushed forward into Alex Wathen forward position in an effort to increase the physical pressure on the Westland back four. Unfortunately by this time Westland's passing game was beginning to take control of the game which meant Tom Tiller was called upon to make a series of excellent games.
     Lewis Kerley was taken off and replaced by Alex Wathen allowing us to push Robbie forward in the hope that he might connect to one of Tom Tillers drop kicks behind the Westland defence. At this point a 3-0 score line would have been fair result however Merley were dealt a cruel blow when a deflected shot, come cross spun into the top corner past the finger tips of Tom Tiller to make it 4-0. Then to add further insult to injury Westland were rewarded with a tap in goal in the closing minute make the final score 5-0.
     I am sure anyone reading this report would expect the manager to be a little bias in his view of this game. However I can assure you that the feedback from the spectators echoes this analysis. The whole team played and battled well and will be better team for the experience. MOM was awarded to Ben Lourence who epitomised the battling spirit of whole the team.

Sunday 16 December 2007   Merley Allendale 0   Blandford Bullets 1
     This was a home game against Blandford Bullets who we had played earlier in the season and, despite being all over them and playing well lost 0 -3. With this injustice still in our mind we approach the match confident of a result.
     Once again in the first half we dominated with shots from Lourence (4mins) and Joy (11) coming close. Mainly thanks to the workman like performance of Leo Polchar in midfield we continued to press Blandford with Elliott Bailey forcing a save from the keeper on 21 minutes.
     Merley started the second half in much the same vein with Joy again coming close. At this point early in the second half the referee was injured so I had to take over, hence the brevity of the second half report. Needless to say Blandford scored a messy gaol on the break leaving Merley chasing an equaliser. From a referees perspective the moaning and whinging from the Blandford team plus the repetitive requests to know how much time was left was an indication of their intention to hold on to get a result.
     As the game slowed Merley had few extra chances and again had to accept the frustration of an undeserved loss to a well organised Blandford team. MOM went to Leo Polchar who, as in most games this season worked tirelessly in midfield to win possession of the ball.

Sunday 6 January 2008   Chickerell 5   Merley Allendale 1
     Merley faced a tough match against the current Division 1 leaders for a place in the quarter finals of the Dorset Cup. Having chosen this moment to take a well deserved break (my wife said) it was down to Ian Lourence to step into the managers boots. From all accounts he did an excellent job. What follows is a third hand summary of what I understand to be the key points.
     Chickerell perhaps could have been forgiven for approaching the game with a little complacency having looked at our relative league positions. This was only reinforced when, after only 2 minutes they scored from a looping free kick on the edge of the penalty area.
     However this did not result in Merley heads dropping as they continued to battle and, for much of the game match the Division 1 side in every quarter. Unfortunately Chickerell scrabbled a second on 15 minutes. However the team continued to battle and Dominic Roberts came close to pulling one back when his one on one shot was saved by the keeper. Alex Wathen came on after 20 minutes and immediately had an impact with his tackling and skills with the ball at his feet. This combined Robbie McGregor chasing down every forward ball meant that, despite the scoreline, Merley we far from out of the game and the home fans (it is reported from the sideline) were most concerned.
     The second half followed much the same pattern with all players working hard to pull back the deficit. Despite this Chickerell scored two quick, and I understand lucky, goals on 15 and 20 minutes to put the game further from Merley's reach. However, despite this Merley continued to battle to prove their pedigree and rightful place should be in Division 1. Chickerell against scored in the dying minutes with Merley getting a well deserved goal on 35 minutes. This was scored by Craig Miles who finish rounded of a series of passing play from midfield.
     Robbie McGregor was awarded MOM the match for his tireless efforts chasing down and pressurising defenders and generally working his socks off for the team. Well done lads, well done Ian. When will we get the results we deserve?

