MATCH REPORTS 2023/24 
- Match Reports by Chris Pullen -

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East Grinstead Town 4-1 Merstham | Isthmian South East | Saturday 2nd December

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On a freezing, foggy afternoon in Sussex, a dire fifteen minute spell at the start of the second half cost Merstham the three points. While Town were deserved winners, the Moatsiders didn't help themselves by gifting the opposition a couple of goals. As has been the case in recent weeks, there were more enforced changes. Both Michael Abnett and Harry Murphy were missing at full back, while Billy Oram is out for a couple of months with a knee injury.  

 

Merstham began brightly and should have gone ahead in the second minute. Ben Senior beat his full back and fired in a low cross to where Korrey Henry was waiting inside the six yard box for what looked an easy tap in. But somehow the ball squirmed between his feet and ended up going wide of the far post. But moments later, it was East Grinstead's turn to spurn a gilt-edged opportunity as an unmarked Walsh missed the target from 8 yards. In the 9th minute  Walsh was again wasteful, as he fired into the side netting from a great position. Ex-Merstham favourite Omar Folkes was proving a handful, and he was the next man to go close when he dragged his shot wide of the far post. At the other end, another former Moatsider, keeper Matte Pearson was called into action as Senior's shot at the near post was beaten away. It was end to end, but both sides lacked composure in the opposition box, as Lorenzo Lewis demonstrated when he cut into the box but then blazed wildly over the bar. Folkes then tried to chip Endurance Johnson, but his effort just cleared the bar.  As the first half drew to a close, both sides started to find their range. Twice in a couple of minutes, Johnson was forced to tip shots from distance over the bar, while Pearson made a good save from Lewis, deflecting the winger's shot for a corner. Just when it seemed the half would unbelievably end scoreless, Merstham went ahead. A quick counter attack and a perfectly weighted pass from Corbin released Lewis. His pace took him clear of the chasing defenders, and as Pearson came to meet him, he unselfishly squared the ball for Korrey Henry to pass it into an empty net.  But in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Town equalised with a soft goal. A long throw into the box wasn't dealt with. A couple of defenders seemingly had the chance to clear but the ball was like a pinball in the Merstham penalty area before it fell invitingly at the feet of Green, who fired home the equaliser from six yards and make it 1-1 at the break.

 

By the time the second half got under way, the fog that had started to blow in after half an hour, had become noticeably thicker, and at times in the second half it was impossible to see the corner flags on the far side of the ground. Unfortunately, the Moatsiders looked similarly foggy in thought and deed in the opening fifteen minutes of the second half. From the kick off, East Grinstead dominated possession and looked threatening every time they went forward. They went ahead from the penalty spot in the 55th minute. Dean Gunner had gone to ground to try and block a Folkes shot, but as the ball ran loose, he stuck out his feet and Folkes went down like a falling oak tree. Wilson hammered home the spot kick. Two minutes later, Ben Senior went on a surging run from inside his own half and forced Pearson into a diving save, pushing Senior's curling shot away with his left hand for a Merstham corner. That corner led to East Grinstead's decisive third goal. Peter Wedgeworth and Callum Corbin tried a short corner, but Corbin's return pass was woefully short and was easily intercepted. Thirty second later, the ball was in the Merstham net as Dos Santos fired past Johnson to make it 3-1 after 63 minutes. It was hard to see how the Moatsiders would get back into the game. In fact, it was hard to see the game at all at times, as the fog became ever thicker. Both sides had promising attacking situations. Gunner did supremely well to head a well-struck shot off the line, with Johnson beaten while Pearson made a couple of comfortable saves. With five minutes left, Johnson could only stand and watch as a Walsh shot from 25 yards smacked against the inside of his left post, before nestling in the far right corner to give East Grinstead their fourth. 

 

Merstham: Johnson, Brazier, Taank, Gunner, Wedgeworth, Khinda, Senior, Baija (Pearch 79'), Corbin (Greenwood 66') Henry (Kendall 66'), Lewis.

Subs not used: None

Man of the Match: Ben Senior

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Merstham 0-1 AFC Croydon Athletic | Surrey Senior Cup | Tuesday 28th November

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Missing six first choice players, a severely depleted Merstham were knocked out of the Surrey Senior Cup on a bitterly cold night at the Moatside. A combination of injury and parent clubs not allowing loan players to play meant that Taank, Khinda, Corbin and Greenwood couldn't play, while Oram and Senior were missing through injury. The Moatsiders had goalkeeper Endurance Johnson to thank for keeping them in the tie, as he made a string of top class saves.

 

From the outset, Merstham looked exactly what they were - a side cobbled together for the game. Peter Wedgeworth was pressed into service as a makeshift centre back, while new signing Tijani Eshilokun made his debut in midfield. Croydon dominated possession and territory from the outset and should have gone ahead in the 11th minute, but veteran striker Louis Theophanous missed a sitter from 8 yards. A few minutes later, Johnson made a superb save, getting down quickly to palm away a Theophanous shot from a similar distance. In the 19th minute, Johnson was again called into action to deny Pierrick, though that was a more comfortable stop. At the other end, Merstham rarely looked threatening and all too often gave the ball away when they did have possession. In the 31st minute, a horrible mix-up between Dean Gunner and Michael Abnett gave Theophanous a clear run at goal, but as he went to slide it past Johnson, the keeper thrust out a big right hand to once again deny the striker. But Croydon's dominance eventually told and they went ahead in the 39th minute. Although Johnson did well to block a close-range shot from Osideko, the ball fell to Cheklit, who looked offside, but the flag stayed down as the midfielder tucked away the rebound. Merstham's cause wasn't helped when Josh Millo went down from a rugged challenge just before the break, and it was no surprise when he was replaced by Korrey Henry at the interval.

 

Merstham certainly played better in the second half and carried more of a threat up front, with Henry's link play getting Lewis and Pearch more involved. Although there was plenty of action in and around both boxes, neither side really made any clear cut chances. The fact that at least three shots cleared the safety fencing at the Albury Road end tells you everything you need to know about the quality of the shooting! While it remained 1-0, there was always a chance the home side could get back into the game. Equally though, as Merstham began to throw bodies forward in search of an equaliser, there was a risk they would get caught on the break. They were in the 78th minute when Osideko sliced through the Moatsiders defence, but once again it was Johnson to the rescue, as he came out and blocked at the winger's feet. The same player hit the Merstham bar with a minute remaining. As the game went into added time, Merstham had some promising free kicks in and around the Croydon box, but they all came to nothing. All that remained was for Johnson to cap a fine display with another excellent save as the seconds ticked away.  

