Merstham FC Smiling after Record Turnout

By Patrick Bruce

Merstham Football Club refused to let vandalism spoil the biggest day - and crowd - in their history when AFC Wimbledon came to town on Saturday.

1,587 fans squeezed into the Recreation Ground for the eagerly anticipated Combined Counties League clash, which saw the visitors go home with all three points and a 2-0 victory.

Kick-off had to be put back 15 minutes due to delayed trains but nothing could subdue the atmosphere created by the hundreds of travelling Wimbledon supporters.

The club's pavilion had been hit by vandals on Thursday night, when two doors were kicked open. Nothing was taken during the incident but for the club, the timing could hardly have been worse.

Chairman Ted Hickman said Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has responded quickly to the vandalism and replaced the doors. He refused to let the result spoil the day, and told Life: "It's all been brilliant. We have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the Wimbledon fans have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I'd like to thank the police, St John Ambulance and stewards for their help. After Friday's rain a lot of people were here from early in the morning to help prepare the ground and the hospitality. We are indebted to everyone who has rallied round to help make this such a successful day."

His views were echoed by AFC Wimbledon chairman Kris Stewart, who said: "We are used to visiting professional football teams and not being made to feel particularly welcome but Merstham have been very friendly and accommodating. They have been very organised and talked to us well in advance to make sure everything went smoothly. We've helped out with whatever we can and brought down stewards."

It must have been a strange sight for the Merstham players to run out for a home game in front of a huge crowd, by far the majority of who were supporting the visitors.

AFC Wimbledon have regularly been breaking record attendances in the division, following their creation in the wake of Wimbledon FC's protracted move to Milton Keynes. They have drawn on home crowds of more than 3,000 and Saturday saw Merstham's previous record attendance of 532 almost tripled. Saturday's crowd witnessed a fairly even game. Two goals in a tight first half saw Wimbledon take control and do well to contain Merstham in the second half, despite some late pressure from the home team.

Visiting fan Neil Messenbird, 33, from Sutton, praised the home side's hospitality. He said: "It's great to come to places like this. Merstham have been very welcoming and it's not much further than getting to Selhurst Park. I'm here with my daughter and I wouldn't have taken her to games last year."

Merstham club secretary Richard Baxter said: "The day has been fantastic. Wimbledon brought some great fans and there have been no problems at all."

© Redhill & Reigate Life Saturday 9th November 2002