Match Day Page

Match Report: Leigh Hunt
Merstham lost 3-2 to an injury-time goal against Cove in the Southern Combination Cup on Tuesday night. Cove took an early two-goal lead against the opposition from a higher division but Kwabena Agyei pulled one back for the visitors before half-time. The second half saw Ross White equalise and in a dramatic conclusion, Merstham had what seemed to be a certain penalty decision not given and then were hit with the sucker punch of a late goal to send Cove through to the next round.
Merstham made the trip to their former Combined Counties rivals with a slightly changed side to the one that drew in the league on Saturday. The home side started the game well and were terrorising the Merstham defence with good running and quickly taken shots. In the twelfth minute Cove won a corner and scored with an unmarked header past Chris Roberts in goal. Shell-shocked, the Merstham defence looked shaky on the next two attacks and just four minutes after the first goal the lively pair upfront caused more problems. Cove’s number nine out muscled Rob Hill on his first game in weeks due to injury and his penetrating run pulled both centre backs across leaving the other striker free to slot home with ease from just inside the area. Merstham responded to the two goal deficit firstly with a Ross White header that was cleared off the line and then Chris Kennedy made a good run down the right wing before sending over a high cross that nearly caught the keeper out as it hit the bar. With twenty-nine minutes on the clock, Merstham pulled a goal back. Mark Simmons sent a corner in which Chris Read met with a header that led to a small scramble but first to the ball was Kwabena Agyei who turned it home for his seventh goal of the season. Agyei followed up his goal with a long range shot, which the keeper found too hot to handle but David Smith was unable to connect with the loose ball. Just before the break Cove had an excellent opportunity to restore their two-goal advantage but Roberts denied their forward in the 6-yard box with a great save.
The second half found Merstham raising their game and taking the battle to Cove but it wasn’t until the 58th minute that they made a breakthrough. Chris Boulter won the ball well in defence and fed Chris Kennedy who went on a driving run before releasing Ross White who raced onto the chance and just got there before the keeper and defenders and tapped it home. The play ran from end to end now and both defences were doing everything to stay in the game. Kwabena Agyei saw a James Hancock cross, scooped away from his feet from the goalkeeper in the 68th minute. With 15 minutes to go, both sides made changes including Cove having to change their goalkeeper due to injury. With nine minutes to go of normal time came the incident that incensed the Merstham followers. Hancock found himself in the unusual position of the opposition box. After evading an attempted obstruction he powered on toward the by-line and as he prepared to unleash a cross he was bundled over in what was clearly a foul. Neither the referee nor the linesman on that side saw anything wrong with the challenge and despite the protests play continued. A minute later the referee appeared to realise his mistake when he gave a free kick against Cove on the edge of the area for a challenge on Mark Simmons that seemed perfectly legitimate however Rob Hill curled the kick wide of the post. Just as the game seemed to be heading towards extra-time Cove won a corner and in a repetition of the first goal, a Cove player rose and scored with a free header into the net.
Although this was a much-needed game to restore fitness before a tough run of league games, the result was extremely disappointing; particularly the manner of it and the performance in the first half was poor. Merstham return to league action on Saturday with an away trip to Folkestone Invicta that they need something out of as they have slipped to eleventh in the league thanks to other results.

Match Report: Leigh Hunt
After two weeks without a game due to inclement weather Merstham faced former Combined Counties rivals Walton Casuals on Saturday in a game that ended 0-0 however Merstham will count themselves extremely fortunate to finish this game with a point in the bag. Despite finishing goalless Walton Casuals will be kicking themselves after missing a second half penalty and having two goals disallowed.

Under a heavy sky the game kicked off and both sides looked rusty with neither team able to string more than two passes together. Other than a yellow card for Walton’s Jack Francis for a blatant block on Hassan Nyang, there was little of note in the opening fifteen minutes. The first great chance of the game fell to Kevin Lock as he met an in-swinging Mark Simmons free kick with a powerful header that unfortunately was straight at Craig Bradshaw in goal. Casuals launched an instant counter-attack that was only halted thanks to an excellent saving tackle by James Hancock. Hancock was up against the speedy ex-Merstham player Jamel Carr and he was called into action again on 24 minutes when Carr seemed destined to score but he knocked it behind for a corner, from which Jordan McCartney headed over. Half an hour in and both sides were huffing and puffing but there was little in the way of quality on display and the frustration caused Michael Morgan to pick up a yellow card for dissent. On 32 minutes, Paul Olima caused Ian Chatfield to pull off a good save when he sent in a dangerous looking cross. Lock had his second good chance of the game when he was in on goal with just Bradshaw to beat but the keeper saved well. Merstham continued to pile on the pressure when Hancock won a corner, which Simmons flighted in toward Chris Boulter. Boulter’s shot found Lock who turned and hit the ball but Walton had too many defenders in the way and the ball was cleared. With a minute remaining in the half Hancock sent in a good cross that Nyang met with a header that was parried away but the final attack fell to Casuals but Merstham have Boulter to thank for a great block that denied the visitors.

The second half found the away side stepping up a gear. Jamel Carr was tormenting James Hancock and drew a foul and a yellow card from the youngster. The resultant free kick by Dwain Williams was hit straight at Ian Chatfield. On 53 minutes Kevin Lock made a good run down the left wing and this move resulted in a Michael Morgan shot that was deflected off for a corner. Two minutes later and the away side had a fantastic opportunity to take the lead. Merstham debutant Michael Donovan committed a blatant trip inside the penalty area and Mr Lennard, the referee, had no option but to point to the spot. Walton’s Captain Craig Lewington stepped up to take it but sent the ball high over the bar. Casuals were on top at this point and Paul Olima took an early shot that Chatfield saved well down low. A flurry of substitutions saw Nick Greenhouse, Kwabena Agyei and Matt Francis enter the fray with Mark Simmons moving back into his more natural midfield position. The changes seemed to inspire the home side as a good move saw Agyei put Lock in for another one on one that was saved and Greenhouse hammered it back toward goal from a tight angle but it was cleared by the resolute Walton defence. With 20 minutes to go, both sides pushed on for what would be a decisive goal. It seemed that Daniel Platel had scored with a header but the referee correctly spotted that the forward had punched the ball into the net and so he received a yellow card. Carr was still looking dangerous and Chatfield had to be alert and he managed to block when the tricky winger got through and was lining up a shot. Hancock was having a good game against him though and other than a wild lunge on him near the end, he was able to contain the threat. Greenhouse was providing good service down the right wing for Merstham and he started a move that finished with Simmons swinging in a tempting cross that was missed by both the Walton keeper and Agyei who came close to tapping the ball in. With minutes to go, Carr had a great shot saved well by Chatfield. When the cleared ball was swung back in, the ball was bundled over the line along with Chatfield but the referee again correctly awarded a free kick to the home side for a foul on the keeper. The game petered out to a draw when the final chance fell to Chris Boulter whose header was blocked near the line by one of his players.

Match Report: Brett Walker
Well, a football classic it wasn’t. But a show of endeavour on a heavy pitch it certainly was. Although a first team fixture, the game was played by the reserves with a few first-teamers. Merstham lined up with a fairly narrow formation to suit the players available comprising a back four, three central midfielders, two strikers and a free-role. Oh and a goalkeeper.