 

Merstham: Johnson, Abnett, Gunner, Wedgeworth, Murphy, Eshilokun (Brazier 73'), Pearch, Baija, Kendall (Quincey 60'), Millo (Henry 45'), Lewis.

Subs not used: Basey

Man of the Match: Endurance Johnson

 

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Cray Valley PM 4-1 Merstham | Isthmian South East | Tuesday 21st November

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Going into a match and being forced to change three of your back five is less than ideal, especially when you're playing away to one of the promotion favourites. It proved too much for the Moatsiders and, as the scoreline suggests, they were soundly beaten by Cray Valley.

 

With keeper Endurance Johnson unavailable, Zack Basey was recalled after being out injured for the past six weeks. Harry Pointing was recalled by parent club Walton & Hersham on Sunday, leaving boss Jamie Decruz frantically trying to find another centre back. He was able to secure Bromley's Shyam Taank on loan and he went straight into the side. Left back Harry Murphy had picked up a knock at Sevenoaks, so Peter Wedgeworth came in at left back. Not ideal preparation. 

 

Cray Valley are not especially pleasing on the eye in terms of pattern of play, but they have great pace on the flanks and their game plan of getting it wide and letting the wide players create havoc is simple, but much harder to stop. Merstham's full backs had their hands full all night long, with Gayle on the right being a real menace. Cray should probably have opened the scoring in the fifth minute, when Parker managed to side foot the ball wide from 8 yards. Totally against the run of play, the Moatsiders took the lead on 15 minutes. Lorenzo Lewis' determination got him on the end of a long ball out to the right wing, which he had no right to win. He drove into the box and cut the ball back for Korrey Henry to smash into the top corner from ten yards. The lead only lasted six minutes. The Millers were awarded a corner, which irritatingly clearly came off the Cray man last. A low ball was met by Chambers and his slightly scuffed shot deceived Michael Abnett guarding the far post and squeezed through his legs before bobbling over the line. From that point on Cray had plenty of possession, but a combination of wasteful delivery into the box, poor finishing and some outstanding defending by the beleaguered Merstham back line meant that Zack Basey really didn't have a shot to save. In fact, Merstham probably had the clearest cut chance when on 37 minutes, a Wedgeworth free kick from 40 yards landed perfectly at Billy Oram's feet six yards out, but the midfielder didn't make proper contact and the keeper saved easily. Just when it looked as though the Moatsiders would get to the interval on level terms, Cray took the lead with a lucky goal. A mishit shot from 25 yards went straight to Vigor, all alone on the penalty spot. He was able to turn and pick his spot to give the home side at 2-1 lead at the break. 

 

The Moatsiders looked much more threatening at the start of the second half although the pace of Gayle and Asiedu on the flanks meant the Millers were always asking questions of the Merstham back four. The killer goal came on 57 minutes. A free kick by Vigor out by the corner flag somehow evaded everybody and ended up nestling in the far corner of the Merstham net, with everyone in a white shirt looking at one another. At 3-1, it looked like it was game over although Jamie Decruz bought on Will Kendall to give the Moatsiders a double threat up top and give it a go. But the second half became a tale of 'almost but not quite' as both teams put together some nice approach work, but the final ball was lacking quality at both ends. Basey made a couple of good blocks near the end and both Lewis and Henry had shooting chances but couldn't find the target. Cray added a fourth in stoppage time as Barrington got on the end of a cross, but it was largely academic by then.

 

Merstham: Basey, Abnett, Taank, Gunner, Wedgeworth, Khinda, Senior (Millo 67'), Oram (Greenwood 48'), Baija (Kendall 61') Henry, Lewis.

Subs not used: Pearch, Corbin

Man of the Match: Dean Gunner

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Sevenoaks Town 2-2 Merstham | Isthmian South East | Saturday 18th November

 

A 90th minute equaliser from Lorenzo Lewis earned the Moatsiders a well-deserved draw after they dominated the second half. It was an entertaining encounter, with both sides creating a hatful of chances, but it really was a tale of two halves. 

 

The Moatsiders made just one change from the win against Phoenix Sports. Will Kendall was unavailable so Korrey Henry started up front and his performance will undoubtedly give boss Jamie Decruz a nice selection headache, as the striker impressed on his return to the starting eleven.

 

On a miserable and dank November day, Sevenoaks started brightly and in the opening minute, a shot flashed past Endurance Johnson's left upright, as the keeper could only watch and pray it went wide. In the opening 20 minutes, the Moatsiders barely got out of their own half as they endured wave after wave of attacks. Former Moatsider Dan Bennett was very influential, as he kept finding pockets of space between the Merstham lines and playing clever little passes into the Oaks front runners. Johnson was called into action in the 9th minute when he beat away a shot from Liburd. He made a far better save five minutes later, when he got down well to push away a Bennett shot from close range. Henry had his first sighter at goal when his shot went over the angle of post and bar, but that was a rare threatening moment from the visitors. With the Moatsiders under constant pressure, it felt as though it was only a matter of time before Sevenoaks scored and they duly did in the 22nd minute, when Liburd finished from close range after good work from Shomotun on the right wing. Slowly, Merstham began to work their way into the game, although Johnson was again called into action with a flying save to repel another Liburd effort in the 32nd minute. But a minute later, it was 1-1, rather against the run of play. Korrey Henry, who was becoming more of an influence as the half wore on, grabbed his first of the season after a nice give and go with Callum Corbin to put Henry through on goal. Former Merstham stopper Amadou Tangara came flying out to half block Henry's first effort, but the ball squirmed under the keeper and rolled gently towards the empty net. It became a footrace between Henry and a covering defender, which Henry just won to slide the ball home. It was now a far more even contest and Henry tested Tangara again a few minutes later with a well-struck shot from the edge of the box. Right on the stroke of half time, Sevenoaks got a highly-controversial second. Corbin appeared to be fouled more than once deep in the Merstham half, but the referee ignored the vehement appeals for a free kick. Seconds later, the ball was nestling in the back of Johnson's net after Shomotun's effort from the edge of the box took a wicked deflection to wrong foot the Merstham keeper and leave the visitors trailing 2-1 at the break.

