Mens Merlins lost to Camberley IV 3 - 6

CAMBERLEY IV 6 -3 MAIDENHEAD MERLINS
Scorer: Andy Ivey 3
Ivey Hat Trick Not Enough

With a combination of late withdrawals, injuries, illness and holidays the Merlins had six confirmed players on Friday evening. In addition there were two probables who were dependant upon San Paolo air traffic control and a former spouse. Following a series of late night phone calls and the offer of a subsequent fixture against Camberley Owls in April, the Four Counties Supremo, Steve Edwards, was able to produce three players and the skipper managed to persuade former Maidenhead stalwart, Wilbur Teasdale, to play.

With only six players from their previous match, the Merlins’ line up had a very unfamiliar appearance. The only players in their preferred position were Tony Robinson, Arthur Wood, Andrew Ivey, Noel Murphy and Lawrence Castle. The left side utility player, Simon Miall played right wing and Craig Mair played as a mobile Bob Brown at centre forward. Male guests were deployed at inside left and left half with Sarah Tillia in goal. The Merlins were soon in trouble as their youthful opposition ran them ragged. Despite Tilly’s stentorian marshalling of her defence, she was unable to stem the tide as Camberley always had a man spare in the circle. This was compounded as Teapot fiddled in the circle and was dispossessed to present the first goal. With Teasdale showing rare skill and tenacity linking with Steve Edwards on the left, Maidenhead mounted a number of promising breaks, but the final pass invariably went astray. Further Camberley pressure resulted in two more goals, one of which was squeezed between the post and ‘keeper from close range on the left. Against the run of play, Simon Miall looked set to add to the two goals he scored on Sunday in the Vintage Vets Cup only to be denied by a foot on the line. Andy Ivey’s powerful flick left the ‘keeper powerless. Camberley were then denied a fourth as Noel Murphy having run the length of the pitch made a goal line save.

With Edwards having to leave for Bracknell at half time, Mark Twain replaced him. He played at centre half with Ivey switching to inside left and Lawrence Castle playing a deep lying inside right. This new line up proved effective and the Merlins were very much back in the game when Ivey scored following a fine pass by Arthur Wood who had one of his best games in many years. The introduction of two first XI players proved decisive as Camberley swarmed all over the tiring Merlins winning a number of short corners as Wardle made his mark on the young left wing and balls found defenders’ feet. None of these short corners were converted although one illegally high shot nearly took off Tilly’s head. Camberley established a four goal margin, but what the Merlins lack in speed, skill and stamina is compensated by heart. This was epitomised as Craig Mair ran across the field and back before presenting Ivey with his third goal.

Thanks were recorded to the Camberley umpire who officiated alone and his skill and sympathetic playing of the advantage greatly contributed to an enjoyable match played in a good spirit. Merlins asserted their post match authority by outstaying every member of the opposition in their own bar.