Merley Allendale YFC

Leopards Under 8   2006 - 2007

League: Dorset Mini Soccer Under 8 Section 1

Final Position: 4th out of 11 teams

Sponsor: Oakley Village Butchers

This is the first season for the Leopards. They play 7 a Side in the Dorset Mini Soccer League. See the match reports below the Stats section.  Click on the picture above to show larger image, see more pictures at the bottom of the page. The team photo shows, left to right:
Adults Standing: Sean Arnold, Paul Whitty, Kevin Perry. Boys Standing: Max Mason, Charlie Pickard, Kierran Fanner, Alex Wright, David Higbee, Joshua Lord. Boys Sitting: George Richardson, Luke Parris, Harvey Wright, Richard Dowling, Joe Rendell, Sam Whitty.

Stats

League: Played 20, Won 14, Drawn 4, Lost 2, Goals For 45, Goals Against 24

Cup:      Played 0, Won 0, Drawn 0, Lost 0, Goals For 0, Goals Against 0

Players Awards

Ceremony held at AFC Bournemouth on 9th June 2007

Player's Player Of The Year:             Harvey Wright

Most Improved Player Of The Year:  Alex Wright

Manager's Player Of The Year:          George Richardson

Match Reports

24th September 2006  Weymouth Terras 0  Merley Allendale 0
    Only Weymouth’s keeper stopped Merley from scoring a hatful of goals as the Terras held on for a 0-0 draw. After a cautious start Joe Rendell and George Richardson both went close as Merley just edged the first half. With Alex Wright’s pace on the right and Cameron Dickman on as sub after the break Merley piled on the pressure onto the Weymouth goal.
    Merley’s best chance came from a Harvey Wright corner which beat the keeper only to trickle along the line before David Higbee could pounce. Then with 5 mins to go the hosts finally pierced the defensive stronghold of Ethan Gould and Kierran Fanner only to see keeper Max Mason just clear in time.
Man of the Match - George Richardson took the award for his continuous ball winning in midfield.

1st October 2006  Merley Allendale 0  Blandford United Rangers 5
    Blandford proved to be too physically strong for Merley as they suffered their first defeat of the season. But the 0-5 defeat was not reflective of the goal chances or possession as the blustery wind did not help Merley’s passing game.
    Scoring chances were few in the 1st half as Alex Wright and David Higbee tried to open up the Blandford defence. Then the defence of Ethan Gould and Charlie Pickard was broken when a fluky shot looped over Max Mason to give the visitors the lead. Towards the end of the half Merley were well on top and unlucky not to pull level as Richard Dowling was unable to convert openings made by Harvey Wright and George Richardson.
    Merley took the game to Blandford in the 2nd half and were on top again until a failed goal kick made it 0-2. Then keeper Max Mason took a kick to the hand as Blandford controversially scored a third. With Mason off injured soon to be followed by Richardson Merley lost their shape as the visitors put two more past replacement keeper Sam Whitty.
Man of the Match – Charlie Pickard

8th October 2006  Broadstone Colts 1  Merley Allendale 1
    Merley were unfortunate not to take all 3 points away against 2nd place Broadstone Colts thanks to a spirited comeback. The hosts took control right from the start pressing Merley’s defence of Max Mason and Kierran Fanner. As Merley got used to the downslope the raids on the Broadstone goal increased as Joe Rendell couldn’t feed on the through balls and George Richardson’s weaving run was stopped by the Broadstone keeper.
    Then just before the break an uncleared ball saw the Broadstone striker calmly score passed a helpless Sam Whitty. Excepting Broadstone to pile on the pressure with the downhill advantage it was Merley who came out on top with Keeper Sam Whitty hardly touching it in the 2nd half.
With George Richardson winning all the loose balls in midfield and Harvey Wright getting behind the Broadstone defence the chances were coming Merley’s way.
     Then after David Higbee stole the ball on the right his cross found an unmarked Harvey Wright to score a deserved equaliser. Toward the end Cameron Dickman came on as another ball winner in midfield but despite this and 5 successive corners Merley were unable to find the winner.
Man of the match – Harvey Wright