Sunday 20 January 2008   Merley Allendale 2   Donhead 1
     In answer to the last question TODAY wheeeehooo. Today’s home game was switched to a blustery pitch at Whitecliff Rec following the flooding of two other pitches we had booked. Despite Donhead's position at the top of Division 2 we knew from our previous encounters that we were more than capable of beating them and elected to defend in the first half against a strong headwind.
     Fully expecting to concede goals in the first half and have to come out the second half to score more you can imagine our surprise when Ben Amey sprinted past two defenders to slot the ball past the keeper in the bottom corner with less than a minute on the clock!
     With the wind against us we battled to put any passing game together but effectively ran at Donhead with the ball at our feet, most notably Ben Lourence and the quick forward pairing of McGregor and Amey. More frightening, but no doubt entertaining for the spectators, were the dribbling runs out of the centre of our defence from the confident and skilful James Rimmer (no wonder my hair is grey).
     Donhead struggled to make use and cope with the windy conditions but did score an equaliser when a ball was cut back from the by-line and converted by the forward with his back to goal on 18minutes. However, not to be out done, and still against the wind, Ben Amey simply went up the other end and scored a second goal on 19minutes to give us back the lead. Late in the first half Alex Wathen went on a mercurial run cutting in from the left beating 4 or 5 players before laying the ball off. All this needed was a goal to convert a piece of excellent play.
     At half time the team was buzzing with excitement in the knowledge that the continuing strong winds would be to our advantage second half and help hold back Donhead. Immediately from the start both Miles and Joy saw shots from the edge of the area pass wide of the goal. However the resulting goal kicks were battled for in their half and helped us pin back the Donhead team who were becoming increasingly frustrated (don’t you just love it when they start cussing and fouling to confirm you are on top!)
     In the second half Donhead hardly got out of their own half and only created two chances with the closest of these hitting the side netting. However our back four held firm. This gave Tom Tiller little to do but he dominated his area well throughout the game with his kicking from hands, static play making a good contribution. He also fulfilled his captains role by encouraging the team with a series of instructions from the goal-line (he will no doubt be a little hoarse this evening!) As our midfield began to tire the manager faced one of those ‘do I, don’t I make a change’ moments but resisted hoping that Leo Polchar and Tom Joy would hold out. On 24 minutes Elliott Bailey came on for Alex Wathen to help us see out the final minutes.
     It is fair to say that the conditions were hardest for our more skilful players to cope with particularly Craig Miles. His best efforts came in his from his spot kicks with the closest coming in the 32nd minute when his well struck free kick bounced off the cross bar down onto the goal line and out (where is the Russian Linesman when you need him!). However we continued to dominate the game to the end and sent home the Division 2 leaders with their tail between their legs.
     MOM was Ben Lourence for his forward runs, determination and leadership of the back four.
Well done lads, a great team effort from you all……..onwards and upwards!

Sunday 27th January 2008   Broadstone Braves 1  Merley Allendale 1
     At the start of the game 3 points separated the two teams with Merley looking to increase the gap and push on up the table. With our regular centre back James Rimmer out, Tom Tiller was press ganged into the back four in order that we could maintain as much of the team that played so well last week.
    We once again played Robbie McGregor and Ben Amey up front and it looked as though the pairing would again get us off to a good start when Ben got on the end of a through ball from Tom Joy almost rounding the advancing keeper. However it was not to be and going up a sloping pitch proved made it difficult to make any great impact on the game.
    The ball ping-ponged around midfield for most of the first half with neither team taking control. This suited Broadstone as it was clear they were happy to take any points off of us following our previous encounters. Toward the end of the second half our right back Alex Osborne injured his leg and despite his valiant attempts to continue he was clearly suffering. Andy Hadley was asked to slip back to his old position with substitute Elliott Bailey taking the midfield position. Few chances were created on either side with Alex Wathen in goal only having 3 touches of the ball, only one which was any cause for concern.
    At half time we looked forward to taking full advantage of the downward slope. All looked good when after 4 minutes play Dominic Roberts spectacularly converted a well flighted Craig Miles corner with his head. Unfortunately 4 minutes later, against the run of play, the attempted clearance of a Broadstone corner was deflected onto the bar and into our own net (personally I did not think it crossed the line). As the second half progressed our game did improve but despite the workman like effort of the team, most notably Leo Polchar, we failed to make the final telling pass through midfield to our forwards.
    On 20 minutes a dipping Tom Tiller shot from 30yds just cleared the bar and Craig Miles shot shortly after that from just outside the area also went wide of the post. The final half chance of the game fell to Elliott Bailey who, frustratingly for him, just failed to get his size 12 boot on the end of a dipping cross.
    All in all it was a disappointing game for us as we failed to play as well as we can. This was confirmed when the Broadstone Manager made it clear to me that they were relieved to take 2 points from us. Still, while it is 2 points lost we continue to go forward and can be confident for better to come in the remaining games. MOM went to Leo Polchar for his tireless efforts in midfield.

