Tuesday 7th March 2017

3-5

HT

2-4

Dunn, Hoban, O’Neil. Wilson (2 pens)

Tooting continued their incredible league winning run taking full points in this eight goal thriller against a spirited Three Bridges team. The home side had an early blow when ex Terror Adam Thompson went off injured after just seven minutes. Tooting opened the scoring in the 9th minute when the ball fell to Billy Dunn just outside the box and he rifled in a fierce low shot.

Three Bridges soon got back on level terms three minutes later when Hakeem Adelakun fired in a cracking angled drive and it got even better for the home side soon after as Steve Sargent put them in front with a clinical finish. Tooting hit back and the pressure paid off on the half-hour when a Peter Wedgeworth free-kick was spilled by the keeper and Chace O’Neill was quickest to react to slot home.

Eight minutes later Tooting got a bit of good fortune when a Claudiu Hoban shot took a deflection to wrong foot Martin Grant in the home goal. On the stroke of half-time United had a two goal cushion when Chace O’Neill was brought down in the area and Jordan Wilson converted the spot-kick.

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Early in the second half Billy Dunn had a couple of good efforts and Hakeem Adelakun was very unlucky as his goal-bound effort crashed against the Terrors woodwork. Tooting got goal number five midway through the half whenClaudiu Hoban’s surging run was brought to a halt as he was felled in the box Jordan Wilson stepped up to knock in the perfect penalty.

In the closing stagesthe experienced Allan Tait pulled a goal back for the Sussex side with a neat finish. Also in the home ranks were Lee Hall and Jensen Grant. On reflection a very entertaining game with both sides serving up some excellent attacking play. In a season of records Tooting recently broke another with their most league wins in a season.

Well done to all concerned.

Tooting & Mitcham United :Kyle Merson, Jordan Wilson, Peter Wedgeworth, Kevin Maclaren, Quincy Rowe, Bashiru Alimi, Dan Clements, Chace O’Neill, Mike Dixon(Jack Mazzone), Billy Dunn, Claudiu Hoban(Sandy Cunningham).Unused subs Tenny Adebowale, Ollie Bennett, Josh Barker

Match Report by Ian Bullock

Saturday 11th March 2017

0-1

HT

0-0

Adebowale

When diminutive full back Tenny Adebowale slipped anchor to replace bad boy Peter Wedgeworth no one doubted his defensive credentials, but few suspected that this tiny vessel carried the ferocious firepower that propelled Terrors to a thirteenth successive victory.

It was odds on that a match between the two highest scoring sides in senior football was not going to be a goal fest, and so it proved in a first half that was dominated by defence.  However Hastings could smell blood when, ten minutes before the break, Peter Wedgeworth suffered a rush of the red stuff to the head and launched himself into a long range tackle on the half way line were no danger lurked - Straight red.

Claudio Hoban was sacrificed in order to maintain the defensive platform - replaced by specialist left back Adebowale - a pretty handy backup to have!  And so half time arrived with both boats remaining relatively unrocked.

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Tootings engine room, with Rowe and Patterson-Bonher rock solid at the back and the Macalren/O’Neil partnership in front of then, purred throughout. As against Greenwich they barely seemed to notice their numerical disadvantage, creating many more openings than the hosts.  Even so there was little goalmouth action until, a quarter of an hour from time, Tenny dribbled the ball out of defence into the centre of the park towards goal. Then, finding himself with a bit of space, he unleashed a stunning shot that curled around Lenny Pidgeley, almost bursting the net.

Despite Tootings continued dominance Hastings finally contrived a proper attack, twice hitting the bar just near the end.  But an equaliser would have been quite undeserved annd so it was lucky thirteen for a magnificent side that are now guaranteed at least a play off spot (superstitious lot us Bog enders!).

Tooting & Mitcham United :Kyle Merson, Jordan Wilson, Peter Wedgeworth, Kevin Maclaren, Sol Patterson-Bonher, Quincy Rowe, Dan Clements (Sandy Cunningham), Chace O’Neill, Mike Dixon(Jack Mazzone), Billy Dunn, Claudiu Hoban (Tenny Adebowale). Unused subs T, Ollie Bennett, Josh Barker

Match Report by The Terror

Saturday 18th March 2017

2-0

Dixon, Clements

HT

2-0

Tooting made it 14 league wins on the trot but this was overshadowed due to ahead injury suffered by Bashiru Alimi in the first minute( thankfully Bash received the all clear from the hospital).