29th October 2006  Weymouth Colts 0  Merley Allendale 3
    After a 3 week break the under 8’s returned with a comfortable in against Weymouth Colts.
From the start Merley dominated their hosts with David Higbee’s shot just missing the right post and Sam Whitty’s long shot blocked by the Weymouth defence.
    Then after a Harvey Wright piledriver came back off the bar Joe Rendell pounced only to see the keeper push it away for a corner. Minutes later both combined again as Wright’s through ball put gave Rendell his first goal of the season as he beat the out coming keeper.
    After the break Weymouth had their best spell but Charlie Pickard held strong in front of an untroubled keeper Max Mason. With Kierran Fanner’s nice touches in midfield Merley started to take control again. Then after a George Richardson long shot was saved by David Higbee scored from the rebound to make it 2-0.
In the closing stages Higbee got his second to secure victory and earn him the man of the match award.

5th November 2006  Merley Allendale 1   Milborne St Andrew 1
    The Under 8’s again proved to be the draw specialists after scoring a dramatic last minute equaliser against Milborne St Andrew. Merley started promising with cousins Harvey and Alex Wright combining well up front only to see Alex narrowly miss the target. But with the opponent’s defensive wall and Merley’s passing game off key it soon became a midfield battle.
    Then a long short got caught in the low sun and keeper Ethan Gould was beaten to see the visitors take a surprise lead. With Cameron Dickman pushing more into midfield Merley started to apply the pressure. Then David Higbee got onto Harvey Wright’s corner for another narrow miss.
    With half time substitutions of Kierran Fanner and Sam Perry Merley continued to dominate but it looked as if their fate had been sealed as either their shots failed to hit the target or the Milborne keeper was in the right place.
    In the last minute another Harvey Wright run was broken down in the box only to see Richard Dowling pounce on the loose ball finally to beat the keeper and get Merley’s deserved equaliser.
Man of the Match - Richard Dowling

12th November 2006  Sturminster Marshall 0  Merley Allendale 0
    Despite having most of the possession Merley failed to have the killer instinct in front of goal, which resulted in their fourth draw of the season.
    Merley started the stronger with George Richardson, Kierran Fanner and Alex Wright winning the midfield battle but it was the hosts who had the first clear scoring chance only to see keeper Charlie Pickard save from close range.  As both teams tired on the larger pitch Joe Rendell’s run got away from the Sturminster defence only to see them recover before the shot could be made.
    In the 2nd half Rendell almost pounced on another chance only to see the keeper save at his feet. Then a Richardson through ball gave a double chance for Alex Wright and Richard Dowling only to see the keeper save the day again. With Merley’s defence not being troubled Cameron Dickman dropped back so that Max Mason could add his skills into midfield but again Merley were unable to find a winner.
Man of the Match – Max Mason

19th November 2006  Merley Allendale 4   Okeford United 0
    A George Richardson hat-trick sealed the Under 8’s victory as they played their best football of the season in the sticky conditions. From the kick off Merley started the stronger with Richardson and Harvey Wright’s pace taking the game to Okeford.
    Despite attacking the wetter end, Merley failed to make the most of their early chances then after Richardson linked up well with Joe Rendell a David Higbee shot just went wide after beating the outcoming keeper. From the goal kick Richardson intercepted and ran though to score making it 1-0 at half time.
    In the 2nd half it was much of the same with the Okeford goal under siege. Richardson’s 2nd came after he got the slightest of touches from a Max Mason corner. Then minutes later he scored the U8’s first hat-trick as again he ran onto goal and shot pass the keeper. Okeford then finally broke through the Merley defence of Max Mason and Kierran Fanner only to see keeper Charlie Pickard save at the opponent’s feet. Joe Rendell deservedly got Merley’s 4th after he lashed in after a goalmouth melee. With Richard Dowling’s passing and Sam Whitty’s tackling Merley nearly added more as Rendell was unable to convert.
    This was easily Merley’s best performance of the season, which will be a major boost as they take on leaders Sherborne next week. Scorers - George Richardson 3, Joe Rendell 1
Man of the Match - George Richardson