From fairly early on it was clear that attempts to play attractive football may not be successful but nevertheless Merstham played some decent stuff in patches with not much headway being achieved by either side. The deadlock was broken on 26 minutes when the Virginia Water right back sent a long ball down the line which clearly went a yard out of play before curling back in. Mr Magoo with the red & yellow flag didn’t see it and it was crossed into the middle and cleared to half way. Colin Harvey and Nana Agyei switched off momentarily and Virginia Water’s Gareth Evans found himself in an acre of space 30 yards from goal and ran in finishing well. Merstham bounced back and forced a free-kick on the right. Ricci Bhogal, whose set piece delivery all night was exceptional, stepped up and drove the ball into the top left corner off the underside of the bar from all of 35 yards. It was a strike worthy of inclusion in Match of the Day’s Goal of the Month. Right on half time Merstham took the lead when the ball was driven to Leon Wallace at about nipple height. He brought it down and turned in one movement before slotting a pass between two defenders with his second touch straight into Chris Kennedy’s path only for the defender to bring him down in the box as he closed in on goal. Amazingly, the referee didn’t give him a red card, he didn’t give him a yellow card, but he did promise to give him a Christmas card. Anyway, Kennedy picked himself up to score from the spot for a 2-1 half-time lead.

The second half started well. The ever-dynamic Ryan Fraser started and ended a five man move down the left, galloping into the box to finish with aplomb from close range on 48 minutes. Averaging a goal every two games, Fraser is fast becoming one to watch. But as the pitch got heavier and players became tired, the vulnerability of the narrow formation became more evident and Virginia Water began to enjoy more width. On the hour a miss-kick allowed one of the strikers in for a one-on-one only for Chris Roberts to just get his fingertips to the ball. As it rebounded two yards out, the striker then somehow managed to miss it completely, a chance which my Mum could have scored – and she could never finish. With 13 minutes to go, a stray back pass let in Evans for another one-on-one and a decent finish to make it 3-2. Then as the final whistle approached, a long ball from the heart of Virginia Water’s defence was missed completely by the Merstham defence and Evans raced on, rounded Roberts to finish from inside the box for 3-3. That’s how it remained at 90 minutes full time and after extra-time. So to Penalties!

The crowd got their money’s worth with the penalty shoot out. Chris Kennedy stepped up first, opting to drive the ball straight but the keeper guessed right and saved with a bit of shin-ball. Roberts then produced Dave Beasant-style heroics guessing right each time and saving the first three Virginia Water penalties. With Ricci Bhogal and Ross White netting cleanly, it was left to Leon Wallace to win the game and cap a fine individual performance on the night. Of course he scored. Never in doubt!

The tide of encouragement pouring from the sidelines was greatly appreciated. It wasn’t a football spectacle and the formation was questioned by others but at all levels, sometimes you have to go with what you’ve got. Yes, the football was patchy and one or two Merstham players were slightly out of sorts with individual mistakes proving costly but there was no questioning the effort and if it’s good enough for some of the top Premiership teams to sometimes ‘win ugly’, then it good enough for me. We won.

Match Report: Leigh Hunt
Merstham battled their way to a hard-fought draw amidst terrible playing conditions on Saturday afternoon. Whitstable took the lead through a header from Liam Quinn in the first half whilst the home side replied with a header of their own from Man of the Match Chris Boulter at the start of the second period.

As the rain spat down incessantly on the pitch, the two teams tried valiantly to take a grip of the game in the early stages. David Smith was having some joy down the right wing as the slippery conditions created problems for defenders. On eleven minutes he cut inside and shot but the ball skewed over the bar. A poor Mark Simmons free-kick was the only other effort of note for the home side in the early exchanges. Whitstable weren’t creating much more but on 16 minutes they took the lead. Smith fouled Dan Dolton leading to a free-kick about 25 yards from goal. Jack Tanner whipped the ball in and Liam Quinn rose highest to power a header home. Chris Roberts, making his debut for the suspended Ian Chatfield, was helpless to stop the goal. Just a minute after going behind, Merstham nearly restored parity when midfielder Hassan Nyang took on a dipping volley from all of 30 yards that just whistled over the bar with keeper Kevin Fewell stranded. Whitstable nearly increased their lead in the 19th minute when Ian Pulman had a shot from close range that Chris Read managed to block and clear when all seemed lost. Pressure was mounting on the makeshift Merstham defence around this time as Whitstable forced a succession of corners and free-kicks but the Moatsiders defended resolutely. Nyang had another good chance to equalise in the 28th minute when Simmons set him up inside the six-yard area but his shot was snuffed out by Fewell. With less than ten minutes to go Merstham gained a free kick in a dangerous area when James Hancock was fouled. The ball was swung in and Chris Boulter was just narrowly wide with his planted header. Simmons and Read went close with shots from distance but it ended 0-1 at half-time.

Merstham didn’t take long into the second half to draw level. A free kick similar to the one at the end of the first half was arrowed in towards Chris Boulter and this time, his header dipped accurately into the corner of the net. Five minutes later and Whitstable had a good chance to retake the lead when Ian Pulman broke clear of the back line and gave the ball to Dan Wisker whose shot was well blocked by Chris Read. Around ten minutes into the half came Merstham’s best move of the match. Kevin Lock took hold of a long ball downfield and laid it back to his strike partner Kwabena Agyei. Agyei sent the ball back immediately into the path of the sprinting Lock who outpaced the Oystermen defence only to send his shot narrowly wide of the upright with just Kevin Fewell to beat. The rain was much heavier during the second half and there were fears the match could be abandoned. The centre of the pitch was becoming a quagmire whilst the ball was skipping away from everyone around the outskirts meaning that very little in the way of good football was able to be played in the final 30 minutes and both teams were resorting to hopeful punts at goal. With five minutes to go Merstham’s front two linked up again. This time Lock set up Agyei whose shot was blocked well by Fewell in goal. Lock had a fabulous chance to snatch all three points in the dying minutes when David Smith put him in on goal. Lock cut inside the defender and was bearing down on the keeper and was just pulling back his right foot for a definite goal when Whitstable’s Sam Denly slid in and tackled Lock at the last moment. Up the other end and the away side nearly grabbed the points when Dan Wisker had two shots at goal from close range but the first was blocked and the second whizzed wide. In the final moments a Hassan Nyang cross found Smith who laid it to Read but his shot was blocked and the game ended a draw.

Injuries and suspensions meant that Merstham were unable to play with their strongest line-up but all credit to Whitstable who battled hard and often played better in the terrible conditions. The point apiece was a fair result and that leaves Merstham just slipping a place to sixth in the table. Next game is at home in the Southern Combination Cup to Virginia Water on Tuesday but the next League action is away next Saturday to Leatherhead.

Match Report: Sue Austen
After a great display of football but a disappointing result against Kingstonian last Saturday, Merstham were out to get all three points this evening to avoid slipping down the league table. They did just that with the only goal of the game scored by Kwabena Agyei in the 63rd minute, leaving the Moatsiders in a creditable fifth place.

On a bitterly cold evening a crowd of just over one hundred turned out to see Merstham entertain Ashford Town. With only a couple of minutes on the clock a throw-in by Joe Hill to Kwabena Agyei who in turn passed to Kevin Lock who had a great chance of an early goal. But to the disappointment of the Merstham faithful he placed it just wide of the post. A couple of minutes later a great cross from Joe Hill to Michael Morgan in front of goal was miss-kicked and again the ball went wide. With end to end football and only a couple of insignificant chances on goal for most of the half, it was Morgan who came closest when, just minutes before the break when he floated the ball into the goal area, only for it to be punched away by Josh Willis the Ashford Town keeper. The game remained goalless at the break.