 

Billy Oram was forced off at the interval with a knee injury and was replaced by Samir Bajja. But right from the start of the second half, the Moatsiders were very much on the front foot. Their work rate in closing down the Sevenoaks players was exceptional and for the first time in the game, the home side looked rushed in possession and started to give the ball away. Merstham so nearly equalised in the 47th minute when Bennett made a desperate goal line clearance, after Harry Pointing's header had found a Merstham boot close to goal. Lorenzo Lewis had been quiet in the first half, but was looking increasingly threatening. In the 53rd minute he beat his full back and his low near post cross looped up off a combination of Tangara, Henry and a defender and dropped invitingly for Ben Senior a few yards out. But the Merstham man couldn't quite get enough on the ball to fire it home and his shot hit the post instead and was scrambled to safety. Merstham players and spectators had their heads in their hands as it looked like a certain equaliser. Sevenoaks did occasionally threaten on the counter attack and skipper Dean Gunner made a tremendous block to deny them a shot on target. With 63 minutes gone, Jamie Decruz brought off Corbin and sent the re-signed Charlie Greenwood into the fray. The move almost paid immediate dividends as Greenwood tenaciously won the ball in midfield and played a one two with Henry before chipping Tangara, only to see his effort just clear the bar. As the clock wound down, it was beginning to look like the Moatsiders were going to be out of luck. With two minutes left, it took a brilliant goal line clearance by Dean Gunner to keep Merstham in the contest, after Johnson had half saved a well-struck shot from Cadogan. Then, as the game entered the 90th minute, up popped that man Lewis to notch his sixth goal in his last five games. Ironically, it came from a bad throw out by Tangara, which was intercepted by Michael Abnett. Two passes later and Lewis was cutting in on goal from his favourite right-wing spot and he hammered a low shot into the far corner to make it 2-2 and ensure Merstham took a well-earned point away from their trip to Kent.  

 

Merstham: Johnson, Abnett, Pointing, Gunner, Murphy, Khinda, Senior (Pearch 71'), Oram (Bajja 45'), Henry, Corbin (Greenwood 63'), Lewis.

Subs not used: Wedgeworth, Millo

Man of the Match: Korrey Henry

 

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Merstham 3-0 Phoenix Sports | Isthmian South East | Saturday 11th November

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Merstham picked up their third win in the last five with a dominant display from the first to the last minute. In fact, the Moatsiders dominated from the 14th second when they took the lead. From a ball played deep into the Phoenix half, Ben Senior picked up a loose ball and found Callum Corbin just outside the box. The midfielder spotted Lorenzo Lewis in space on the right and rolled the ball into his path. The winger didn't hesitate and smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner to notch his fifth of the season. Three minutes later, Corbin was again the provider as he floated a beautiful ball to the back stick finding an unmarked Senior. The Phoenix keeper did well to close the angle and block Senior's low shot. Lewis was causing the Sports defence all sorts of problems and the Merstham midfielders kept looking for the winger, who clearly had the beating of the hapless left back. Every time the Moatsiders went forward it looked as though they would score. In the 18th minute a quick counterattack found Oram in loads of space, running at a back-pedalling defence. Picking his pass, he again found the dangerous Lewis, who this time hit his shot inches wide of the far post. Merstham were dominant in terms of both possession and territory. On a number of occasions, some superb approach play was just lacking the final pass, and it was something of a surprise when the first half ended with Merstham still only one up. They could and should have been two or three up at the interval. The only time that the visitors threatened was when a sloppy pass from Oli Khinda, who otherwise had a terrific game as the holding midfielder, went straight to Andy Pugh, who had a clear run at goal, but sliced his shot horribly wide.

 

Any thoughts that the visitors may have had about a change in fortune in the second half were soon put to bed, as the second forty five minutes was a carbon copy of the first. The only difference was that Merstham did turn their superiority into goals. Billy Oram, who was outstanding throughout, was the architect of Merstham's second. He won the ball just inside the opposition half and then hit a slide-rule pass into the sprinting Lorenzo Lewis. Lewis didn't have to break stride and took a touch before firing it across the keeper into the far corner to put the Moatsiders two up after 57 minutes. It was no more than they deserved. A couple of minutes later, Corbin should really have made it three, when his put his shot over the bar from 10 yards after a great run and cross by Harry Murphy. Phoenix had one or two moments but Endurance Johnson didn't really have a shot to save.  Merstham made the points safe in the 68th minute and once again it was Oram who was the provider. He beat his man wide on the left touchline and fizzed in a low cross where Will Kendall and a defender were both sliding in. The ball ended up in the back of the net and Kendall may or may not have got the final touch, but no-one really cared by then. There was still time for Phoenix's Jack Hopkins to be shown a straight red as he jumped into a tackle and caught Oram. Luckily, the Moatsiders man wasn't badly hurt. Dean Gunner might have made it four when Corbin found him with a chip to the far post, and then with a header from a free kick, but that would have been the icing on the cake. The Moatsiders climb to 14th, having been bottom five games ago.

 

Merstham: Johnson, Abnett, Pointing, Gunner, Murphy, Khinda, Senior, Oram (Savanve 76'), Kendall (Henry 70'), Corbin (Millo 63'), Lewis (Pearch 76').

Subs not used: Cheeseman, Millo

Man of the Match: Billy Oram

Greene King Player of the Match: Callum Corbin

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Merstham 0-3 Ramsgate | Isthmian South East | Tuesday 7th November

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The scoreline reflects not only the match itself, but also the imbalance that exists within the football pyramid. Ramsgate, fresh from their exploits in the FA Cup, looked exactly what they are; an expensively assembled team that has been built, not only to win promotion to the Isthmian Premier, but to the National Conference. Good luck to them, but the quality of player they are able to put out on the pitch is several levels beyond the Isthmian South East Division, as Woking found out at the weekend. The Moatsiders worked hard, but spent most of the evening chasing the ball as the Ramsgate players moved it quickly and crisply around the pitch. That said, it was two defensive mistakes that gave Ramsgate their first two goals, although once they scored, the result was never really in doubt. 