26th November 2006   Sherborne Town 5   Merley Allendale 0
    Merley crashed to their 2nd defeat of the season against an unbeaten Sherborne Town.
The hosts deserved their victory but if Merley had made the most of their 3 chances before half time it could have been a different result.
    While the rest of Dorset was covered in heavy rain the sun shone brightly in North Dorset.
From the start both teams were even with the hosts making the most of the smaller pitch but close passing from Richard Dowling and George Richardson almost gave Joe Rendell the first chance of the match.
    Then after a Sherborne headed effort from a corner went wide a long shot got the better of keeper Charlie Pickard to see the North Dorset club take the lead. Just before half time Alex Wright had two chances to level the score. First his shot when over the bar after good work on the left from Richard Dowling. Then minutes later David Higbee crossed for Alex to just miss the far post. With Merley pressing for an equaliser George Richardson weaved his way through the Sherborne defence only to see him pushed to the floor as he was about to shoot. But the referee deemed no foul and Merley when in 0-1 at the interval.
    In the 2nd half Sherborne slowly applied the pressure and scored a 2nd after Merley were reorganising after Richardson was winded. With Cameron Dickman on in midfield to help Max Mason at the back Sherborne soon got a third with a near post effort. Now Sherborne’s number 9 was running the show and his run was cut short after David Higbee tried to make a desperate tackle. From the free kick Sherborne made it 0-4. Just before the end Sherborne made it 0-5.
    Next week Sherborne visit Merley who will have a better chance with the wider pitch and knowledge of their opponents.
Man of the match – Alex Wright

10th December 2006 Lytchett Red Triangle 0 Merley Allendale 3
   The under 8’s got back to winning ways as they comfortably beat Lytchett away 3-0. With down slope advantage from the kick off Merley took the game to the hosts with Harvey Wright getting the better of the Lytchett defence on the left to see two good chances just go wide. Then after good work from Alex Wright up front the ball broke to Richard Dowling whose long range effort took a deflection and the ball crawled over the line pass the helpless keeper. Merley’s defence looked well in control with Cameron Dickman supporting Luke Parris who was always first to the ball. A poor goal kick from Lytchett gave George Richardson the chance to shoot from close range to make it 2-0 at the break.
    Kicking up slope gave Merley the chance to pass the ball about better and soon Joe Rendell was linking up well with the midfield. After 5 mins of pressure the ball fell to Harvey Wright outside the box and his well placed shot beat the keeper in the top left hand corner. Our defence then came under pressure with Lytchett winning three successive corners and then just as keeper Charlie Pickard was beaten for the first time Richard Dowling somehow scampered back to clear a certain goal off the line. After Alex Wright temporarily covered for an injured Charlie Pickard in goal Merley began passing the ball better. Again Joe Rendell linked up well with David Higbee whose effort came back off a post. Towards the end Merley could have scored two more as both Dowling and Rendell had chances only for the Lytchett keeper to save from close range.
Man of the Match - Harvey Wright