With Leon Wallace replacing Morgan at the start of the second half, Merstham were still having difficulty getting the ball in the back of the net. A corner taken by Lock was met by the head of Chris Boulter who knocked it down to Agyei whose shot at goal was well saved by the keeper. The resulting corner, again taken by Lock, was cleared by the Ashford Town defence, resulting in yet another Lock corner which this time found Boulter’s right foot but he was only able to fire it into the side netting. The goal kick gave Ashfield a chance on goal but the shot went over the cross bar. It was in the 63rd minute when a poor short back pass by Ashford’s Jimmy Elford gifted Merstham the only goal of the game, when a quick thinking Agyei intercepted the pass and fired the ball into the back of the net to the relief of the Merstham bench and fans alike. With only ten minutes left on the clock it looked as if Merstham could get their second when Lock had a great solo run from just inside the visitors half but was only able to hit the cross bar. With Ashford controlling the midfield they made double substitution in hope of getting an equalizer, this almost worked when a series of corners, putting Merstham under a lot of pressure were cleared by Hill and Chatfield. Up went the Merstham blockade and they managed to contain the Ashford onslaught to take all three points.
;

Match Report: Leigh Hunt
Merstham played their first competitive fixture against Kingstonian on Saturday and came away with all the plaudits but none of the points as the home side continued their lead at the top of the table. The away side had the better of the first half with several clear-cut chances but Kingstonian scored with virtually their only attack thanks to Carl Wilson-Denis. The second half saw the league leaders control play without ever overly threatening the Merstham goal but the game ended 1-0.

Merstham started the first half extremely brightly under the overcast sky. Within a couple of minutes they signalled their intent to take the battle to the league leaders when David Smith crossed from the right wing and Michael Morgan attacked the ball with a neat volley that flew over the bar. Smith went on another great run soon after but this time his cross was deflected for a corner. In the tenth minute, came the clearest opening yet. A free-kick for handball was taken quickly by Mark Simmons to Hassan Nyang who stole into the penalty area and from 12 yards out hit a shot that evaded the keeper but hit the post and rebounded to safety. Merstham kept the attack going and Matt Francis headed the resulting cross wide. Kingstonian was struggling to even get out of their half let alone mount an attack during these early periods of play. Hassan Nyang was particularly impressive in midfield winning every single header that he went up for. Thirteen minutes in, Kevin Lock playing the lone striker role, latched onto a long ball which he passed to Simmons after spinning his marker. Simmons took a shot on the volley but he was leaning back and it flew over. Smith continued his good work down the right with a run and a floating cross that nearly caught the keeper out but instead landed on the roof of the net. Simmons, playing a free role in front of midfield also tried to catch the goalie napping with a cheeky 40 yard chip that just went the wrong side of the post. On 18 minutes the K’s had their first shot in anger but Ian Chatfield in goal watched it sail well wide. This was a danger signal though as five minutes later, they scored. Simmons lost the ball in midfield and a long flighted pass in behind Merstham’s back four found Carl Wilson-Denis in on goal. Chris Boulter tried his best to recover the situation but the striker powered into the box and smashed the ball into the net past Chatfield. However even after the goal, Luke Garrard was the busier of the two keepers in the first half. He had to save at Kevin Lock’s feet and then saw his weak kick-out land at the feet of Smith who drove the ball back past the post like a missile. Kingstonian started to have a few more attacks now that the goal had settled them down. Tommy Williams smashed one over from 30 yards and NJ Lampton headed over from a cross but it was still the Moatsiders who had the majority of the chances. Chris Read headed over from a cross and Simmons saw a fierce strike from 18 yards saved but the opportunity of the half fell to Lock on 41 minutes. Put through, he was bearing down on goal with only the keeper to beat. From 12 yards out he slid the ball past the keeper’s right hand but also agonisingly beyond the right hand post and so the half ended 1-0.

Merstham started slowly in the second half, perhaps still shaking their heads at how they could possibly be losing the game. Kingstonian were looking sharper and more aggressive and none more so than striker Bobby Traynor who left his boot in as Matt Francis cleared a ball. Unseen by the referee this foul left Francis needing treatment before having to be replaced by Joe Hill. Kingstonian’s winger Dean Lodge was having more joy this half and he had a good chance to score in the 52nd minute. He skipped past the defence and past Ian Chatfield only to see his shot cleared off the line magnificently by skipper Craig Vernon. The pressure was mounting on Merstham and they had to face a barrage of corners and crosses but the home side were unable to breach the Merstham back line for a second goal. For the final 20 minutes Kwabena Agyei replaced Kevin Lock as the search for an equaliser continued but chances continued to be few and far between. Mark Simmons skewed a shot wide after Michael Morgan had done well to win a corner. On the other flank David Smith matched Morgan and from the ball in Chris Boulter headed across the crowded area to where Vernon rose highest and headed it goalwards only to see it cleared off the line by some great defending. Back up the other end Vernon found himself beaten by Traynor who strong shot was parried brilliantly by Chatfield and the rebound was tapped wide by Jon Neal. Ross White came on for the final 10 minutes as Merstham returned to the more usual 4-4-2 formation and White nearly got on the score sheet with his first touch as he just missed the chance to knock home a Smith cross from the right. Vernon picked up a knock in the last few minutes and as all the subs had been used, he played up top with Chris Read filling in for him ably at the back. The final chance of the game fell to Simmons who blasted over so it ended at 1-0.

On the face of it, losing away to the runaway league leaders after a couple of defeats on the trot, doesn’t sound all that surprising. However, for anyone at the game, they know that the score does not reflect the game at all. Merstham will know that they deserved at least a point from this game and maybe more but unless chances are taken when they arrive, more points will be lost. Some K’s fans were calling this the best footballing display by any opponents this season but good play counts for nothing if goals are not scored. Merstham drop to seventh after this game but have an instant chance to right this on Tuesday night against Ashford Town.

Match Report: Leigh Hunt
Craig Vernon

Merstham, suffering from the hangover of defeat in the FA Trophy on Saturday, lost 1-2 at home to mid-table Godalming Town on Tuesday night. The defeat means the chance to leap into an unprecedented second place was denied. A Michael Morgan goal in the last quarter of the game was the only reply to a goal in either half for the away side.

The game started promisingly for the home side that were undefeated in six league games. Within the first five minutes Chris Boulter met an in-swinging corner firmly with his header only to see the ball cleared off the line. Minutes later Mark Simmons received the ball from Kwabena Agyei and struck the ball fiercely past the post. Shortly afterwards Simmons was involved again. The referee gave a free kick for a foul on him just outside the box, which he took himself but drove just over the bar. On 17 minutes came Godalming’s first clear-cut chance when on-loan Todor Buzov took a shot which Ian Chatfield parried out. The ball was sent into the box again and top scorer Kenny Ojukwu headed just over when he should have scored. Five minutes later and Godalming did score. Dean Gunner stood off Andy Ottley and Graeme Purdy nodded Ottley’s cross from the right wing in from close range. The goal seemed to stun Merstham and there was a period of chaotic play that followed with neither side dominant. On 32 minutes the home side broke out of their slumber as Simmons slid a ball into Agyei whose powerful shot from a tight angle was turned wide for a corner by Rodney Chiweshe. Up the other end and Godalming were looking dangerous. Ojukwu blasted over on 36 minutes and just a minute later Craig Vernon missed a through ball completely leaving Purdy in on goal. For some reason he tried a square pass when a shot on target seemed on and it was down to Joe Hill to rescue the situation with a last ditch tackle. The half ended with some half chances for both sides. Michael Morgan drilled a shot wide and David Smith hit the side netting whilst the ever-dangerous Ojukwu had a header on target but comfortably saved by Chatfield.

