Viral Sam is Villa’s big stager – like Dad!

HAN-DOVER: Tony Incenzo, centre, presents the award to Hanworth Villa’s Sarah Connor and Dave Brown

GOLDEN boy Sam Merson praised his Hanworth Villa manager Simon Haughney for allowing him to play with freedom as he picked up the Huck Nets Goal of the Season award at the National Game Awards.

Merson – son of legendary Arsenal midfielder Paul – received the accolade for his stunning volley against Farnham Town on March 4 which then went viral on social media.

The forward perfectly controlled a long punt down field before pirouetting and volleying the ball into the net after it had popped over his shoulder.

Merson was unable to accept the award in person, so club director Dave Brown read out his acceptance speech, which read: “Thank you to all who voted for my goal. I am extremely proud to have received this award.

“I would like to thank Hanworth Villa and the fans for all their support over the last six seasons.

“I would also like to especially thank my manager Simon Haughney and his assistant Paul Thomas for giving me the freedom to play my game and attempt shots as I see fit without any criticism, even when they do not come off!

“That night against Farnham, the pass was floated up to me and my first thought was to get it under control.

“I had already seen the keeper was off his line and as I made the first touch, I was aware scoring was on, so I hit it goalwards knowing if it was on target, with the keeper where he was, it was on.

Huck Nets Goal of the Season

Sam Merson -Hanworth Villa

“And what a great feeling it was when it went in.

“The fallout from the goal and the socials associated with it has gone viral and it is a great feeling and one that has made me and my family all very proud.”

Villa finished third in the Isthmian League South Central Division this season but missed out on promotion due to a 2-1 play-off final loss to Uxbridge.

Brown, who works as a voluntary member of the ground staff at Rectory Meadow, told how proud the club was of Merson and believes the reaction on social media was a testament to how good the goal was.

“We love him,” said Brown, who received the award alongside fellow director Sarah Connor.

“I cannot fault the man. He deserves everything he gets. It went viral, people around the world have seen it, not just in the UK, but around the world! It is fantastic for him.

“He meant it from the moment the ball came to him, he knew he was going to score.

“He shoots with that level of confidence all the time, from anywhere too, whether it is outside the box or from odd angles.

“And his skill is that he hits the ball early, before anyone can get set, so it was no surprise to see him score and it is great for him to be recognised for it here today.”