17th December 2006   Merley Allendale 2  Weymouth Terras 0
    With the under 8’s pitch still waterlogged they moved up onto the top field at the school for the first time to secure a 2-0 home victory against Weymouth Terras. From the start Merley were much the stronger with good passing interplay between George Richardson and cousins Alex and Harvey Wright. After a strong run from George Richardson, his cross found Joe Rendell whose shot was pushed onto the post by the Weymouth keeper to keep the scores level.
After 5 mins of play Merley broke down a Weymouth attack to see Richardson pass to Rendell on the half way line , after beating the last defender Joe carefully picked his spot to blast it pass the keeper to score his 3rd goal of the season.
    With Luke Parris and Kierran Fanner at the back, not much was getting past them until keeper Charlie Pickard saved a shoulder height shot which proved to be Weymouth’s best effort of the match. Merley’s 2nd goal would please coach Kevin Perry as a well practised short corner saw Richardson feed Harvey Wright, whose shot beat the keeper at the near post.
    At half time Cameron Dickman and Richard Dowling came on as Merley looked certain to score more. Two goalmouth melees saw Weymouth somehow keep the hosts out who must have had 10 efforts blocked or saved. Then after intelligent play and an early cross from Richard Dowling, another Joe Rendell effort crawled back off the post to see Weymouth clear off the line. The remainder of the half saw Merley winning the midfield battle with Alex Wright in midfield and Luke Parris policing the defence.
    Again with matches the under 8’s continue to improve and this victory and a 4th position in the league was a fine way to finish 2006.
Man of the Match – Joe Rendell

Saturday 13th January 2007   Merley Allendale 3  Gillingham Town 1
    After a 4 week break the Under 8’s returned with a home victory over mid-table rivals Gillingham Town. From the start the Merley midfield dominated possession and within minutes after a Kierran Fanner tackle a Joe Rendell shot came back off the post.
    Then a Gillingham counter attack split the Merley defensive pair of Max Mason and Sam Whitty to see the visitors take the lead past a helpless Charlie Pickard. Merley retaliated by again controlling the midfield with Harvey Wright causing havoc on the left, then a David Higbee pass on the right found Joe Rendell in the box whose turn and shot beat the keeper for the equaliser.
Double substitutes George Richardson and Alex Wright then came on to booster the midfield and just before half time a Harvey Wright run on the left saw him cut in to shoot into the corner to make it 2-1.
    The 2nd half saw Merley controlling the match with Joe Rendell unable to get away from the Gillingham defence. George Richardson and Alex Wright had chances for a 3rd goal but the keeper foiled them when in front of goal. A Max Mason corner took a deflection to see the ball crawl over the line for him to claim his first goal for the club.
With Sam Perry on up front and strong tackling from Sam Whitty and George Richardson Merley were well in control then Charlie Pickard saved bravely at the Gillingham striker’s feet to secure victory.
Man of the Match - Harvey Wright

Sunday 14th January 2007   Merley Allendale 3  Broadstone Colts 1
    The under 8’s won their 2nd match in 24 hours at home against local rivals Broadstone Colts to close in to 3rd place in the league. Broadstone, who are currently one place ahead of Merley in 3rd place, started strongly as they used their height and strength in midfield. But after tough tackling from Cameron Dickman and George Richardson Merley soon gained confidence and took their passing game to the visitors.
    Soon the Wright cousins were interplaying well up front and causing problems for the Broadstone defence. On Merley’s right the skilful Richard Dowling made a darting run beating 3 players before releasing Alex Wright on another attack. Then after a poor Broadstone goal kick Harvey Wright ran goal wards to see his deflected shot hit the back of the net. The half finished with Broadstone pressurising the Merley defence without success as Luke Parris and Cameron Dickman held strong to see them take a single goal lead at the break.
    The 2nd half started competitively with David Higbee and Max Mason winning the loose balls for Alex and Harvey Wright to keep the pressure on the Broadstone goal. After a throw in on the right a David Higbee pass found Alex Wright in the box whose reaction shot hit the roof of the net for 2-0. Merley continued to pin down Broadstone in their own half and after George Richardson weaving run into the box he scored from close range to make it 3-0.
    Broadstone got a goal back with 5 mins to go as Charlie Pickard was unlucky as he got a hand on well placed shot when faced with the Broadstone striker. With the pitch getting heavier Sam Whitty came on into midfield and had a late chance to score as his shot when wide.
Man of the Match - Alex Wright