The temperature had dropped on the pitch for the second half and the freezing conditions meant it took a while for the game to get going again. Ian Chatfield got to warm his hands in the 55th minute when he had to save at the feet of a Godalming attacker. Mark Simmons had a great curling strike a few minutes later that just bent agonisingly away from the post at the last second. On 60 minutes though came a killing blow. Andy Ottley ran from deep down the right wing and substitute Matt Francis didn’t follow the run. The ball was sent in along the ground towards Kenny Ojukwu who had an easy task of tapping the ball home. Merstham sent on Chris Read and James Hancock in an attempt to rescue the tie and for the first time in the game the home side were in control. Crosses and free kicks were fizzing into the Godalming box but no one seemed able to out-muscle the away side’s defenders to score. With six minutes left came Merstham’s best period of play. Kevin Lock sent in a great cross that Kwabena Agyei met from ten yards out but Rodney Chiweshe superbly saved his shot. The ball arrived out at Michael Morgan’s feet on the left wing. Morgan cut inside and from the tightest of angles slammed the ball into the corner of the net. Buoyed by the goal, Merstham’s pressure continued with further corners and free kicks. From one such dead ball situation Agyei had a header cleared off the line and Hancock sent the rebound flying over the bar. Soon afterwards Hancock sent in a great cross that every Merstham attacker missed and with that the chances were over. Ojukwu had a chance on the break to score again in the final minute but Chatfield made a great save to keep the score at 1-2.

Merstham stay in fourth despite the defeat but they’ve now lost the game in hand they had. Next up is a trip to table-toppers Kingstonian on Saturday who have yet to lose a league game. This game marked the last appearance for perennial favourite Joe Hill who is leaving to join the Navy. Everyone at the club wishes him well and thanks him for his years of exemplary service.

Match Report: Leigh Hunt

Merstham’s FA Cup run came to an end at the home of Ryman Premier side AFC Hornchurch on Saturday. The two-nil defeat was a fair result and Merstham can have no complaints. Thankfully the cup run has brought in some much-needed revenue and a place in the club’s history books, as they had never reached this stage before.

The Merstham coach arrived at the Bridge Avenue stadium in sweltering conditions for the time of year. The hospitable welcomed provided by the Essex club carried onto the pitch as Merstham had the best of the early exchanges. A succession of chances for the Moatsiders whizzed narrowly past Jerome John’s right hand post. Michael Morgan impressed early and had a couple of shots just wide, including one great volley. Morgan was also first to a Mark Simmons cross in the seventh minute but again his header crept past the post. Hornchurch’s Dean Green made a statement of intent though with two good drives that were well stopped by Ian Chatfield. Straight from one of these attacks, Chatfield launched the ball up field, which put Kevin Lock in on goal. With John coming out to meet him, Lock attempted the lob but the goal continued to lead a charmed life and the ball bounced wide. Mark Simmons blasted a shot wide of the now annoying right hand post after a poor kick-out from the keeper. There was a hint of danger on 23 minutes when the home side’s Kris Lee clipped the bar with a volley. In the following minute Matt Francis crossed well and a Simmons header was scrambled off for a corner. The resultant ball in created mayhem in the box but the Urchins managed to clear. In the 28th minute and slightly against the run of play, Green reacted first to a loose ball as the Merstham defence hesitated and stabbed the ball home past a helpless Chatfield. Green nearly doubled his tally three minutes later when he met a cross with a shot from close-range that Chatfield did magnificently to keep out. The end of the half was all Hornchurch as Green had another shot close in stopped well by Craig Vernon and right on half-time, Andy Tomlinson had a shot that hit the woodwork before going over.

There was little in the way of good chances at the start of the second half until the 58th minute when Hornchurch’s Kris Lee’s header from a corner went in the goal but was disallowed by the referee for pushing. Three minutes later and the best move of the game came when Lee went on a great run before pulling it back to Andy Tomlinson who hit the bar again when it seemed easier to score. Merstham’s best chance of the second half fell to Kwabena Agyei who broke behind the home defence and had just Jerome John in goal to beat. His powerful shot was well saved by the keeper, as was the follow-up attempt by Chris Read. Back at the other end Ian Chatfield was doing well to keep the score to one as he tipped over a good header from Frankie Curley and saved well with his feet a few minutes later. In an attempt to rescue the tie, Merstham changed formation to 4-3-3 and brought on David Smith, Ross White and James Hancock but they were unable to fashion any clear-cut chances. Michael Morgan continued to look the most likely player in attack however his free kick with seven minutes to go was blocked by Jerome John in goal. Just as the game was on its last legs, a ball was tossed into the area by Hornchurch and was accidentally kicked up onto his own arm by Agyei. The referee awarded the penalty that Dean Green dispatched with ease. There was just time for Hornchurch to hit the woodwork for a fourth time before the whistle blew and ended Merstham’s run. AFC Hornchurch now faces Conference side Weymouth in the next round.

The game ended Merstham’s unbeaten run of ten games but they should be proud of this cup run and it was certainly no disgrace to go out to a Ryman Premier side with a decent pedigree in this competition. Merstham can now concentrate on the League, as next up is an away fixture against Eastbourne Town on Wednesday night.

Match Report: Leigh Hunt

Merstham secured their fifth victory in the League on Tuesday night away to Burgess Hill Town. Merstham had the best of the first half whilst the home side created more in the second half but just as both sides looked like they would have to settle for a point apiece, substitute Ross White stepped up and scored the winner in the 89^th minute. The win takes Merstham up into the dizzy heights of the play-off positions after nine games.

After scoring nine goals in two cup games last week, Merstham kicked off full of confidence and this showed with all the early dominance coming from the away side. Michael Morgan was creating chances from the left wing and he had the best early shot which whistled over the bar. It took until the 11^th minute for the Sussex side to have a decent attack when Kane Louis’ shot was saved by Ian Chatfield but other than that Merstham were producing a controlled display that the home side were finding hard to counter. On 32 minutes, Merstham went very close to opening the scoring. Dean Gunner found David Smith whose teasing cross from the right wing fooled the goalkeeper and hit the inside of the post. Unfortunately the ball bounced out and away from the approaching attackers. Just two minutes later Chris Read passed to Morgan who cut inside onto his right foot and smacked the ball hard from 12 yards only for it to be well saved by Craig Stoner in goal. In a period of continued pressure from the Moatsiders, it appeared that Read was pushed in the box as he rose to meet a cross but the referee ignored the protestations. Another chance came from Morgan as he skewed the ball from the left. Several players missed the ball completely as it veered across the box before David Smith smashed it wide. Merstham’s final chance of the half fell to Morgan again when he received a great pass from Kevin Lock and then hit a screamer just wide of the post. Just on 45 minutes Burgess Hill had their best opportunity of the half when Ben Johnson nearly stole in at the back post to head in but Chatfield managed to put the winger off.

The second half saw the Hillians upping their game somewhat but Merstham were working their socks off in defence. Hill’s Dan Beck had the best early chance when he shot wide from close range in the 52nd minute. Merstham created a flurry of corners for themselves after this but seemed unable to avoid the giant Danny Gainsford who was clearing everything with his head. One of the corners that did avoid him nearly went straight in from Matt Francis’ kick. With 20 minutes to go Mark Simmons replaced David Smith as the game turned into a bit of a battle with yellow cards being dished out for minor infringements while more dangerous tackles from both sides were being ignored. There were several touches of acrimony on the benches as well as both sides agonised over every moment on the pitch that could make the difference between no points and three. The home side had a couple of good chances in the final ten minutes but their strikers were generally being marshalled well by the dependable centre-back pairing of Chris Boulter and Craig Vernon. With five minutes left to go, Merstham made their last throw of the dice sending on Joe Hill and Ross White. Just as the game entered the last minute of normal time, Michael Morgan went on another roving run down the left. After turning his marker inside-out, he sent a beguiling cross into the box which was met by Ross White who bulleted his header in from point blank range. This cued up delirious scenes on the sidelines as three minutes of added time were played out and the win was secured.