With the wind at their backs the Terrors had efforts from Billy Dunn and Mike Dixon brilliantly saved by Walton keeper Denzel Gerrar whilst at the other end the excellent Kyle Merson made an important stop from Gabriel Odunaike.  A free flowing move then saw the impressive Ollie Bennett fire just over.

Tooting’s pressure paid off in the 34th minute when a clearance from Sol Patterson-Bohner fell into the path of Mike Dixon who tucked the ball under the advancing keeper. On the stroke of half- time Dan Clements made it 2-0 when he fired home from close range after good work by Tenny Adebowale.

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After the interval chances were at a premium Dan Clements went close and Billy Dunn forced a good save from the keeper. Casuals’ Kevant Serbony had an effort saved and ex Terror Jordan Cheadle was just off target with a free-kick. In difficult windy conditions the Terrors produced another workmanlike performance and despite missing several players the strength of the squad is there for all to see. It was also pleasing to see Eddie Dines back in action and he had a fine game in the heart of the defence.

Tooting & Mitcham Utd FC : Kyle Merson, Jordan Wilson, Tenny Adebowale, Chace O’Neill, Sol Patterson-Bohner, Bashiru Alimi(Eddie Dines), Dan Clements, Ollie Bennett,(Callum Wilson) Mike Dixon, Sandy Cunningham, Billy Dunn(Jack Mazzone). Unused sub David Trivino(gk)

Match Report by Ian Bullock

Saturday 25th March 2017

2-0

HT

0-0

Tooting’s great winning run came to an end at a very blustery Goring’s Mead the tricky conditions making good football very hard. The opening half saw United hold the upper hand with Claudiu Hoban going close and home keeper Josh Pelling made saves from Jordan Wilson, Claudiu Hoban and Billy Dunn. Kyle Merson was called into action to deny Alfie Rogers and Darren Boswell.

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After the interval it was the home side who created some pressure and took the lead in the 56th minute when the Terrors failed to clear a corner and Charlie Farmer scored with a cross shot. Six minutes later Tooting came all so close toan equaliser when Danny Clements rattled the Hornets post with a fierce drive after a good break out of defence. In the last quarter Sandy Cunningham had goal bound effort blocked and there was a penalty shout for the Terrors.   

However it was Horsham who would seal their victory in the 87th minute when Tony Nwachukwu who had a brief spell at Imperial Fields received a clearance about 25 yards out and rifled in an unstoppable screamer into the roof of the net. Credit to Horsham for their battling display and also well done to the Tooting  lads for their record breaking run which had to end at some point.

Tooting & Mitcham Utd FC : Kyle Merson, Eddie Dines, Tenny Adebowale(KevinMacLaren), Jordan Wilson, Sol Patterson-Bohner, Quincy Rowe, Dan Clements, Chace O’Neill, Mike Dixon(Jack Mazzone), Billy Dunn, Claudiu Hoban(Sandy Cunningham). Unused subs Ollie Bennett, Callum Wilson

Match Report by Ian Bullock

Saturday 1st April 2017

2-0

Dixon, Mazzone

HT

0-0

A season’s best home crowd taking advantage of the free admission saw the Terrors take the points in a hard fought encounter. In the opening half the only noteworthy effort fell to Mike Dixon who fired over after a great run by skipper Sol Patterson-Bohner had set him up.

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Three minutes after the break Mike Dixon got on the end of a Chace O’Neill cross but put his shot just wide.  After 59 minutes Tooting got the vital break –through when a good Tenny Adebowale run and cross was converted from close range by Mike Dixon.

In the 72nd minute the Terrors had a rare scare when after a goalmouth scramble the ball crashed against the home post before being cleared. However Tooting pressure paid off in the 78th minute  when substitute Jack Mazzone joyfully swept home United’s  second goal  after good work down the right by Dan Clements.