Sunday 21st January 2007   Gillingham Town 2  Merley Allendale 3
   The Under 8’s winning streak continued as thy won their 5th successive match at a cold and windy Gillingham. From the start Merley had their hosts pinned in their own half and it was Richard Dowling on the left won made the early raids on goal.
    Then Gillingham scored on the break from close range very much against the run of play.
Again Merley pushed forward and Joe Rendell was unlucky not to score after taking up some excellent positions in the box. The equaliser came thanks to the Gillingham keeper whose goal kick fell directly to David Higbee who thumped it in from 20 yards for 1-1.
    Merley continued to pressurise and soon forced a corner on the right. The well practised short corner between Max Mason and Harvey Wright saw the ball crossed to George Richardson whose shot found its way through the crowded defence and keeper to make it 2-1 at the break.
    Chances continued to come Merley’s way and George Richardson’s ‘Ricky Villa’ run was stopped by the 4th defender then substitute Alex Wright just failed to get this shot in after a Harvey Wright run on the left. The Wright cousins combined again after a superb through ball from Alex found Harvey shoot wide with only the keeper to beat. Birthday boy Harvey Wright soon got his present when he cut in from the left to score his 8th goal of the season to make it 3-1.
    Gillingham then started attacking more, putting defensive pair Max Mason and Sam Whitty under pressure. Soon Gillingham were closing down on Charlie Pickard’s goal but thanks to a Sam Whitty last ditch tackle and clearance the 3-1 buffer remained. Gillingham made it a tense last 2 minutes as they finally beat the Merley defence and Charlie Pickard for 3-2. With seconds left Merley were denied a 4th as the referee failed to play advantage after Alex Wright had beaten two defenders and scored.
Man of the Match - Sam Whitty

Sunday 4th February 2007   Merley Allendale 1  Weymouth Colts 0
   Merley made hard work against bottom team Weymouth Colts as they ground out a 1-0 win the record their 6th successive victory. Harvey Wright started the half with an attacking run on the left only to see the keeper save well. Then after 7 mins another Wright run on the right found Joe Rendell who finished well to score this 5th goal of the season. Merley continued to attack and Joe Rendell was unlucky not to add another after the Weymouth defence cleared after another fine save from their keeper.
   David Higbee’s battling efforts in midfield almost saw him rewarded as he shot wide after a good run on the right. Merley finished the half with two long range efforts as first a Sam Whitty free kick was pushed around the post and then defender Luke Parris picked up a loose ball only to see his ‘rocket’ shot just go wide.
   Weymouth came out stronger in the 2nd half and put pressure on Sam Perry and Kierran Fanner in defence and soon keeper Charlie Pickard was called into action as Weymouth were shooting from long range. Merley continued to search for their 2nd as Harvey Wright’s shot was saved after a poor clearance from the keeper. Then another Wright pass found Joe Rendell who was unable to beat the on coming keeper. Richard Dowling was unlucky twice towards the end as both his long-range efforts on the right beat the keeper only to find the side netting.
Man of the Match – Luke Parris

Sunday 11th February 2007   Milborne St Andrew 1  Merley Allendale 3
   Within the Milton Abbas abbey grounds the under 8’s notched up their 7th successive victory against Milborne St Andrew. The picturesque setting and perfect pitch is by far the best location the under 8’s have paid on to date.
   Merley started the match strongly pinning down their hosts in their own half and soon both Alex Wright and George Richardson had early efforts saved by their keeper. Then a George Richardson pass found Alex Wright whose fierce shot came back off the bar to cross the goal line for 1-0. A breakaway saw Charlie Pickard save well and his pass out found Richard Dowling whose trickery and dribbling on the left found Alex Wright clear to make it 2-0 after 10 mins. Alex had two other good chances before the break but shot wide when faced against the keeper.
   Milborne started the 2nd half stronger and it was down the Cameron Dickman’s perfect tackling and Max Mason’s covering to keep the hosts out. At the other end Joe Rendell was unable to increase the lead when their keeper again saved from a tight angle. Richard Dowling then received a perfect George Richardson pass in the box only to see him tackled just in time.
Then Milborne persistence paid off as they got one back pass Charlie Pickard for 2-1. With David Higbee winning the ball in midfield Sam Whitty was released on the right wing then from the narrowest of angles his powerful shot beat the keeper for his first goal for the club for 3-1. The hosts then continued to press for another goal but was stopped each time by Max Mason whose perfect positioning when faced with 1 on 1 proved vital as he won the man of the match award.
Man of the Match - Max Mason