Merstham are now ten games unbeaten in all competitions and five unbeaten in the league. The win moves the Moatsiders up to fifth, their highest position yet. The next League game is next Wednesday away to Eastbourne Town but before that comes the extremely important matter of the FA Cup 3^rd Qualifying Round game away to AFC Hornchurch on Saturday. Places are still available on the coach. Contact the club for details

Match Report: Leigh Hunt

Just four days after making club history in the FA Cup, Merstham did the same in the FA Trophy by winning their first ever game in the competition 4-1 against Arlesey Town. A brace apiece from Michael Morgan and Kwabena Agyei secured the victory and a dubious penalty for the visitors rounded off the result. Merstham now face Worthing away on the 18^th October in the 1^st Qualifying Round.

Despite a very good set of results in September, Mick Sullivan didn’t win Manager of the Month but he made several changes to the team that won so comfortably in midweek. Michael Morgan was back in the team and he started brightly in the opening minutes feeding a one-two with Kwabena Agyei before sending a cross in that David Smith met with a shot that was blocked. Just 16 minutes into the game Merstham scored their first goal. Kevin Lock sent in a dynamic cross from the right hand side which Agyei met with a powerful header that thundered into the net. Lock and Agyei were continually making nuisances of themselves upfront while Chris Boulter and the rest of the defence were comfortably moping up at the back. The home side continued to make chances and should have extended their lead. The best chance fell to Lock after Matt Francis gave him the ball on the six yard line but he missed his chance and Nyang’s follow-up shot was blocked.

The opening minute of the second half saw a Michael Morgan shot hit the bar and rebound into the keeper’s arms and this was an omen for the half as Merstham made sure of their domination. Just four minutes into the second half David Smith sent in a curling right wing cross which Morgan met with a sweet volley from just inside the box that flew into the net. Shortly after this Arlesey’s Shane Brown was yellow carded for pulling back Agyei and this was to prove costly as 18 minutes later he pulled back Merstham sub Nick Greenhouse and so was shown the red card. From the resultant free kick Agyei directed another header goalward to make it 3-0. Four minutes later Michael Morgan received a cross field pass from James Hancock which he collected masterfully before curling a delicate shot beyond the keeper’s grasp. The away fans were getting rowdy this point and it’s possibly no coincidence that the referee decided to give them a penalty. Ian Chatfield, called into action for the first time, motioned towards the forward who dived theatrically and once the award was given, Lee Allen dispatched it to make it 1-4 which is how it ended.

Match Report: Leigh Hunt

Mick Sullivan’s men made Merstham history on Wednesday night when they reached the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for the first time. Not only did they achieve this milestone away from home at Thamesmead Town but also they did it thanks to a comprehensive scoreline of five goals to one. Matt Francis’ first half goal was cancelled out by Mead’s Harbingi Grant but a brace of goals either side of half-time for Kevin Lock and Kwabena Agyei secured a thoroughly deserved victory.

Merstham started the replay strongly with an early Chris Read strike and they came very close to opening the scoring in the ninth minute when Kwabena Agyei headed a Kevin Lock cross onto the post. Just four minutes later and the move was repeated but with greater success. Kevin Lock, working wide left in a 4-3-3 formation, sent in a teasing cross that was met by Matt Francis. His glancing header hit the post then trickled agonisingly across the line and in, much to the delight of the travelling fans. The home side stepped up a gear at this point and Merstham had to weather some pressure but the forwards were relieving this with lots of hard work upfront. However on 24 minutes Thamesmead won a corner when Rob Hill had to put behind his own goal. From the resultant cross Harbingi Grant headed home after the Merstham defence had struggled to clear the ball away. The goal was against the run of play though and Merstham were soon back in their stride when on 34 minutes Kevin Lock took advantage of some Thamesmead confusion in the back line before chesting the ball round the keeper and slotting home. The away side were dominant now and Joe Hill and Matt Francis had chances to extend the scoreline further before Kwabena Agyei did just that in the final minute of the half. Agyei was causing havoc for the Mead defence and it was their mistake that led to the ball deflecting to him inside the box where he calmly prodded the ball past the keeper and into the net to achieve a two-goal cushion.

David Smith replaced the injured Rob Hill at half-time but Merstham started the second half the way they finished the first with another goal for Kwabena Agyei. Hassan Nyang sent in a good cross, which Joe Hill reached and would have scored from if not for a good save by Mead’s Chris Conneally. The rebound bounced out to Agyei who with a predator’s finish tapped home. Agyei’s effort and hard work was getting him into great scoring opportunities but although he found himself on the end of good crosses from Dean Gunner, Joe Hill and David Smith he was unable to get his hat trick. On 66 minutes Merstham rammed home their superiority with a fifth goal. Kevin Lock kept himself onside to receive a slide-rule pass from Matt Francis. Lock jinked inside a defender with ease before slamming a right foot shot past the despairing keeper. Vitor Tavares and Ross White came on in the last quarter of the game and this young pair showed a lot of skill and hunger that bodes well for the future. With the tie dead and buried, Merstham relaxed a bit too much and allowed Thamesmead to have a few chances with Harbingi Grant first hitting the bar and then forcing a fantastic save from Ian Chatfield from just a few yards out but there were to be no more goals.

Merstham face AFC Hornchurch away on the 11th October in the next round of FA Cup and the club are putting on a coach for any supporters that wish to travel to the game. Before that, there is no small matter of the club’s first ever FA Trophy match at home on Saturday to Arlesley who are currently 19th in the Southern League Division One (Midlands).

Match Report: Leigh Hunt
Merstham battled out a 1-1 draw against Ryman Division One North side Thamesmead Town in a game they will feel they should have won. Leading scorer Kevin Lock scored his sixth goal of the season but Mead’s Peter Smith equalised just minutes later.

Thamesmead, like Merstham, were fielding a side that had come into a bit of form after an indifferent start to the campaign so it was always going to be a tight contest. Under a baking hot sun, the first half commenced with little to note with the exception of an injury to Dean Gunner by Mead captain Peter Deadman who was booked. The game was livened up in the 19th minute by returnee Nick Greenhouse. Greenhouse received the ball from Joe Hill, looked up and then sent a studied left foot curler toward the roof of the net which Chris Conneally did well to tip over. From the resultant Mark Simmons corner Greenhouse met the ball well with his head only to see it whiz wide. Fellow striker Kevin Lock had his first good chance minutes later with a turn and left foot shot that was saved. For Thamesmead, Robbie Tarrant seemed to have all the time and space in the midfield to pick out passes. Up front Rikki Cable had a good chance on six minutes but his shot hit the side netting. However the best strike of the half went to Peter Smith who hit a screamer from fully 35 yards that hit the bar with Ian Chatfield rooted to the spot. Merstham’s Michael Morgan started to have some influence toward the end of the half winning a succession of corners but these all came to nothing and the first half ended goalless.