Sunday 3rd February 2008   Merley Allendale 3  Dorchester Town Stars 2
    Although below us in the league it was clear from the start that Dorchester Town Stars lowly League position was more to do with the two games they had in hand than their ability. It was end to end stuff on a blustery and very cold day. This is reflected in the more than usual number of chances recorded on my note pad. Unfortunately many of them are illegible due to the shaky hand writing caused by the cold! (and excitement).
    Merley's first threat on goal came after only two minutes when Andy Hadley's looping cross took full advantage of the conditions clearing the goalkeeper and the cross bar. The battle in the midfield went back and forth with each team trying to establish their authority. Finally Leo Polchar's perseverance paid off with the ball falling free for him to fire a shot straight at the keeper on 12 minutes. On 14 minutes Dorchester broke through the Merley back line and forced a diving save from the Merley Keeper Alex Wathen.
     On the 20 minute mark Merley boys hit a hot patch which was rewarded on 24 minutes when Elliott Bailey got on the end of a through ball and tucked the ball nicely passed the diving keeper to make it 1-0. Encouraged by their lead Merley continued to press and Elliott Bailey turned provider for Robbie McGregor who narrowly missed tucking the ball under the advancing keeper. On 27 minutes the same pairing created a further chance when McGregor cut the ball back for Bailey to shoot wide.
     Merley continue to press Dorchester and on 33 minutes Tom Joys tap in was cleared off the line. By this time Dorchester, who continued to play well, must have looked forward to half-time. However Merley had one more chance on 34 minutes when Bailey converted a goal line scramble only to have his celebrations cut short when the referee disallowed the goal for a foul on the keeper.
     At half time we knew that one goal was not enough and that Dorchester would want to come back at us quickly. We made one half-time change trading the skills of Andy Hadley for the speed of Ben Amey which we hoped could catch Dorchester on the break. All looked good at the start of the second half with Elliott Bailey holding up the ball to set up the advancing Leo Polchar whose shot whistled wide of the right hand post. Amey also began to press the Dorchester defence with his speed which was used to great effect to chase down the ball.
     Unfortunately on 6 minutes confusion caused by the Merley defences failure to clear the ball decisively resulted in a soft equaliser being scored by Dorchester. Almost immediately from the kick off Merley responded when a long jinking run by Tom Joy on the right wing set up a shot from Robbie McGregor that was saved by the keeper. Dorchester continued to battle and on 16 minutes their efforts were rewarded when one of their forwards was brought down inside the penalty area. Keeper Alex Wathen could do little to keep out a well struck penalty and Merley were behind for the first time in the game.
      Dorchester again threatened the Merley goal when a looping shot clipped the top of the bar. Despite the disappointment of being behind Merley continued to battle and a long jinking run that saw Craig Miles beat players from the halfway line right to the Dorchester goal line deserved more. Unfortunately this run was not rewarded with a goal but by now Craig Miles was beginning to enjoy his central midfield role and was playing some beautiful through balls for our forward and wide players to latch on to.
     However Merley's equaliser on 26 minutes was more about determination when Ben Lourence forced his was through the Dorchester defenders to bundle the ball across the line to make it 2-2. Merley again had the bit between their teeth and were determined not to let the game end in a draw. Miles again turned provider for Tom Joy (28 minutes) and Leo Polchar on (30 minutes) without reward. With the minutes ticking away it seemed as though Merley's efforts would go unrewarded until Tom Joy cleverly used his knee to guide a looping ball behind the Dorchester defence for Robbie McGregor to run onto and score Merley's winner. With minutes to go the more attacking play of Tom Joy was traded for the defensive play of Andy Hadley so Merley could see out the remaining minutes to a well deserved 3-2 victory.
     All players did well and the defence (Osborne, Roberts, Rimmer, Lourence and keeper Wathen deserve particular praise for dealing with the difficult conditions) but all were marginally pipped to Man of the Match by Craig Miles for his majestic performance in midfield.  This was a great game, played in good spirit by both sides and Dorchester Town Stars deserve full credit for the part they played in it.

Sunday 10th February 2008   Durweston FC 0  Merley Allendale 3
     Prior to kick off I wanted to impress on the Merley players that, despite Durweston's lowly league position, these are the games they need to work hard to win. This was particularly the case as it was a large pitch and we only had eleven players who would have to work hard.
     So with those words ringing in their ears the boys set out from the start to put Durweston under pressure. This early pressure paid of when the ever busy Robbie McGregor cut the ball back for Tom Joy to end his recent drought and retake the leading scorer title.
     Merley continued to battle and dominated the game but failed to make the most of the pressure. This was in part due to their focus on playing the ball through the middle rather than the wide players Joy and Wathen. On 22 minutes Elliott Bailey set up Tom Joy to shoot wide. On 26 minutes McGregor got on the end of a good through ball but stretching shot wide. The ever hard working Polchar came close with a chip shot that beat the keeper but also cleared the bar. This concentrated period of pressure was finally rewarded on 34 minutes when McGregor's bullet shot polaxed a Durweston player and his subsequent cross was chased in by Bailey and Polchar, with Polchar finally converting the chance to give a 2-0 half time lead.
     The second half started lively enough with Wathen chasing down a through ball which eventually broke down without reward. Chances continued to come with Bailey setting up McGregor whose deflected shot just grazed the top of the bar. This was immediately follow by a darting run down the right by Joy who cut it back for Polchar to shoot wide. With quarter of an hour gone Durweston began to string together a few passes to put a tiring Merley team under pressure for the first time in the game. This resulted in two shots on goal from Durweston on 14 and 17 minutes for stand in keeper Rimmer to watch go wide.
     The Merley defence of Osborne, Roberts, Lourence, and Hadley were resolute and dealt with the period of pressure as our midfield tired. At this point what was needed was for Merley to keep the ball and slow the game. This role was taken on by Miles who began to string together a series of passes wide and to set up opportunities through the middle. The concern at this point was that Durweston might sneak a goal to set them up with the chance of a draw. At this point, after a series of passes around midfield Bailey took on and beat three Durweston defenders and thumped it wide of the keeper to make it 3-0 on 22 minutes.
     This effectively killed Durweston's chances with the only excitement coming when keeper Rimmer headed a ball past the advancing forwards. With the game coming to an end Merley had one more opportunity to score and finish an exciting move that saw Bailey shield and lay of the ball to Joy who cut the ball back to an advancing Wathen who shot went narrowly wide.
     This was a workman like performance from the whole team whose efforts deserved the win.  MOM went to Elliott Bailey for his wonder goal that effectively put an end to Durweston's hopes of getting back into the game.