 

As for the game itself, the only change from last time out was Oliver Khinda on loan from Sutton United, making his debut at right-back. It was the Moatsiders who had the first big opportunity of the match in the 5th minute, when Will Kendall had a free header from 8 yards out, but put it wide. From the start, Ramsgate totally dominated territory and possession and looked capable of scoring at any given moment. Green's header from a near-post corner clipped a post in the 10th minute. Merstham threatened briefly when Lorenzo Lewis got to the bye-line and fired in a low cross which managed to evade everyone in the six yard box, but that was as close as they got to giving the Rams keeper something to do. Ramsgate went ahead in the 16th minute. Endurance Johnson fisted away a low cross, but didn't get distance and the ball was quickly recycled back into the box where Taylor was waiting. His first two efforts were blocked on the line, but he made no mistake with his third attempt. From that moment on, Merstham just couldn't get out of their own half. Ramsgate pressed high and won the ball back quickly so even when the Moatsiders broke up a Rams attack, another was quickly launched. Merstham did defend well and worked hard to restrict the Rams, who didn't create much by way of clear-cut chances, but some of their football was quite superb. The second goal in the 33rd minute was a consequence of trying to play the ball out from the back. Johnson attempted to find am amber shirt, but the pass was anticipated and picked off easily 30 yards from the Merstham goal. With the back four out of position, Elito had the simple task of beating Johnson, as the inquest in the Merstham defence began. The Moatsiders did well to keep their chins up and kept working hard, but the Rams were relentless in applying pressure and could have added to their tally with more clinical finishing.

 

The second half was largely a repeat of the first half. The visitors moving the ball around the pitch at will and the Moatsiders working hard to restrict the Rams to shots from distance. Paxman went close with a free kick immediately after the break and then with a shot that curled towards the top corner, which just missed the target. Johnson made a good block at his near post from the same player in the 70th minute. If anything, the second half was more notable for a bizarre refereeing performance by Mr Heron. He booked five Merstham players for a variety of offences, but what really incensed the home players, management and spectators alike was that similar offences by the visitors were completely ignored. A number of spectators commented that it was one of the worst refereeing displays seen at the Moatside, although it didn't effect the result. Yet another dubious free kick award led to the third goal, which was rifled into the net from 25 yards by Jadama. From that point on, it was really damage limitation, and Merstham rode their luck as Martin hit the bar and a combination of last-ditch challenges and profligate finsihing meant the score stayed at 3-0 at the final whistle. But Merstham won't be too down-hearted as Ramsgate will no doubt win the league this season by some distance.  

 

Merstham: Johnson, Khinda, Pointing, Gunner, Murphy, Bajja, Senior, Oram, Kendall (Henry 63'), Corbin (Millo 63'), Lewis (Pearch 71').

Subs not used: Savane, Abnett.

Man of the Match: Harry Murphy

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Merstham 3-2 Sheppey United | Isthmian South East | Saturday 28th October

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Watching Merstham under Jamie Decruz is nothing if not entertaining. In his three games in charge, the Moatsiders have scored nine and conceded eight.  More importantly however, they have picked up six points and moved off the bottom of the Isthmian South East Division. But it was another roller coaster of a game. Two goals up at the break and then pegged back to 2-2, the Moatsiders simply went straight down the other end and scored again. The Merstham boss is still building his new-look team and there were debuts for Samir Bajja and Ben Senior in midfield, both of whom had excellent games, with Harry Murphy also returning to the side at left back. Although Lorenzo Lewis was the Man of the Match, this was an all round team performance, with everyone giving 100% and working their socks off from the first minute to the last.

 

For the neutral, it must have been a great game to watch, as both sides committed plenty of bodies to attack and there was goalmouth action aplenty throughout the 90 minutes. Sheppey had a decent chance after just 4 minutes, but Spencer dragged his shot wide from 12 yards. Everyone has been impressed with Callum Corbin's passing since he arrived on loan from Bromley, and it was his slide rule pass between two Sheppey defenders that gave Lorenzo Lewis, cutting in from the wing, his first real sight of goal. The winger has been in fine form in recent weeks and he made no mistake as his shot found the bottom corner to put Merstham in front after 11 minutes. Merstham keeper, Endurance Johnson had a busy afternoon and he was tested with a skimming shot off the rain-slicked surface from Willis on 15'. He then made an even better save on 24' when he tipped a shot from Spencer over the bar. Lorenzo Lewis was again involved as the Moatsiders doubled their advantage after 28 minutes. He skipped past Sheppey's Del Morgan and then fired in a low cross which went through a crowd of players to the far post, where Corbin was arriving unmarked to fire home from six yards. But Sheppey were still very much in it and it took a superb save by Johnson to half stop a shot from Majoyegbe and Dean Gunner was covering behind his keeper to hook the ball off the line. In first half added time, Johnson produced another brilliant save to palm a fiercely-hit shot from Diallo over the bar.

 

Sheppey made two changes at half time and came out with real intent at the start of the second half, immediately pushing Merstham back. Johnson made another good save from Spencer, but he was left helpless on 48' when a shot from Willis from all of 25 yards flew past the keeper to make it 2-1. The second half was like a basketball game as it went from end to end. Will Kendall was put through on goal but his shot lacked the power to trouble the United keeper. Merstham's two goal lead was just a distant memory on 56' when Johnson did well to palm a close-range header onto the post, but Willis was on hand to fire the ball into the unguarded net to make it 2-2. The Moatsiders came roaring back and a perfectly-weighted through ball by Billy Oram found Lewis cutting in from the right. His thunderous shot from just inside the box absolutely flew into the top corner to put Merstham back in front on 58'. At that point, it seemed unlikely that would be the end of the scoring, as both sides threatened every time they went forward. Johnson was called into action on more than one occasion as Sheppey went in search of the equaliser and looked especially dangerous down Merstham's right flank after Peter Wedgeworth limped off. But Merstham also certainly had their moments and on more than one occasion, the ball flashed across the United box, with no-one in an amber shirt able to apply a finishing touch. As the clock wound down, Sheppey threw everyone forward and pumped ball after ball into the Merstham box, but Harry Pointing and Dean Gunner were immense and made a number of important blocks and last-gasp tackles. The four minutes of added time seemed to last an eternity, but at last referee Williams blew his whistle and the Merstham faithful celebrated another heart-stopping home win.

 

Merstham: Johnson, Wedgeworth (Cheeseman 59'), Pointing, Gunner, Murphy, Bajja, Senior, Oram, Kendall , Corbin, Lewis (Pearch 76').