Merstham started off the second half with a fantastic move that led to Nick Greenhouse bearing down on goal but then in a move that surprised everybody watching, Greenhouse elected to pass even though only six yards from goal. Michael Morgan ran on to the ball but blasted over. Five minutes later and Chris Read, working tirelessly in midfield, had a terrific effort at goal with a cracking shot that had to be tipped over the bar. Merstham were clearly on top at this point and another good chance came with Michael Morgan threading a ball though to Kevin Lock whose shot hit the side netting. Up the other end, Nikki Cable tried to chip Ian Chatfield but the stalwart keeper got a hand to it. Around the three-quarter mark Merstham got the breakthrough their play had deserved. A long ball was flicked by Greenhouse into the path of Lock who exquisitely chipped the keeper to make it 1-0. Morgan was then replaced by Matt Francis but within a couple of minutes Thamesmead equalised. Some dallying on the ball in defence by Rob Hill led to a cross that all the defence missed and which Mead’s Peter Smith met with a simple shot into an open goal. Francis had a chance to restore the lead from a corner he had won but his header zoomed over the bar. Mark Simmons put a good free kick shot just wide but it was looking like a replay at this point. Thamesmead’s Rikki Cable nearly made it even worse in injury time though when a good run and shot was well saved by Chatfield and it remained 1-1.

Overall a disappointing result after a humdrum performance but on a positive note, Merstham are now undefeated in seven games. They are in the hat for the Third Qualifying Round for the first time ever and have a chance to reach that stage away in midweek and as most will attest, the better performances recently have come away from home in midweek so the omens are good.

Match Report: Leigh Hunt
Merstham followed up their victory over Crowborough and the award of Club of the Year from Reigate and Banstead District Sports Council with a creditable draw at Walton & Hersham. Their opponents have only lost once this season and until a few days ago were top of the table so this was a great result for Merstham. The home side scored after 41 seconds but the rest of the half was all Merstham and the goal from Joe Hill was the least they deserved. A strong defensive display was required in the second half but they held firm for the point.

The game could not have started worse for Merstham as a breakdown in communication between Ian Chatfield and Chris Boulter in the opening few seconds led to a corner. From there the ball came in and Scott Hassell headed in far too easily. From this point on, the half was more or less all Merstham. The attacking football on display was some of the best played all season so far and it was rewarded on 16 minutes with an equaliser. Rob Hill, thankfully recovered from his head injury a week ago, smacked a curling shot from about 25 yards out. As everyone, including the keeper, stood and watched, the ball cannoned off the bar and out and the first person to react was Rob’s twin brother Joe who came in off the right wing to slot the rebound home with calm precision. Merstham didn’t rest on this and continued to play the better football. Rob Hill was having a superb game at right back, setting up a shot for Ross White and having a shot himself that was cleared off the line. White created a chance for himself on 28 minutes with a great touch and half volley from 20 yards that was well saved. Walton & Hersham’s rare attacks were being countered comfortably by some superb sweeping up from Ian Chatfield. However there was one moment of panic when Jordan Cheadle floated a looping ball goalwards from the touchline. Chatfield slipped slightly on his studs and only just managed to catch the ball and keep it over the line. Dean Gunner nearly got his second goal in Merstham colours on 33 minutes when he met Michael Morgan’s corner well but Cheadle cleared over his own bar. A few minutes later a Joe Hill shot was pushed out leading to White being in on goal but instead of shooting, he tried a tricky pass to Kevin Lock and the chance was lost. In the last few minutes of the half, it was end to end. The home keeper dropped a looping cross but the Swans somehow smuggled it away with the aid of an unpunished handball. Dave Stevens homed in on Chatfield’s goal but his attempt on goal was well kept out leading to another counter-attack. This time the ball was played up to Lock who held his man off allowing Morgan to steal in and slot the ball home only to find that the referee had awarded a free kick against Lock.

The second half was a very different game. Walton & Hersham came out looking the stronger and Merstham seemed unable to play the controlled passing game they had enjoyed in the first period. This was partly down to the bobbly pitch which got progressively worse as time went on and with the home side playing lots of deep long balls, a strong rearguard action was needed. Other than a Michael Morgan cross that nearly took Kevin Lock’s head off, the early attacking play was nearly all the team in red. Dean Gunner, subject to some filthy abuse from the home fans, made a terrific saving tackle on 53 minutes. This was followed in the subsequent attacks by some fantastic clearances and tackles by the captain Craig Vernon. The defence had a slight breather around the hour mark when Chris Read, working tirelessly in midfield, had a shot saved after good work by Morgan on the wing and Read’s central midfield partner Mark Simmons sent in a cross, which Ross White met with a good header. White was replaced soon afterwards by Kwabena Agyei and it was all hands to the pump as the Swans continued to pile on the pressure. Chris Boulter made a great block on 71 minutes as Dave Stevens was poised to unleash a shot on target inside the box. Ian Chatfield marshalled his backline well and relieved the pressure with his command of the area. One of Merstham’s few clear chances in the second half fell to Rob Hill on 77 minutes when he took an instinctive shot which was just tipped over for a corner. David Smith came on for Kevin Lock and his pace put him in a great goal scoring opportunity but he unable to get the ball under control and the chance went begging. In the space of six minutes towards the end of the half, Vernon made three absolutely sublime saving challenges. First, there was a tackle on Stevens as he seemed about to score, then a clearing header from under his own bar as he was about to get clattered and finally, with just four minutes to go, he hooked the ball clear with attackers ready to pounce on any error. Merstham’s defence held firm much to Walton & Hersham’s frustration and this seemed to lead to the home side’s Jon Boswell elbowing Gunner in the side of the neck, an incident unseen by the officials. As the game drew to a close, James Hancock came on for Michael Morgan and his energy helped run the clock down to achieve a very vital point.

Merstham are now six games unbeaten in all competitions and this point enabled them to stay secure in sixth place. Next up in the league are Fleet Town but before them in the important matter of the FA Cup tie against Thamesmead Town from Ryman Division One North. Thamesmead are currently 13th in their division having, like Merstham, just made the step up in division. The winner gets £4500 and a place in history as neither club has reached the 3rd Qualifying Round before.

Match Report: Leigh Hunt

Merstham’s Jekyll and Hyde performances continued with another below-par display but as with the previous Saturday, it resulted in another win, this time over fellow promoted side Crowborough who are rooted to the floor of the table. New striker Ross White scored his second goal in a week to secure the three points with a clinical finish in the 68^th minute.

Crowborough kicked off the first half in various shades of blue under a baking hot sun but it was Merstham that started the stronger. An early Chris Read effort was followed up in the 5^th minute by a disallowed goal. Kevin Lock and debutant Vitor Tavares had combined to allow Michael Morgan to score from close-range but Morgan was offside and the goal was chalked off. Six minutes later and the most breath-taking moment of the half occurred when Lock collected the ball from Joe Hill and from some distance lashed a volley goalwards which cannoned off the bar and out. The away side were providing little in the way of an attacking challenge but Merstham seemed unable to inspire themselves and so the game drifted to half-time, goalless.