Tooting & Mitcham Utd : Kyle Merson, Jordan Wilson, Tenny Adebowale, KevinMacLaren, Sol Patterson-Bohner, Quincy Rowe, Dan Clements, Chace O’Neill, Mike Dixon, Billy Dunn(Jack Mazzone),  Claudiu Hoban(Sandy Cunningham).  Unused subs Ollie Bennett, Callum Wilson, Ashley Robinson

Match Report by Ian Bullock

Thursday 6th April 2017

London Senior Cup - Quarter Final

3-1

HT

2-0

Mazzone

The Terrors put in a good performance as they went out of the London Senior Cup to local rivals Dulwich Hamlet. The home side took a early lead when a fierce strike from Omar Koroma took an huge  deflection to wrong foot  Matte Pierson in the United goal. Two minutes later

Tooting came so close to an equaliser when debutant Dontai Stewart had an effort cleared off the line. Midway through the half Tooting went close again when Peter Wedgeworth’s free-kick was inches away. In the 24th minute Jacob Erskine who had a brief spell at Imperial Fields headed in a Sanchez Ming cross to put Hamlet two up.

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Tooting started the second half well and were gifted a goal after 50 minutes when the home keeper appeared to slip on the wet surface that had been watered during the interval and Jack Mazzone nipped into reduce the arrears. On the hour Sandy Cunningham playing against his former club headed just over.

Dulwich then put on some pressure with Matte Pierson making some important saves and the home side also hit the post. In stoppage time the hosts sealed their victory with a goal from Nyren Clunis. There was a cracking atmosphere at the game well done to the many Tooting fans who made the short trip and their excellent vocal support.

Tooting & Mitcham Utd FC : Matte Pierson, Callum Wilson(Ashley Robinson), Peter Wedgeworth, Kevin MacLaren, Sergino Zamara, Quincy Rowe, Dan Clements, Ollie Bennett, Jack Mazzone(Mike Dixon), Sandy Cunningham, Dontai Stewart(Tenny Adebowale). Unused subs Chace O’Neill, Sol Patterson-Bohner

Match Report by Ian Bullock

Saturday 8th April 2017

1-0

Dixon

HT

0-0

Tooting got three valuable points in their bid for promotion getting a late winner against a battling Three Bridges side during a tension filled afternoon at Imperial Fields. The Terrors had early efforts from Jack Mazzone and Mike Dixon saved by Martin Grant in the visitors goal and Peter Wedgeworth was just off target with a free-kick. Three Bridges had a good chance midway through the half when Tony Garrod was through on goal but the excellent Kyle Merson saved well

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On the hour Hakeem Adelakun had an opening for the Sussex side but Kyle Merson again made a good stop, in the 72nd minute Mike Dixon had a fierce drive saved. With Kevin MacLaren having a fine game  in midfield Tooting finally got the vital break through six minutes from time when

Jordan Wilson made a good run down the right and crossed for the waiting Mike Dixon to smash home to a tremendous roar. Credit to Three Bridges who have given the Terrors two really tough games but sadly for them they are in the bottom three.Well done to the Tooting players and management for keeping their nerve and our superb fans for the continual backing.

Tooting & Mitcham Utd FC : Kyle Merson, Jordan Wilson, Peter Wedgeworth, Kevin MacLaren, Sol Patterson-Bohner, Quincy Rowe, Dan Clements(Ashley Robinson), Chace O’Neill, Michael Dixon, Jack Mazzone(Sandy Cunningham), Billy Dunn(Ollie Bennett). Unused subs Sergino Zamara, Tenny Adebowale

Match Report by Ian Bullock

Saturday 15th April 2017

1-1

HT

0-1

O’Neil

Tooting will be relieved to leave Kent with a share of the spoils after a lively Rams side threatened to stop the party largely generated by a coachload of the Toots faithful.

Chace O’Neil gave Terrors the lead shortly before half time by extending a telescopic leg to poke home a Peter Wedgeworth cross that had eluded a string of players along the six yard line. However, early in the second half  Ramsgate were deservedly level courtesy of an an emphatic strike from the edge of the box.