Subs not used: Henry, Hammond, Quincey

Man of the Match: Lorenzo Lewis

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Ashford United 3-2 Merstham | Isthmian South East | Saturday 22nd October

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After the euphoria of the dramatic 4-3 win against Beckenham last time out, the Moatsiders came back down to earth with a bump. The scoreline looks close, but in reality they were second best for most of the afternoon. Merstham can have no complaints about the result and aside from a fifteen minute purple patch before half time when they scored twice, they were completely outplayed by a slick Ashford side. Merstham's midfield never got to grips with the movement of the Ashford players, while the United strikers continually dropped off the Merstham centre backs, picking up the ball in space and turning and running at the back four.

 

The tone of the game was set from the opening minutes and Ashford could easily have gone in front early on. Ex-Moatsider Lanre Azeez blazed wide and then Endurance Johnson, making his league debut in goal for the Moatsiders pulled off a fine one-handed save low to his left to deny Parish. Johnson was also tested by Bola from range as Ashford continued to dominate. Merstham didn't help themselves with some poor passing and by surrendering possession all too easily with aimless balls forward. Draycott, who was pivotal to Ashford's attacking play, missed an absolute sitter after 21 minutes, when he poked the ball wide from six yards. The let-off for the Moatsiders was short lived however, as Parish slotted past Johnson on 27'. But the Moatsiders were furious that the referee clearly got in the way of Alexiou, which allowed Boal a clear run at goal before playing in Parish to finish from close range. However, the Merstham protests fell on deaf ears. But just three minutes later, the Moatsiders were level when midfielder Billy Oram unleashed a thunderbolt from all of 30 yards, which flew into the bottom corner leaving the United keeper grasping thin air. Straight from the restart, it took a superb save by Johnson to deny Bola as Ashford almost regained the lead immediately. At last, the Moatsiders were playing some good football as confidence began to surge through the side. Will Kendall was inches wide with a volley after a good ball in by Callum Corbin. A minute later, it was Corbin again who threaded a beautiful ball between two United defenders for Lorenzo Lewis to cut in from the right and hammer a shot past Russell to put the visitors 2-1 up after 34 minutes. Suddenly, the game had turned on its head and it was all Merstham. Joshua Millo brought a good save from Russell and then an excellent bit of play on the left saw an overlapping Peter Wedgeworth deliver a great ball into the box. Lee Quincey, arriving at pace and on the stretch, couldn't quite direct his shot on target and the ball flew narrowly over the bar. Arguably, the half time interval came at just the wrong time for the Moatsiders who went in a goal up and very much on top.

 

Strangely, the second half reverted to exactly how the first half began, with the home side dominating possession and territory. Ashford threatened but didn't really carve out any clear cut chances and were reduced to shooting from distance. But as the half wore on, it felt almost inevitable that Ashford would score. But the Ashford equaliser on 71' will greatly frustrate the Merstham coaching staff as it came from a Merstham attacking set-piece. The ball was cleared and then a simple ball over the top on saw Bola outpace Alexiou and finish comfortably past Johnson. Once Ashford got back on terms, there was only likely to be one winner and sure enough with eight minutes left, Parish got his second with a close range finish at the near post to give the home side all three points. 

 

Merstham: Johnson, Wedgeworth, Alexiou, Quincey (Hammond 69'), Pointing, Gunner, Millo, Oram, Kendall (Henry 82'), Corbin, Lewis (Pearch 53').

Subs not used: Cheeseman

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Man of the Match: Peter Wedgeworth

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Merstham 4-3 Beckenham Town | Isthmian South East | Saturday 7th October

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If Tom Cruise had written this as a Mission Impossible script, you might have said it was pretty far fetched. Bring in six new players for your first game and then go three nil down at half time, only to win with a last-gasp goal in added time? No. That's pure Hollywood. But that is exactly what Jamie Decruz and his new-look Merstham side did and it was every bit as dramatic as it sounds.

 

In his first game in charge and having had just two training sessions, the new Merstham boss brought into the side Harry Murphy at left back, Harry Pointing at centre back, Joshua Millo, Billy Oram and Callum Corbin in midfield and Will Kendall up front. What a difference that made to the side. Pointing was commanding at centre back, Murphy assured at left back and Kendall a willing runner up front. But it was the midfield that has been a problem area all season that was revitalised. Oram was excellent and ran the game in the second half. Corbin played as a number 10 and was busy and creative and unlucky not to score in the first half, while Millo sparked the second half fight back with a goal and he also won the penalty. As Decruz said after the game, the side is still a work in progress but there is considerable promise. Merstham stalwarts like Dean Gunner, Peter Wedgeworth and Lorenzo Lewis also had excellent games.

 

As for the game itself, it was a highly entertaining, but quite an odd affair. Merstham started on the front foot and Lee Quincey, who had his best match to date in an amber shirt, should have put the home side in front after fifteen minutes. A horrible sliced clearance from a Town defender went straight to Quincey all alone on the edge of the box. But the midfielder shot straight at the Town keeper. Barely five minutes later, Corbin jinked inside and curled a beautiful shot with his right foot, which smacked against the inside of the far post and was scrambled clear. But Town also looked dangerous in attack with veteran striker Louie Theophanous a handful. Harry Gamble should have given Town the lead in the 23rd minute when a mix up in the Merstham defence left him just needing to hit the target, but he shot wildly over. But Town did take the lead on 32', when Merstham gave the ball away in midfield and although Basey did well to block Theophanous' initial shot, Ryan was on hand to stab the ball home. As Merstham pushed forward in search of an equaliser, the lack of a holding midfielder became apparent as twice Town caught Merstham in transition, as first Adesite on 39' and then Theophanous on 43' added to the lead.  Three down at the interval was extremely harsh on the Moatsiders, but a real test of character for the new-look team. 

 

The fightback began on 47' when a dreadful header by Orlu gave Millo a clear run at goal. But the Merstham winger still had plenty to do and managed to hold off Orlu before calmly slotting past the keeper. Just two minutes later, the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot after a clumsy challenge in the box on Millo. Will Kendall stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-2. Millo was replaced shortly afterwards by Lewis Pearch, after a late tackle by a Town defender. Amazingly, on 59' the Moatsiders were level. A short corner caught Town napping and Corbin whipped in a superb cross, which Lorenzo Lewis glanced into the far corner. Lewis was giving Town left back Griffin a torrid time and it looked as though Merstham would score every time they attacked down the right. Lewis was denied by an excellent stop by the Town keeper who palmed a piledriver over the bar. The Moatsiders should have gone in front on 80' when Oram had a clear sight of goal from 12 yards but blazed over. As the game headed into the 90th minute, Pearch cut inside, leaving two defenders for dead, but his shot from the edge of the box just lacked a little composure and sailed over the bar. But in the 92' minute, Pearch certainly made amends. A delightful through ball from Oram found Pearch, who cooly dinked it over the keeper to send the Moatside wild with delight and secure a first win league of the season.