The second half started limply with Crowborough managing just the odd corner and long-range shot. Kwabena Agyei toiled up front and had several shots before being replaced by youngster Ross White. Vitor Tavares, who was playing in an unnatural position of right wing, was also replaced by David Smith with over half an hour to go. White didn’t take long to get into the action as a shot blazed over in the 58^th minute. Five minutes later and Crowborough’s Mark Oldroyd had to claw the ball away as Chris Boulter waited to head in from a corner. Pressure from the home side was mounting with Michael Morgan playing well on the left wing but the goal came from the newcomer. White had a shot with his right foot blocked and as the ball bounced he took the chance instinctively with his other foot planting it past the keeper’s left hand. Crowborough rallied and could well have equalised in the 80^th minute when a powerful header from close-range was superbly saved off the line by Ian Chatfield. Chatfield had had little to do all game but it was a sign of a great keeper that his concentration was up to the task and it is moments like that that can win the three points. Chatfield nearly provided an assist minutes later when a long throw-out into Kevin Lock’s path led to the striker cutting into the box and having his right foot shot well saved. The final minutes were all Merstham as they strived to make sure of the victory. Lock and Morgan both worked good chances but the closest chance came just minutes from the end when Morgan had time to pick his spot and with a delicate chip, hit the bar. The ball came out to Chris Boulter whose powerful shot was saved. Seven minutes of injury time were played out before Merstham could celebrate the win.

Merstham’s fifth win on the bounce, the third in the league, means they jump up to their highest position so far of sixth. However, next up on Tuesday are second placed Walton & Hersham who suffered a surprising defeat to Whyteleafe and will be looking to put things right.

	Saturday Tuesdy 18th November 2008 7:45pm Southern Combination Cup Cove 3 v 2 Merstham (HT 2-1)
Scorers: Kwabena Agyei, Ross White Team: Chris Roberts, James Hancock, Rob Hill, Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Chris Read, Chris Kennedy, Mark Simmons, Kwabena Agyei, , Ross White, David Smith Subs: Kevin Lock, Hassan Nyang, Dean Gunner Man of the Match: Ross White Referee: TBA Attendance: TBA Match Day Sponsor: N/A Photos (Click on Name): Match Review: Oh Dear! - Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt Merstham lost 3-2 to an injury-time goal against Cove in the Southern Combination Cup on Tuesday night. Cove took an early two-goal lead against the opposition from a higher division but Kwabena Agyei pulled one back for the visitors before half-time. The second half saw Ross White equalise and in a dramatic conclusion, Merstham had what seemed to be a certain penalty decision not given and then were hit with the sucker punch of a late goal to send Cove through to the next round. Merstham made the trip to their former Combined Counties rivals with a slightly changed side to the one that drew in the league on Saturday. The home side started the game well and were terrorising the Merstham defence with good running and quickly taken shots. In the twelfth minute Cove won a corner and scored with an unmarked header past Chris Roberts in goal. Shell-shocked, the Merstham defence looked shaky on the next two attacks and just four minutes after the first goal the lively pair upfront caused more problems. Cove’s number nine out muscled Rob Hill on his first game in weeks due to injury and his penetrating run pulled both centre backs across leaving the other striker free to slot home with ease from just inside the area. Merstham responded to the two goal deficit firstly with a Ross White header that was cleared off the line and then Chris Kennedy made a good run down the right wing before sending over a high cross that nearly caught the keeper out as it hit the bar. With twenty-nine minutes on the clock, Merstham pulled a goal back. Mark Simmons sent a corner in which Chris Read met with a header that led to a small scramble but first to the ball was Kwabena Agyei who turned it home for his seventh goal of the season. Agyei followed up his goal with a long range shot, which the keeper found too hot to handle but David Smith was unable to connect with the loose ball. Just before the break Cove had an excellent opportunity to restore their two-goal advantage but Roberts denied their forward in the 6-yard box with a great save. The second half found Merstham raising their game and taking the battle to Cove but it wasn’t until the 58th minute that they made a breakthrough. Chris Boulter won the ball well in defence and fed Chris Kennedy who went on a driving run before releasing Ross White who raced onto the chance and just got there before the keeper and defenders and tapped it home. The play ran from end to end now and both defences were doing everything to stay in the game. Kwabena Agyei saw a James Hancock cross, scooped away from his feet from the goalkeeper in the 68th minute. With 15 minutes to go, both sides made changes including Cove having to change their goalkeeper due to injury. With nine minutes to go of normal time came the incident that incensed the Merstham followers. Hancock found himself in the unusual position of the opposition box. After evading an attempted obstruction he powered on toward the by-line and as he prepared to unleash a cross he was bundled over in what was clearly a foul. Neither the referee nor the linesman on that side saw anything wrong with the challenge and despite the protests play continued. A minute later the referee appeared to realise his mistake when he gave a free kick against Cove on the edge of the area for a challenge on Mark Simmons that seemed perfectly legitimate however Rob Hill curled the kick wide of the post. Just as the game seemed to be heading towards extra-time Cove won a corner and in a repetition of the first goal, a Cove player rose and scored with a free header into the net. Although this was a much-needed game to restore fitness before a tough run of league games, the result was extremely disappointing; particularly the manner of it and the performance in the first half was poor. Merstham return to league action on Saturday with an away trip to Folkestone Invicta that they need something out of as they have slipped to eleventh in the league thanks to other results.

	Saturday 15th November 2008 3:00pm Ryman Isthmian League Division One South Merstham 0 v 0 Walton Casuals (HT 0-0)
Scorers: Team: Ian Chatfield (c), James Hancock, Michael Donovan, Chris Boulter, Dean Gunner, Chris Read, Michael Morgan, Mark Simmons, Hassan Nyang, Kevin Lock, David Smith Subs: Kwabena Agyei, Ross White, Nick Greenhouse, Matt Francis, Craig Vernon Man of the Match: Chris Boulter & James Hancock Referee: H. Lennard (Portslade) Attendance: 149 Match Day Sponsor: Kevin & Sue Austen Photos (Click on Name): Match Review: After two weeks without a game Merstham showed they lacked match practice in a slow paced first half and Walton Casuals seemed to be content to play along with no real effort by the visitors to take the game to the Moatsiders. Merstham had the best chance of the half when a fine cross by James Hancock was met by Kevin Lock whose header brought about a great save by Casuals keeper Craig Bradshaw. Ten minutes into the second half and Merstham debutant Michael Donovan gave away a penalty but fortunately for him the Casuals skipper Craig Lewington fired the ball over the crossbar. Merstham continued to ride their luck as Walton Casuals had two goals disallowed one for blatant handball and a second for a foul on keeper Chatfield. Merstham never looked like scoring and with only three goals in their last five league games you can be forgiven for thinking where are they going to come from. - Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt After two weeks without a game due to inclement weather Merstham faced former Combined Counties rivals Walton Casuals on Saturday in a game that ended 0-0 however Merstham will count themselves extremely fortunate to finish this game with a point in the bag. Despite finishing goalless Walton Casuals will be kicking themselves after missing a second half penalty and having two goals disallowed. Under a heavy sky the game kicked off and both sides looked rusty with neither team able to string more than two passes together. Other than a yellow card for Walton’s Jack Francis for a blatant block on Hassan Nyang, there was little of note in the opening fifteen minutes. The first great chance of the game fell to Kevin Lock as he met an in-swinging Mark Simmons free kick with a powerful header that unfortunately was straight at Craig Bradshaw in goal. Casuals launched an instant counter-attack that was only halted thanks to an excellent saving tackle by James Hancock. Hancock was up against the speedy ex-Merstham player Jamel Carr and he was called into action again on 24 minutes when Carr seemed destined to score but he knocked it behind for a corner, from which Jordan McCartney headed over. Half an hour in and both sides were huffing and puffing but there was little in the way of quality on display and the frustration caused Michael Morgan to pick up a yellow card for dissent. On 32 minutes, Paul Olima caused Ian Chatfield to pull off a good save when he sent in a dangerous looking cross. Lock had his second good chance of the game when he was in on goal with just Bradshaw to beat but the keeper saved well. Merstham continued to pile on the pressure when Hancock won a corner, which Simmons flighted in toward Chris Boulter. Boulter’s shot found Lock who turned and hit the ball but Walton had too many defenders in the way and the ball was cleared. With a minute remaining in the half Hancock sent in a good cross that Nyang met with a header that was parried away but the final attack fell to Casuals but Merstham have Boulter to thank for a great block that denied the visitors. The second half found the away side stepping up a gear. Jamel Carr was tormenting James Hancock and drew a foul and a yellow card from the youngster. The resultant free kick by Dwain Williams was hit straight at Ian Chatfield. On 53 minutes Kevin Lock made a good run down the left wing and this move resulted in a Michael Morgan shot that was deflected off for a corner. Two minutes later and the away side had a fantastic opportunity to take the lead. Merstham debutant Michael Donovan committed a blatant trip inside the penalty area and Mr Lennard, the referee, had no option but to point to the spot. Walton’s Captain Craig Lewington stepped up to take it but sent the ball high over the bar. Casuals were on top at this point and Paul Olima took an early shot that Chatfield saved well down low. A flurry of substitutions saw Nick Greenhouse, Kwabena Agyei and Matt Francis enter the fray with Mark Simmons moving back into his more natural midfield position. The changes seemed to inspire the home side as a good move saw Agyei put Lock in for another one on one that was saved and Greenhouse hammered it back toward goal from a tight angle but it was cleared by the resolute Walton defence. With 20 minutes to go, both sides pushed on for what would be a decisive goal. It seemed that Daniel Platel had scored with a header but the referee correctly spotted that the forward had punched the ball into the net and so he received a yellow card. Carr was still looking dangerous and Chatfield had to be alert and he managed to block when the tricky winger got through and was lining up a shot. Hancock was having a good game against him though and other than a wild lunge on him near the end, he was able to contain the threat. Greenhouse was providing good service down the right wing for Merstham and he started a move that finished with Simmons swinging in a tempting cross that was missed by both the Walton keeper and Agyei who came close to tapping the ball in. With minutes to go, Carr had a great shot saved well by Chatfield. When the cleared ball was swung back in, the ball was bundled over the line along with Chatfield but the referee again correctly awarded a free kick to the home side for a foul on the keeper. The game petered out to a draw when the final chance fell to Chris Boulter whose header was blocked near the line by one of his players.

