23 September 2006 - League
Darkside 6 v Merton Social Res 0
Team: Adrian, Alan, Andy, Ant, Ben M, Ben S, Craig, Cullum, Dan B, Dan S, Ian, Mike, Steve, Tim
Goals: Mike, Craig x2, OG, Alan, Ben M / Assists: Alan, Ian, Cullum, Tim, ?, ? / MOTM: Ian / MM: Phill

An extraordinarily hot September day saw Darkside step out for their first home match of the season onto a lush looking Victoria rec. Spirits were high following the previous weeks victory against Lower Green, on the opening day of the KDFL division 4 season. Manager Tanna had a full strength squad at his disposal following the returns of Tim, Minty, Ant and Captain Craig. The manager had already warned his stars that there would be the introduction of a squad rotation system in the new season, and he failed to disappoint; leaving three of the returning foursome on the bench. The starting line-up saw Andy in goal ~ Adrian, French Dan, Ben S (Bert) and Ian across the back ~ a midfield foursome of Big Dan, Craig (c), Ant and Cullum ~ with Ben M and Mike up top.

After the ‘dynamic' warm up led by John, everyone was knackered… but a few rousing words from the manager and John himself got everyone riled up for their second match of the season. The match got underway, with instant pressure being piled upon Merton. Darkside never really looked like being under any pressure, with Merton's only apparent hope being the long ball tactic - but their aerial ability or pace was never going to be a match for French Dan and Adrian in the heart of the DFC defence.

20 minutes into the first half Darkside were struck a blow: commanding centre-back Adrian had a clash of heads with a Merton midfielder which saw both men needing treatment. Merton's man was ok to carry on, be-it with a mummified head bandage on, unfortunately for Darkside the big man at the back had to go off with, what the ref described as “ a nasty one, real deep, its gonna need stitches ”. Minty slotted straight into the vacant spot and Darkside had time to regroup and settle into the game. Darkside were really piling on the pressure towards the end of the second half, Big Dan shot over the bar, right-back Ian had two shots well saved by the Merton keeper and Craig went just wide with a drive from distance. Several chances later, including a French Dan header which fell just over the bar, and endless corners, the first half came to a frustrating close for Darkside.

The half time break was somewhat of a relaxed affair, with Darkside almost knowing that the goals were going to come. Highlights included Phill being thrown up on by his baby, and various team members spraying Kidwell with water.

The second half got underway, with yet again, Darkside piling the pressure on Merton. Ian, again, having a half-volley attempt well saved by the Merton keeper. Finally 10 minutes into the second half the deadlock was broken, striker Mike pounced on a poor back pass by the Merton centre-half and beat the goalie to his left hand side – 1-0. Darkside weren't happy with one and really kicked the game up a gear. Some nice work by Cullum and Ant down the flanks had the Merton defence sweating. 2 minutes after the first goal, Cullum cut inside and saw his low cross deflect off a Merton defender straight into his own net passed his bemused looking keeper.

Darkside were really up for the game now and some lovely attacking football was being played, with most of the 10 outfield players standing in the oppositions half for most of the second period – with the full backs, Bert and Ian, almost creating a 6-man midfield. Crosses were raining in from the right hand side, with Cullum and Ian supplying the ammunition for the front line, with Ant going excruciatingly close at the far post. More corners followed, with Big Dan heading just over, again at the far post. Darkside weren't going to give up, and the third goal was never far away. Some nice work by Big Dan, Alan and Craig saw the game open up with a chance for Captain Craig to float a wonderful dipping shot past the Merton goalkeeper from distance. 3-0.

As Darkside were coasting, manager Tanna made some changes which saw Tim replacing goal scorer Mike, and Cullum making way for Ben Mole. Once again Darkside were coasting and the two substitutes made an instant impact with some nice build up play down the right hand side. Yet again though, it took another long range effort to beat the 11-men-behind-the-ball side from the Darkside captain, albeit with the help of a deflection from a Merton player. 4-0. Merton were feeling the pressure all over the field, and some lovely link up play between the pacey left-flank duo nearly saw Darkside go ahead further after Ant slipped passed the Merton defence and latched onto Bert's perfectly weighted through ball, only for the keeper to make a good save down low.

Some more nice work down the right hand side saw Ben Mole really tormenting the Merton defence, with a low cross just evading Alan at the far post. More chances were coming with Tim forcing the keeper into making a fantastic save to tip the ball onto the post. Darkside were really pressurising the Merton defence and were putting on a real show for the swarm(s) of fans that had gathered to watch - in what could turn out to be the highest attendance of the season (about 13, including Neil, John, Kidwell and Dizzy). It was again the two substitutes playing a part in the next goal, Tim fed Ben Mole through on goal, who smashed the ball into the top right hand corner of the Merton goal. 5-0. With 10 minutes left, Darkside were knocking the ball about for fun and retaining possession. The final attack of the day saw some nice build up play down the right from Tim and Ian result in a pin-point cross from the latter to pick out Alan at the far post, who coolly nodded home. 6-0.

As the full-time whistle blew DFC were more than happy with the result, which saw them rise to 2 nd place in the league, with a game in hand over the leaders – who only have a one point advantage. Heady times for the Darkside. Up next, an unbeaten Claygate Swans side – will we be able to ‘duck' in and pick up a win?

Match report by: Ian