Sunday 18th February 2007   Merley Allendale 4   Sturminster Marshall 0
   The Under 8’s continues their winning ways thanks to a brace each from cousins Alex and Harvey Wright as they beat Sturminster Marshall 4-0. Their 8th successive victory has now moved them up to equal 3rd position on points with Broadstone Colts with 3 matches remaining.
   Merley dominated early on but the Sturminster defence held strong and soon looked dangerous on the break challenging the defensive pair of Luke Parris and Sam Whitty. Alex Wright had the first clear chance of the match as their keeper saved well when faced one on one with the Merley striker. David Higbee and Harvey Wright soon had chances but both missed the target when shooting from outside the penalty area. Alex made the most of this next one on one as his pace took him clear of the defence to pick his spot past the keeper for 1-0. Within 2 mins Harvey Wright doubled the score when his individual run starting on the left beat 4 defenders to score a goal similar to John Barnes for England V Brazil !
   The 2nd half started with keeper Charlie Pickard having to deal with some long through balls but Merley continued to make chances for Alex Wright thanks to some excellent passes from midfield from Kierran Fanner and Richard Dowling. Sturminster were still having problems containing Harvey Wright on the left and after his cross was retrieved by David Higbee, Alex Wright finished off from close range for 3-0 and his 4th goal in 2 matches. Merley were well on top and their 4th came after 20 mins after another Harvey Wright run into the box for him to notch up his 2nd goal of the game.
   With Cameron Dickman and Sam Whitty back on ,Merley continued to win possession and create even more chances. Although not tested in the 2nd half all players passing was excellent and they were creating chances which could have extended their lead if not for the woodwork or their keeper.
Man of the Match – Kierran Fanner

Sunday 11th March 2007   Merley Allendale 2  Sherborne Town 0
   Before kick off Sherborne had already won this season’s Dorset league and had not lost all season. Therefore victory against them was very pleasing and the Under 8’s best victory to date as they extended their winning run to 9 games.
   It is now over 3 months since the Under 8’s last defeat and that was against Sherborne when they lost 0-5 so revenge was sweet and it shows the progress made this winter.
After an even start Merley had more possession but clear chances were few until David Higbee almost found Harvey Wright before the keeper intercepted.
   From the first corner of the match Merley were under pressure as they were unable to clear but Max Mason in front of Charlie Pickard cleared the ball from the melee. Soon Alex Wright and David Higbee were pressing the Sherborne defence by pouncing on all the loose balls and putting pressure on the defensive pair, then after 10 mins Merley broke at speed and it was Harvey Wright who had drifted to the right to score to break the deadlock. Merley continued to dominated and won a succession of corners. Then just before half time Harvey Wright struck again coming in off the left wing to finish well for 2-0.
   With Joe Rendell now on up front he was soon linking up well with Richard Dowling and Harvey Wright. At the back Luke Parris was winning all the loose balls to keep the league champions pinned in their own half. Then a Parris cross was almost converted spectacularly as George Richardson volleyed wide from just outside the box. Merley continued to contain the Sherborne attacks with some excellent defending and saw their final chance fall to Sam Whitty who came on towards the end when his strong run and shot just when wide.
   This was a fantastic result with all 10 players involved playing well and this victory shows the progress that has been made this season.
Man of the Match – Luke Parris