 

Merstham: Basey, Wedgeworth, Murphy, Quincey, Pointing, Gunner, Millo (Pearch 57'), Oram, Kendall, Corbin, Lewis (Abnett 77').

Subs not used: Alexiou, Gharbaoui, McKimm

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Man of the Match: Billy Oram     

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Merstham 0-1 Sittingbourne | Isthmian South East | Saturday 16th September

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Although the unseasonably warm weather didn't help, this game was desperately short on quality, entertainment and goalmouth action. Sittingbourne just about deserved the three points, simply because they had more of the ball and looked as though they might fashion a chance. Merstham, on the other hand, squandered possession with misplaced passes and rarely threatened. 

 

Merstham were able to include Korrey Henry in their starting line-up in his third stint with the club, and there were recalls for Lewis Pearch and Lee Quincey. The match was a scrappy affair and the first half was summed up in the fifteenth minutes when Merstham keeper Zack Basey, in trying to play out from the back, got his feet in a muddle and ended up side footing it straight to Sittingbourne's Jean-Baptiste Fisher. With Basey out of possession, all the forward needed to do was roll the ball into the unguarded net from 20 yards. Instead he managed to loft it over the bar and waste the best chance of the half. Merstham's back four defended well and kept the visitors at arm's length for most of the half. The nearest they came was two minutes before the interval when Donvieve Jones nodded just wide of the post from a free kick. On the stroke of half time, Basey made a good save to push away a goal-bound effort, but there was little else to get excited about in a drab first half.  

 

Merstham did improve after the break. Andrew Mensah replaced Blaize-Carr in the 52nd minute and very nearly scored with almost his first touch. A whipped in ball from the left saw Mensah all alone six yards out and looked certain to score. But the ball eluded his foot and went off for a goal kick. If that had gone in, it may have been a very different game. Gharbaoui and Collins both had shots from distance but nothing to trouble the keeper. Basey made a smart stop low to his left to deny Splatt. Skipper Reuben Collins limped off with a back injury in the 75th minute, which didn't help the Moatsiders and probably played a part in conceding the eventual winner. It came from a needless free kick as Okoro fouled a Sittingbourne player going away from goal. The free kick was floated to the far post and Jones was unmarked to head past Basey with ten minutes left. In added time, a mazy dribble by Pearch almost produced a chance, but the final ball into the box was comfortably cleared. The defeat leaves the Moatsiders one off the bottom and in dire need of a win.

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Merstham: Basey, Alexiou, Gunner, Collins (Okoro 75'), Abnett (Ando 58'), Oaks, Pearch, Gharbaoui, Quincey, Blaize-Carr (Mensah 52'), Henry.

Subs not used: Dixon, Lewis

Man of the Match:  Zack Basey

 

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Three Bridges 3-3 Merstham | Isthmian South East | Monday 28th August

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What a contrast this was to Saturday's game. Good football, plenty of shots on target, spectacular saves and goals aplenty. Merstham took the lead, then went 3-1 down with just ten minutes left, but came roaring back with two goals in four minutes to earn a point. Boss Tony Reid again rang the changes with Abnett, Oshineye, Holden and Lewis coming into the starting eleven.

 

The game began at a high tempo and Merstham rode their luck in the first fifteen minutes as the home side hit the woodwork twice. In the first minute, Lawson hit the post when it looked easier to score and in the eighth minute, the same player's thumping header hit the underside of the bar and bounced down and out, with the home side saying it had crossed the line, but the officials disagreed. But it wasn't all one way traffic. In between the woodwork strikes, Greg Akpele cut in from the flank but blazed over from 10 yards, having done all the hard work. Zack Basey then produced an excellent save low to his left to palm away a shot from 25 yards. After a shaky first 20 minutes, the Moatsiders began to settle and were closing their opponents down quicker and higher up the pitch. On 23', a through ball found Lewis Pearch with just the keeper to beat, but the winger delayed fractionally and a covering defender deflected his shot wide. But three minutes later, the Moatsiders took the lead. Excellent pressing in the final third by Abnett and Pearch won the ball back. The Merstham full back went on a maurading run into the box and then unleashed a piledriver with his left foot that absolutely flew into the far corner. Five minutes later, Lorenzo Lewis had a great chance to extend the lead, but his shot was blocked by the legs of the Bridges' keeper. Just when it looked as though the Moatsiders would go into half time a goal up, Archer, who was a constant menace all afternoon, played a quick give and go, slicing through the Merstham defence and slotted past Basey as the keeper came to meet him. In first half added time, Leighton blazed over from a few yards out, but credit Oshineye for his challenge to put the Bridges' striker off.

 

If the first half was entertaining, the second half was arguably even better. It was a more even contest with both sides looking capable of scoring, but also conceding. Lorenzo Lewis was all over the place. On 58' he was tracking back and made a great last-ditch challenge to deny Lawson. Three minutes later, a superb diagonal ball by Ayman Gharbaoui, on as a half time replacement for Traore, found Lewis cutting in from the left. The winger beat his man, but his shot rolled just wide of the far post. With twenty minutes left, Merstham threw men forward for a free kick. But not only was it easily dealt with by the Three Bridges' defence, the Moatsiders also got caught in transition. Archer ghosted past a couple of poor challenges before putting it on a plate for O'Neill to put the home side in front. Merstham almost replied immediately, but Akpele's shot hit the side netting. On 79' a dubious free kick was awarded against Holden 20 yards out. O'Neill curled the free kick around the wall and into the net to put the home side 3-1 up and with it seemingly the three points. But Merstham has other ideas. Two minutes later, a Merstham corner was only half cleared and the ball fell to Pearch who found the bottom corner from 12 yards. On 85', a rampaging run by Michael Abnett on the left wing and a superb cross on the run into the six yard box saw sub Paul Lusuku and a Bridges' defender arrive together. It was hard to see who got the last touch. It could easily have been either player. No matter. Merstham were level. Next it was Basey's turn to shine. As the game headed into added time, he produced a brilliant fingertip save to deny O'Neil. Then moments later he produced two more top drawer saves in quick succession as the home side piled on the pressure. But as the game went deep into stoppage time, there was more drama. Basey came flying out and made a brave diving punch to get there just ahead of Rivera, who thumped into Basey. The referee blew his whistle, presumably for a foul on the keeper. But to Merstham's horror, he pointed to the penalty spot. Credit to the referee however. He went to his assistant and after a brief conversation, changed his decision. There was still time for more drama as Curran got a straight red for sything down Gharbaoui as Merstham were launching a counter attack.   