Sunday 24th February 2008   Poole Town 0  Merley Allendale 11
    A great result that helps our goal difference, but before we get too carried away Poole did only have 9 players. Nevertheless I am pleased that we took full advantage of the situation and all the team played well and with confidence even though some were playing in less familiar roles. While we scored eleven goals we created and missed as many chances in front of goal where Poole spent most of the game camped in their own penalty area. In truth it took 20 minutes before the ball entered our half. With so much to report I shall limit the bulk of my commentary to the goals.
     Having come close with a handful of chances Merley finally broke the deadlock on 12 minutes when a Hadley cross came out of the Poole penalty area and fell for Robbie McGregor to drive in. With only a minute more on the clock Merley again pushed forward and Elliott Bailey created space for himself around the penalty spot and casually side footed it wide of the keeper to make it 2-0.
After a few more half chances on 29minutes a ball dropped out to the edge of the penalty area to Leo Polchar who thumped it into the top left hand corner for 3-0. This was the probably one of the most overdue and well deserved goals of the season so far and we hope to see more from Leo in the remaining games.
     On 34 minutes, with the keeper beaten, a Poole Town player beat a
Merley shot off the line with his hand. In the absence of our regular penalty taker Craig Miles, and the fact that captain Tom Tiller had had little to do in goal, Elliott Bailey was nominated to take the spot kick. Bailey drove the kick straight through the middle of the goal and the ball went in of the diving keepers feet (phew) to make the half time score 4-0.
     The second half started again with Merley on the attack and with only 5 minutes on the clock Bailey converted a Wathen pass for his hat-trick. Now with a 5 goal cushion we started to see some of the defenders try to get in on the act with Lourence on 14 minutes striking the post with a fierce shot which pin-ponged around the Poole 6 yard box before being cleared. Ben Amey finally and deservedly for his tireless efforts, got on the score sheet on 14 minutes to make it 6-0.
     On 22 minutes, after several earlier bursting runs that had come to nothing, Dominic Roberts broke through and struck a looping shot from outside the penalty area into the top corner (just to show the strikers how it should be done!) In response for the forwards Elliott Bailey created space for himself on the edge of the area and curled his shot into the top right corner for his 4th and Merley's 8th.
     Now, as if defence and attack were in competition with each other, an Alex Osborne corner was met by the head of Ben Lourence only to be cleared off the line. As Merley pushed forward Poole had their second excursion into the Merley half only to be met by Leo Polchar covering the defence.
Once again on 27 minutes Roberts drove in a long shot which hit the bar and rebounded for Ben Amey to finish off for Merley's 9th.
     With the Poole players tiring Amey chased down a though ball from Bailey to slip it past an advancing keeper for his hat-trick and Merley's 10th. With the clock ticking down Amey saved his best until last when on 34 minutes he curled the ball in from the edge of the penalty area to make the final score 11-0.
     There were some great performances all around the pitch with both fullbacks Hadley and Osborne turning provider for the midfield and forwards. Both wide players McGregor and Joy stretched the Poole defence and deserved more than just the single one between them. Alex Wathen playing in central midfield also deserved more as he looked calm and composed on the ball. Lastly to Tom Tiller, our Captain keeper for the day, who had the most to put up with as he watched his team knock the goals in. Tom had little to do but kept his concentration and joined in the play when possible… sorry Tom.
     Finally MOM was awarded to Ben Amey, not because he scored four goals, but because he never stopped working to chase the goals down and hassle the Poole Town defence. If it comes down to goal difference at the end of the season his efforts and those of the rest of the team up to the last minute may make all the difference.