Sunday 17th March 2007   Okeford United 1  Merley Allendale 3
   The Under 8’s made hard work of lowly placed Okeford as their 3-1 win made it 10 successive victories which temporarily saw them take over third place from Broadstone who beat Okeford 24 hours later.
   After last week’s success of beating league champions Sherborne the team started sluggishly and found the small pitch difficult to pass on and soon Okeford were threatening to counter attack as they were easily breaking up each Merely attack. Keeper Charlie Pickard was soon called into action as Okeford were overrunning Luke Parris and Cameron Dickman in defence as Charlie had to deal with a number of long shot efforts.
   After 8 mins Richard Dowling had the ball in the Okeford net only to see it disallowed as he had kicked it out of the keeper’s hands after an Alex Wright shot. Merley’s best effort of the half came from a George Richardson long range free kick which beat the keeper as it just went wide.
   After the break Merley started to pass the ball better and soon both Harvey Wright and George Richardson had efforts on goal. Then on 20 mins Harvey Wright cut in from the left to find Alex Wright who found the net from just inside the box for 1-0 and his 6th goal of the season. With David Higbee now replacing Sam Whitty in midfield Merley went looking for a second and again from the left, Harvey Wright found David Higbee who scored for 2-0 from close range.
   Okeford still looked dangerous on the break and deserved their goal as Kierran Fanner couldn’t catch their winger who made it 2-1. Merley shored up the defence by bringing on Max Mason and soon secured all 3 points as Okeford failed to clear the ball only to see Richard Dowling’s effort creep into the corner for 3-1.
   After the league match Okeford played a friendly, which although Merley lost 0-2 gave a run out for Sam Perry and Joshua Effick. Both Sam Whitty and Richard Dowling had the best chances but again just like in the league match keeper Charlie Pickard was outstanding and fully deserved his man of the match award.
Man of the Match – Charlie Pickard

Sunday 25th March 2007   Blandford United 3  Merley Allendale 4
   The Under 8’s finished their Dorset league campaign with a cliffhanger of a final match against divisional runners–up Blandford United. Kicking slightly down the slope Merley got off to a flyer as Alex Wright broke into the box to score from Merley’s first attack of the game.
   After 5 mins Alex had doubled the score as he used his pace to latch onto a Charlie Pickard drop kick to see Alex hammer it into the roof of the net for 2-0. Then back came Blandford as an attack on the left came back off the post only to see Sam Whitty scramble the ball away, then a long shot got the better of keeper Charlie Pickard as he was saved by his crossbar. Just as Merley were appearing to wobble under the pressure a Harvey Wright run on the left found David Higbee in the centre who scored to make it 3-0.
   Blandford heads were now down as their keeper was having problems with the goal kicks and a failed clearance soon found Alex Wright in open space to calmly score his first ever hat trick for 4 - 0. Then a first for Merley as they were awarded a penalty after David Higbee was brought down, but Harvey Wright’s spot kick was brilliantly saved by the Blandford keeper to keep the score down to 4-0 at the break.
   Blandford were not used to being in this position and came out a different team and within 7 mins of the 2nd half had scored 3 goals taking full advantage of the down slope. Merley knew they had a battle on their hands and were soon winning possession thanks to tough tackling from George Richardson and Max Mason to get them back into the game. Subs Richard Dowling and Joe Rendell soon helped relieve the pressure as Richard started causing problems on the right and Joe started to be a menace as he was relieving the defence by holding the ball up.
   Merley parents were anxiously counting down the clock as we won 2 successive corners towards the end keeping the ball in the Blandford half. Then the wait was over as Merley noted up their 11th successive victory. This vital scalp means that Merley have beaten every team in the league this season a fact only held by one other side - champions Sherborne Town. Well done and an excellent finish to an outstanding first season.
Man of the Match - George Richardson