  

Merstham: Basey, Oshineye (Ando 46'), Alexiou, Gunner, Abnett, Oaks, Holden, Pearch, Traore (Gharbaoui 46'), Akpele, (Lusuku 68'), Lewis.

Subs not used: Reynolds, Atkinson

Man of the Match:  Zack Basey

 

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Merstham 0-2 Hythe Town | Isthmian South East | Saturday 26th August

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This game certainly won't go down as a classic. While Hythe deserved their victory, their style of football certainly isn't for the purists. Most of the spectators probably had a stiff neck by the end of the 90 minutes, as the ball spent more time in the air than on the ground. But Hythe have a method that works for them and Merstham found it difficult to cope with, especially in the first half. The home side wasn't helped by the absence of Reuben Collins, Korrey Henry and Craig Kingswell. Things were made more difficult when Andrew Mensah was injured in the warm up and had to be replaced in the starting line up by Akpele. All in all there were five changes from the disappointing FA Cup defeat last time out.

 

It was a scrappy game from the start, and Hythe's tactics were immediately apparant. Long throws into the box and balls hoofed forward from the back meant the Moatsiders' back four were under constant pressure. Town's height at set pieces caused problems all afternoon and it was no great surprise when a corner from the right led to the opening goal. Merstham left Lewis Smith unmarked and the Town skipper nodded down and over Peter Wedgeworth, who was guarding the near post, to put the visitors in front after 12 minutes. Merstham found it hard to get the ball down and play and even when they did, they were guilty of giving away possession far too cheaply. Lewis Pearch was the pick of the Merstham front runners and looked dangerous when he did get the ball at his feet, which wasn't often enough. But for all of Town's territorial dominance, Zack Basey really didn't have a save to make, though that was in part down to some excellent defending by Dean Gunner and Charlie Alexiou. 

 

Merstham began the second half far better, though Basey had to be alert to touch a low shot from Embery around the post. In the 57th minute, Merstham had a great chance to get back on terms. A long ball this time from the Moatsiders back four, was chased by the ever-willing Mike Dixon. He outpaced Allan and as Town keeper Molloy came rushing out of his area, the Merstham striker touched it past him. With the goal unguarded, Dixon shot from just outside the right side of the penalty box. The ball trundled slowly towards the net, but agonisingly wide of the far post. Basey made another good stop on 65' after Smith tested him low to his right, with the keeper just falling on the loose ball in time. Merstham hung in the game, and at 1-0 there was always hope. Hythe seemed content with the one goal and began to slow the game down, allowing Merstham more possession. But the Moatsiders lacked precision with their passing and spurned some good situations. With seven minutes left, Hythe wrapped the game up. Basey thought about throwing the ball out to Michael Abnett, but fatally hesitated before finally throwing it. But he'd telegraphed it and Smith nipped in to steal the throw before squaring it for Schafer, who finished comfortably from 10 yards. 

 

Merstham: Basey, Ando, Alexiou, Gunner, Wedgeworth (Abnett 66'), Oaks, Pearch, Traore, Akpele, Carder, Dixon (Lusuku 86').

Subs not used: Holden

Man of the Match: Dean Gunner

Greene King Player Of The Match: Lewis Pearch

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Faversham Town 2-1 Merstham | Emirates FA Cup | Saturday 19th August

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Despite going a goal up, Merstham were dumped out of the FA Cup by a Faversham side that dominated the game and could easily have won more comfortably. It was a disappointing performance once again from the Moatsiders, who had made a number of new signings after the previous outing. In fact, the Merstham line-up showed seven changes from the Lancing game. Alexiou and Wedgeworth returned to the side, while Anthony Oaks, Ryan Atkinson, Andrew Mensah and Shaquan Williams made their debuts. 

 

Merstham began the game brightly and there was an early chance for Lee Quincey who shot just wide of the far post. On 12', Andrew Mensah cut in from the right and his shot was palmed out by the Town keeper, but Quincey couldn't quite sort his feet out to turn home the rebound and the home defence scrambled the ball away. In the fourteenth minute, Merstham got the goal their early play deserved. A free kick from midway inside the Town half was beautifully curled in by Peter Wedgeworth. Faversham's Billy Bennett was first to the ball, but only succeeded in nodding it past his own keeper to put the visitors in front. But that was as good as it got for Merstham. Instead of building on that gift, the Moatsiders allowed Faversham to knock the ball around with increasing confidence. There were several close calls, as both Basey and his back four were working overtime to keep the home side at bay. There was a sense of inevitability about the equaliser which came on 29', but the Merstham coaching staff will be desperately disappointed with how they conceded. A corner on the left was played short to Aibangbee, who was totally unmarked on the edge of the area. He had all the time in the world to curl one into the far top corner, giving Basey no chance. Five minutes later, the Moatsiders were very lucky not to concede a second when Bennett somehow hit the post from 6 yards with the goal at his mercy. Miler should also have done better just before the break. It was with some relief that Merstham made it to the interval at 1-1.

 

That relief lasted about 15 seconds of the second half. Straight from the kick-off, Faversham waltzed through a non-existent midfield. Basey saved the first effort, but Parsons was on hand to slide the ball in from close range. From that point on, it felt more a question of how many Town would score rather than whether the Moatsiders could get back into the game. The Merstham back four and goalkeeper were under constant pressure to keep out wave after wave of Faversham pressure, as the home side completely bossed the game. Merstham need to bring more quality into the side and quickly.

 

Merstham: Basey, Alexiou, Collins (Ando 79'), Gunner, Wedgeworth, Oaks, Atkinson (Akpele 66') Quincey, Mensah, Dixon, Williams  (Lewis 69').

