Mens Merlins lost to Camberley IV 0 - 2

A GAME OF FOUR HALVES

Following Marlow’s cancellation of the Merlins’ home game due to a grass allergy, the skipper was once again struggling to find a fixture. After protracted negotiations a three-way tournament was set up at Berkhamsted with Camberley. It is a sad reflection on the current Merlins’ player availability that whilst only eight travelled to Berkhamsted, they were able to field twelve to attend Sheila Jones’ funeral on Thursday. Of these only Wardle, Wood and Wright played on Saturday. Bob Brown was the only other member to have played during the season. Injuries and surgery have resulted in Bloomfield, Falconer, Sandal and Thomas being sidelined. With retirees Everett, Jones, Johnstone and Moseley in their prime this side would have given the current First XI a run for their money.

CAMBERLEY 2 MAIDENHEAD MERLINS 0

Having watched Camberley demolish Berkhamsted in the first game, the Merlins knew that they would have their work cut out. With the Berkhamsted ‘keeper in goal and the current full back pairing of Wardle and Robinson doing a passable impersonation of Laurel and Hardy, half backs Ivey, Murphy and Wright were soon in the thick of things. Whilst Camberley dominated, the tireless running of Simon Miall and the two Berkhamsted guests saw the Merlins create a number of scoring opportunities that went begging most notably by Ivey and Craig Mair. Following concerted pressure, Camberley scored as two unmarked forwards lined up for shooting practice.

The second half saw the Merlins creating their own opportunities but it was the same old story of profligacy in front of goal. The best scoring chance fell to Arthur Wood who eschewed a golden chance by miss hitting despite being unchallenged. As Camberley began to re-assert themselves they soon scored their second goal. A series of short corners were won, but the fleet footed Ivey restricted scoring opportunities in all but one instance when a thunderbolt shot was saved on the line by the sedentary Wardle diverting the ball to the corner flag.

BERKHAMSTED 1 MAIDENHEAD MERLINS 1

Following her debut last week, Camberley Ladies ‘keeper, Sarah Tillia kept goal in the second game. Once again, guest players filled the inside right and right wing berths. With the halves dominating the middle of the park, it seemed only a matter of time before the Merlins scored. The pressure finally paid off as Craig Mair eventually found the back of the net to give the Merlins a half time lead. Despite further pressure and a string of short corners, no further goals looked likely as the non-scoring virus was caught by the guest players. Looking to maintain a clean sheet for the afternoon, Tilly was visibly upset as Tony Robinson left her exposed to the equaliser from an acute angle. Her embarrassment was only heightened when following a fine piece of intervention; she said ‘I thought that the centre forward was going to come down on me’. By holding out for the draw, the Merlins secured second place on goal difference.

The post match fare augmented with Tring Brewery bitter proved the highlight of the day and all participants expressed their thanks to organiser and umpire extraordinaire, Pete Elsworth. The MOM award perversely resulted in a vote off following a three-way tie before Simon Miall deservedly secured the award. All three sides enjoyed their afternoon, although the absence of Four Counties Supremo and Camberley stalwart, Steve Edwards, on a sewing course in Doncaster was the subject of great mirth. Vice Captain Lawrence Castle’s non-appearance resulted in a unanimous jug fine. The twenty minute half format was viewed as a great success and a good test of stamina. With Berkhamsted having confirmed that they have a full side for next Saturday, the Merlins look forward to their first home game in February.