Sunday 15th April 2007   Corfe Mullen 0  Merley Allendale 1
   As both teams finished 4th in their respective Bournemouth and Dorset leagues this was always going to be a close and competitive match. All the boys found it hard work as they were playing 20 mins each way for the first time in preparation for next season and the warm sunshine and larger pitch were also demanding.
   From the start Corfe Mullen looked the sharper as Merley looked a little lack-lustre from their 3 week gap and possibly a few half term late nights as defenders Luke Parris and Max Mason had plenty to do and clear. The hosts although on top never really looked like scoring as Charlie Pickard had to dive at the forward’s feet and deal with some long range efforts.
   After 10 mins Merley started to improve and began to pressurise via the flanks from David Higbee and Harvey Wright but still Corfe Mullen blocked all routes to goal. Then after 15 mins a poor Corfe Mullen goal kick found forward Alex Wright clear in the box for him to score and keep his recent goal feast going of 9 goals in 6 games.
   In the 2nd half again clear chances again were very few as George Richardson was winning the midfield battle and was distributing the ball well on the right wing to an inspired Richard Dowling.
Joshua Lord made an impressive debut on the left as he showed some good touches but with Corfe Mullen counter attacking found it hard work on the big pitch to support the defence towards the end.
   As the half finished the Merley’s defence continued to be under pressure but Luke Parris and George Richardson proved to be impassable.
At the end Merley held on to win 1-0, although they have played and passed the ball better this year this was a valuable scalp and they had gained experience in grounding out a result without excelling.

Sunday 15th April 2007   Corfe Mullen 1 Merley Allendale 3
   A second match followed for all the other boys on both sides not fully involved in the first game.

Sunday 29th April 2007   Merley Allendale Under 8s 1 Merley Allendale Under 9s 0
   In the first of two games it was always going to be a contest between the younger team’s playing experience against the U9s power. And there was not much between the two sides in the first encounter as the shots on goal were few with play dominated by excellent tackling.
   The U8s defencive unit of Luke Parris and Sam Whitty in front of Charlie Pickard did not look to troubled as each U9 attack was dealt with in the first 10 mins. In midfield George Richardson was winning almost every challenge and starting to worry their defence and his persistence soon paid of as he chased as pass back to the keeper only to see the clearance hit George’s bottom and go in for 1-0 at half time.
   Newcomers Joshua Lord and Bradley Richards soon began to fit into the U8s style of play with Joshua having a couple of shooting chances while Bradley’s pace started to worry the U9 defence.
   Efforts at both ends were limited in the 2nd half as both defences held strong with Kierran Fanner joining Luke Parris at the back. Richard Dowling’s nice touches almost got the U8s a second but the match finished 1-0.

Sunday 29th April 2007   Merley Allendale Under 8s 4 Merley Allendale Under 9s 1
   The under 8s pace and quickness of passing was the difference in this match as Harvey Wright dominated the midfield.
   The strong midfield trio of Harvey, Alex Wright and David Higbee were always first to the ball and rarely wasted possession. Harvey was linking up with forward Joe Rendell who although not making chances for himself was creating openings for both Wright cousins .Harvey scored 2 goals from distance as his power and timing were unstoppable.
   In the second half Sam Perry joined the reliable Max Mason at the back and soon the U8s were 3-0 as Harvey completed this hat trick with another powerful long range effort.
   The U8s continued to win the midfield battle as Cameron Dickman and Joe Rendell tried out their new positions with success. But the U9s were building momentum and soon got their rewards when a shot looped over Charlie Pickard for 3-1.
   Now it was end to end stuff and either team could have got the next goal but it was the U8s again as Alex Wright took advantage of a foul to keep his scoring record in tack.
Man of the Match - Bradley Richards
Goals -George Richardson , Harvey Wright 3 , Alex Wright

More Pictures

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		The following pictures show action from the match against Lytchett Red Triangle played at Merley First School on 17th September 2006. Alex Wright, Harvey Wright, Cameron Dickman and George Richardson.
		George Richardson, Alex Wright, Cameron Dickman, Harvey Wright, and Joe Rendall.
		Harvey Wright, Alex Wright, and George Richardson.
		Keeper Sam Whitty, George Richardson, Max Mason, Alex Wright, and Cameron Dickman.

Videos

		17th September 2006 Merley First School Merley V Lytchett Red Triangle
		17th September 2006 Merley First School Merley V Lytchett Red Triangle