🏆 SAL Junior Novets Cup – First Round
Merton 2nd XI 2–5 Old Tiffinians 4th XI
Venue: Merton Home Ground
Date: Saturday, 4 October 2025
Match Summary
Old Tiffinians 4th XI began their SAL Junior Novets Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, overcoming Merton 2nd XI with a commanding 2–5 victory. The visitors displayed fluid attacking movement and clinical finishing, spearheaded by the influential duo of Sean and Tony, whose link-up play repeatedly tore through the Merton defence.
The match opened with Tiffinians asserting control early on. A precise through ball from Sean released Tony, who calmly slotted home to give the visitors a deserved 1–0 lead. Their advantage soon doubled when Sheldon and Sean combined cleverly down the right flank, with Sean’s dangerous delivery forcing a Merton defender into an unfortunate own goal.
After the interval, Tiffinians maintained their attacking rhythm. Sheldon again found Sean, this time through the centre, allowing him to finish clinically for 3–0. Merton responded with a well-taken volley from just inside the box, briefly reducing the deficit.
However, Tiffinians quickly restored control. The Sean–Tony partnership struck again — Sean played Tony through, and despite the ball getting trapped under his feet, Tony improvised brilliantly to turn and slot the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs for 4–1.
The fifth goal for Tiffinians showcased the pace and precision of Tiffinians’ attack. Sean, once more the creator, found George, who used his speed to evade a defender and finish smartly past the keeper. Merton managed a late consolation with the final kick of the game, but by then, the contest was well beyond reach.
A confident and cohesive display sees Old Tiffinians 4s advance to the second round of the competition, brimming with attacking confidence and teamwork.