Match report (18.01.12)

Bridgewater College 0 – Merchants’ Academy 3

Merchants’ Football Academy went into a big game against challengers Bridgewater College with high confidence from their 5 game unbeaten run. Merchants’ FA started the game very well keeping pressing high up the pitch and retaining the ball once in possession. This carried on for the remaining of the first half where the first goal came from midfielder Dylan Whittle with a wonderful strike from just outside the penalty area, after some fantastic build up play from Jacob O’Donnell, Jack Prosser and Jack Peacock. The second goal came straight from a corner, with some luck with wind for Merchants’ FA, Midfielder Ryan Nicholls scored directly from the corner kick. Great one touch play once again come from Merchants created the third goal from outside the box, once again Dylan Whittle put away the third with great composure along the ground into the bottom corner.

Merchants’ FA went into the second half playing some wonderful football and completed the impressive performance to date. The final score was 3-0 and a complete performance by Merchants’ FA. Mr Sefton commented after the game “we have worked hard on our passing and movement and it is great to see it being replicated on match day”.  Merchants’ FA are now getting ever closer to the top 2 teams and looking to compete for the title.

Match Report (05.01.12)

Wiltshire College 3 – Merchants’ Academy 6

This game was a test of how far the team had progressed as Wiltshire have only lost one game and are currently second in the league. The game did not start well conceding an early goal and being generally outplayed by a very strong team. In a good passage of play Dylan Whittle managed to score a well worked goal to get back on equal terms. Unfortunately, the next 25 minutes was backs against the wall stuff and Merchants’ Academy went into half time 3-1 down. With some strong instructions from Mr Sefton the team came out in the second half and produced a phenomenal performance. Some players really did lead by example, with Captain Jack Medjedoub and the rest of the midfield pressing high up the pitch; within 10 minutes the score was reduced to 3-2. With a new belief Merchants’ Academy started to the play the football they are capable of. Within minutes Ryan Nicholls scored his first goal for the team and we were level. Next with a fantastic goal by Josh Brunt and assist from Jacob O’Donnell, Merchants’ Academy had taken the lead. Now the tide had changed and we were looking to win the game. Further goals by Dylan Whittle, who went on to get a hat trick, and Jacob O’Donnell secured the victory producing the best performance to date. With 2 home games to follow the team has a great opportunity to catch the top 2 teams.

Match Report (14.12.11)

Yeovil College 1 – Merchants’ Academy 7

Merchants’Football Academy has had yet another convincing win which keeps the team in fourth place hot on the heels of the top three. After a poor start which saw them 1-0 down, the team reacted with 3 goals before half time. The first scored by a header from Daz Davey, who put in his best performance to date. The second goal was scored by the hard working Josh Brunt with his first goal of the season. Jacob O’Donnell who went on to score a hat trick scored the third to give the team a comfortable lead at half time. The second half performance was very good in the heavy rain conditions and the football that was played was impressive. Performances by the midfield three and the front players were particularly encouraging and some excellent passing and movement to not only keep possession but also to create chances for the team. The team went on to score a further 4 goals and probably should have had more, with Jacob O’Donnell hitting the woodwork twice and Dylan Whittle missing from close range. A well fought win finishing 7-1 win with goals from Jacob O’Donnell (3) Daz Davey (2) Dylan Whittle (1) Josh Brunt (1).

Match report (23.11.11)

Weston College 1 – Merchants’ Academy 6

The most impressive performance of the season so far. I cannot fault any of the players individually because collectively they were fantastic. We have worked hard to rectify a poor result in the cup to Weston from the previous week and the hard work carried out in training really showed in the game; the players carried out the game plan perfectly.

The first goal was scored by Jacob O’donnell who went on to score his third hat-trick of the season. The second and third goals were excellent finishes by Jack Peacock and Dylan Whittle respectively. The final goal was a tremendous breakaway goal scored by the team captain Jack Medjedoub, with a powerful forward run and finish. Defensively both Jack Prosser at left back and Jordan Devey at centre half were dominant and showed a great attitude to improve our defensive play. Jack Bennett and Josh Brunt worked tirelessly for the team and were disciplined in their performance.

Overall, we are now fourth in the league and are the third highest goal scorers in the league.