Subs not used: O'Donovan, Pearch, Reynolds, Abnett

Man of the Match: Charlie Alexiou

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Lancing 1-0 Merstham | Isthmian South East | Saturday 12th August

 

The scoreline may suggest a close game, but the harsh reality is that Merstham got off lightly. On another day, Lancing might easily have won by four or five, such was their superiority. It was only a combination of some good goalkeeping by Zack Basey and some woeful finishing by Lancing that kept the score respectable. Merstham weren't helped by some dreadful refereeing, with a host of Merstham names going into the notebook for innocuous tackles. One of those was Lee Quincey, who was booked after just 18 minutes when he clearly won the ball. Such was the approach of the match official that Merstham boss Tony Reid felt he had no option but to sub the midfielder before half time rather than risk a second yellow and be reduced to ten men, which would almost certainly have happened. 

 

But the inept officiating wasn't the cause of Merstham's problems. They were completely outplayed in midfield, with the visitors having all sorts of time and space to look up and pick a pass. Even when the Moatsiders did get the ball to their front men, it failed to stick and the home side were instantly back in possession again. It was backs to the wall stuff for most of the afternoon. Lancing had their first opportunity in the second minute, but Laing fired straight at Basey. On 7', Basey was called into action again, flicking a shot from Taggert over the bar. Totally against the run of play, in the twelfth minute, the Moatsiders had probably the best chance of the half when Craig Kingswell was presented with the ball 20 yards out as the home side made a complete hash of playing out from the back. But the Merstham striker took too many touches and allowed a combination of defender and goalkeeper to block his shot. Normal service was resumed soon after as Basey made a save low to his right. For all their possession, Lancing didn't create too many openings, but on 29', Dean Gunner did well to hook a deflected shot off the line. On the stroke of half time, a rare foray forward by the Moatsiders saw a chance for Lewis Pearch, but he dragged his shot wide. In added time, Basey spectacularly tipped a 25 yard free kick from Laing over the bar. Goalless at the interval. 

 

Any hopes that Merstham would produce something better in the second half were soon put to rest. On 48', Basey produced a great save from Jones who controlled and volley a ball from just inside the box. Then came the goal that Lancing deserved. A cross from the left was met at the far post by Watson, who nodded home from close range. On 58', Jones should have made it two, but blazed over when well placed. Three minutes later a marauding run from Lancing's right back Bennett, ended with his shot flashing just wide of the post. On 64' a shot by Laing went just over the bar. Merstham didn't really look like getting back into the game at any point, but when you're only one down, there's always hope. However, Lancing, in spite of spurning several more good chances ran out comfortable winners in the end. After the euphoria of last week's FA Cup win, it's back to the drawing board for Tony Reid and his staff.

 

Merstham: Basey, Ando, Afonso, Graham, Collins, Gunner, Pearch, Tones (Dixon 53') Quincey (Traore 40'), Kingswell,  Bangurah (Lewis 46').

Subs not used: Alexiou, Reynolds

Man of the Match: Zack Basey

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Merstham 2-1 Raynes Park Vale | Emirates FA Cup | Saturday 5th August

 

This Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie was the first real test for Tony Reid and his new-look Merstham side. In the end, a superb goal ten minutes from time by substitute Mike Dixon won it for the Moatsiders, but it really was a game of two halves. 

 

Tony Reid was forced to shuffle his pack for this one, with both Charlie Alexiou and Adam Adam ruled out with injury and his loan signings from Sutton United not eligable. Into the side came Cerny Ando at right back and Lewis Pearch on the right wing. 

 

The first half was played in monsoon-like conditions and it took the players some while to adjust to the slick playing surface, with passes frequently skidding out of play. But the Moatsiders got off to a dream start when they went ahead in just the fourth minute. A beautifully flighted free kick from Lee Quincey was met with a bullet header from Reuben Collins, which flashed past the Vale keeper into the net. But instead of capitalising on their early goal, the Moatsiders seemed to go into their shell and defended far too deeply, handing both possession and territory to their opponents. The Merstham back four came under increasing pressure as ball after ball was hoisted into the box and Dean Gunner and Reuben Collins were working overtime to deal with the danger. The Moatsiders were very much second best in the midfield battle and even when they won back possession, they surrendered it again all too easily. On 13', Merstham keeper Zack Basey produced a fine save low to his left to keep out a shot from JJ Stepney, but it felt as though an equaliser was coming. So it proved because after eighteen minutes, Vale were level. A cross into the box from the right was met by the head of Brad Sweeney six yards out, gaving Basey no chance. It was no more than Vale deserved. Merstham seemed sluggish and lacking energy and they were in some ways fortunate that Raynes Park lacked the quality and creativity to carve out more clear-cut chances. Basey only really had to make one save, tipping over a shot from Ndozid. Though on the stroke of half time, it took a superb block by Ando to prevent a goal-bound shot from Green hitting the target. 

 

Tony Reid said after the game that he let his players know during the interval that he was very unhappy with their performance in the first half. Whatever was said, it certainly galvanised the men in amber and black. It was a completely different Merstham side that came out in the second half. They closed down Vale all over the pitch and flew into challenges and won far more second ball. Some of the challenges by both sides were a little reckless and Vale were very lucky to keep ten men on the field after two very poor tackles on Lorenzo Lewis and Lee Quincey. Although Merstham were on top for most of the second half, they didn't really create clear cut chances, though neither did Vale as both keepers were largely untroubled. The closest Vale came was on 77', when a corner produced a goal mouth scramble and a close range effort was chested off the line by Peter Wedgeworth. Basey fell gratefully on the loose ball. The game seemed to be heading for a replay until substitute Mike Dixon produced a rare moment of quality. A long kick from Basey wasn't dealt with by the Vale defence and the ball bounced on the edge of the area. Dixon didn't hesitate and hit a stunning, dipping volley which flew past Bishop to give the Moatsiders the lead. As the game moved into added time, Craig Kingswell had a chance to make the game safe but was denied by a good save by Bishop. The Merstham striker was first to the rebound but was shoved in the back by O'Sullivan. The referee went to blow for a penalty but changed his mind at the last second. In the last of the six minutes of added time, Sweeney was put through on goal by a terrific defence-splitting pass, with just Basey to beat. The Vale striker opted to dink the ball over the advancing keeper, but got it all wrong and put it wide. Seconds later, the referee blew and Merstham were through to the next round of the FA Cup. 

 

Merstham: Basey, Ando, Wedgeworth, Graham, Collins, Gunner, Pearch (Bangurah 82'), Quincey (Dixon 75'), Kingswell, Reynolds, Lewis.

Subs not used: Gjoshe, Okoro, O'Donovan

Man of the Match: Reuben Collins

Greene King Player Of The Match: Reuben Collins