Attention now switches to Imperial Fields on Monday and a local derby in which both sides have much to play for.

Monday 17th April 2017

1-0

Wilson

HT

0-0

A goal six minutes from time by super sub and long serving player Jordan Wilson gave the Terrors victory amid exciting scenes at the KNK Stadium. It also meant Tooting had beaten every team in the league at least once and that Dorking Wanderers would have to win by a five goal margin to snatch away thetitle from the Terrors when the sides meet in the final league game. A season’s best home crowd of 697 saw the Robins have the first opening in the 7th minutewhen Kalvin Morath-Gibbs headed over from a corner.

United’s first chance came after 17 minutes when Mike Dixon latched onto a through ball but lobbedagonisingly wide. With Kevin Maclaren outstanding in midfield Tooting were unlucky not to take the lead in the 36th minute when a long throw from Ashley Robinson was flicked on by the awesome Quincy Rowe to Sandy Cunningham whose diving header hit the foot of the post. Just before the break Kyle Merson was called into action saving well from Kingsley Aikhionbare as the Robins threatened.

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The visitors had the first effort of the second half on 56 minutes when the dangerous Kingsley Aikhionbare fired just over. Tooting replied with Chace O’Neill going inches wide after good work by Sandy Cunningham. In the 83rd minute Dan Clements was replaced by Jordan Wilson and what an inspired substitution it turned out to be as just sixty seconds later Peter Wedgeworth played a pin-point free-kick into the Carshalton box and Jordan Wilson rose majestically to head home the winning goal with his first touch to a deafening roar and mass celebration on and off the field. Summing up every Tooting player has been a hero, the Management team have been superb and the support incredible.

Tooting & Mitcham Utd FC : Kyle Merson, Ashley Robinson, Peter Wedgeworth,Kevin Maclaren, Sol Patterson-Bohner, Quincy Rowe, Dan Clements(Jordan Wilson), Chace O’Neill, Mike Dixon, Sandy Cunningham, Claudiu Hoban(Billy Dunn). Unused subs Ollie Bennett, Eddie Dines, Jack Mazzone

Match Report by Ian Bullock

Saturday 22nd April 2017

1-0

HT

0-0

It was party time at the West Humble Playing Fields as Tooting & Mitcham crowned a magnificent season by lifting the Ryman South Title before a ground record crowd. In a hard fought encounter the Terrors did what they hadto do as the claimed their 4th Isthmian League Championship the others being in 1957/58, 1959/60 and 2000/01.

In a edgy first half Tooting’s brilliant young keeper Kyle Merson made one of the saves of the season to keep out a  point blank range effort from James McShane and not long after he made another fine stop from an deflected Giuseppe Sole free-kick. Tooting’s efforts came from Mike Dixon which both went wide.

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After the break Tooting enjoyed more of the play and Sandy Cunningham fired wide from close range. Dorking responded with a good run and effort from Sam Beard son of former Tooting manager Mark Beard which was again well held by Kyle Merson. The home side got what proved to be the winner in the 71st minute when Sam Beard crossed for Giuseppe Sole to tap in. The Terrors still had chances to draw level with Sandy Cunningham and Claudiu Hoban going close and Mike Dixon rattled the Dorking bar when though on goal. In the closing stages Giuseppe Sole was shown a red card for Dorking. At the back for Wanderers was former Tooting favourite Dean Hamlin who had an excellent game.

It was also good to see the Dorking players sportingly applauding the Tooting players as they were presented with the League Winners medals. Finally in my many years of watching Tooting  & Mitcham thiswas one of the best moments I have witnessed many congratulations to Frank,Paul, Ashley, the Players, the Backroom Staff, Steve Atkins and last but not least our Supporters who have been top drawer.

Tooting & Mitcham Utd FC : Kyle Merson, Ashley Robinson, Peter Wedgeworth,Kevin Maclaren(Eddie Dines), Sol Patterson-Bohner, Quincy Rowe, Dan Clements(Claudiu Hoban), Chace O’Neill, Mike Dixon, Sandy Cunningham(BillyDunn), Jordan Wilson. Unused subs Matte Pierson, Jack Mazzone.

Match Report by Ian Bullock