Match Report: Berrylands v Merton

Saturday 23 February: 7–1 loss

Berries not at their best
We knew it would be a tough game against Merton 2‘s, and it was. Berries were wasteful in possession and never really got a grip on the game.

Marking-wise Berries were solid throughout the pitch, but Merton seemed to have that extra turn of pace, or the deft pass to release the player, to cause Berries’ defence a headache.

Outstanding play by Helena and Lin kept the score to 4–1 in the first half. The Berries goal came from a short corner finished off by Helen S. It was not all one-way traffic though, and Berries did force some saves from the Merton keeper with some creative running and passing throughout the forward line.

Merton’s number 33 (Candis Morton) controlled the game and was responsible for setting up many of the Merton attacks, as well as breaking up Berries play in the middle of the park, where the halfs were run ragged.

There will be a few bruises being nursed this weekend, especially Helen R, who took a nasty tumble in the second half. Again it was backs to the wall in the second half, with clearances from all the backs (Eve, Ruth, Lins and Helena) as well as Nikki back helping out. Helena again got the ball away on some late short corners for Merton.

Final score: 7–1 loss but Berries remain in 5th place in the Division.