	Tuesday 4th November 2008 7:45pm Southern Combination Cup Virginia Water 3 v 3 Merstham aet Merstham won 3-0 on penalties Played at Merstham FC
Scorers: Ricci Bhogal, Chris Kennedy (pen), Ryan Fraser Team: Chris Roberts, Colin Harvey, Ricci Bhogal, Nana Agyei, Chris Davidson, Jon Dale (c), Ryan Fraser, Vitor Tavares (Matt Francis), Chris Kennedy, Ross White, Leon Wallace Unused Subs: Luke Jones-Whittaker, Rosario Ognibene, Sam Morgan Man of the Match: Leon Wallace Referee: M. Read Attendance: TBA = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Brett Walker Well, a football classic it wasn’t. But a show of endeavour on a heavy pitch it certainly was. Although a first team fixture, the game was played by the reserves with a few first-teamers. Merstham lined up with a fairly narrow formation to suit the players available comprising a back four, three central midfielders, two strikers and a free-role. Oh and a goalkeeper. From fairly early on it was clear that attempts to play attractive football may not be successful but nevertheless Merstham played some decent stuff in patches with not much headway being achieved by either side. The deadlock was broken on 26 minutes when the Virginia Water right back sent a long ball down the line which clearly went a yard out of play before curling back in. Mr Magoo with the red & yellow flag didn’t see it and it was crossed into the middle and cleared to half way. Colin Harvey and Nana Agyei switched off momentarily and Virginia Water’s Gareth Evans found himself in an acre of space 30 yards from goal and ran in finishing well. Merstham bounced back and forced a free-kick on the right. Ricci Bhogal, whose set piece delivery all night was exceptional, stepped up and drove the ball into the top left corner off the underside of the bar from all of 35 yards. It was a strike worthy of inclusion in Match of the Day’s Goal of the Month. Right on half time Merstham took the lead when the ball was driven to Leon Wallace at about nipple height. He brought it down and turned in one movement before slotting a pass between two defenders with his second touch straight into Chris Kennedy’s path only for the defender to bring him down in the box as he closed in on goal. Amazingly, the referee didn’t give him a red card, he didn’t give him a yellow card, but he did promise to give him a Christmas card. Anyway, Kennedy picked himself up to score from the spot for a 2-1 half-time lead. The second half started well. The ever-dynamic Ryan Fraser started and ended a five man move down the left, galloping into the box to finish with aplomb from close range on 48 minutes. Averaging a goal every two games, Fraser is fast becoming one to watch. But as the pitch got heavier and players became tired, the vulnerability of the narrow formation became more evident and Virginia Water began to enjoy more width. On the hour a miss-kick allowed one of the strikers in for a one-on-one only for Chris Roberts to just get his fingertips to the ball. As it rebounded two yards out, the striker then somehow managed to miss it completely, a chance which my Mum could have scored – and she could never finish. With 13 minutes to go, a stray back pass let in Evans for another one-on-one and a decent finish to make it 3-2. Then as the final whistle approached, a long ball from the heart of Virginia Water’s defence was missed completely by the Merstham defence and Evans raced on, rounded Roberts to finish from inside the box for 3-3. That’s how it remained at 90 minutes full time and after extra-time. So to Penalties! The crowd got their money’s worth with the penalty shoot out. Chris Kennedy stepped up first, opting to drive the ball straight but the keeper guessed right and saved with a bit of shin-ball. Roberts then produced Dave Beasant-style heroics guessing right each time and saving the first three Virginia Water penalties. With Ricci Bhogal and Ross White netting cleanly, it was left to Leon Wallace to win the game and cap a fine individual performance on the night. Of course he scored. Never in doubt! The tide of encouragement pouring from the sidelines was greatly appreciated. It wasn’t a football spectacle and the formation was questioned by others but at all levels, sometimes you have to go with what you’ve got. Yes, the football was patchy and one or two Merstham players were slightly out of sorts with individual mistakes proving costly but there was no questioning the effort and if it’s good enough for some of the top Premiership teams to sometimes ‘win ugly’, then it good enough for me. We won.

	Saturday 1st November 2008 3:00pm Ryman Isthmian League Division One South Merstham 1 v 1 Whitstable Town (HT 0-1)
Scorers: Chris Boulter Team: Chris Roberts, James Hancock, Kristian Hale, Chris Boulter (c), Dean Gunner, Chris Read, Mark Simmons, Hassan Nyang, Kwabena Agyei, Kevin Lock, David Smith Unused Subs: Leon Wallace, Vitor Tavares, Chris Davidson Man of the Match: Chris Boulter Referee: C. Breakspear (Walton on Thames) Attendance: 96 Match Day Sponsor: RenArt Ltd Photos (Click on Name): Simon Roe Match Review: Missing three key players, veteran keeper Ian Chatfield, Skipper Craig Vernon and playmaker Michael Morgan, Merstham made hard work of taking just a single point from this game. Whitstable went ahead in the sixteenth minute through Liam Quinn who headed home from a corner giving Merstham’s keeper, Chris Roberts, no chance. Play was made difficult by the torrential rain as the surface became almost impossible to stand up on and many fans thought the game may be abandoned. Within five minutes of the start of the second half Merstham’s stand in skipper Chris Boulter headed home the Moatsiders equalising goal from a free kick by Mark Simmons. The conditions were worsening all the time and neither side could get a rhythm in their play with the ball sticking in the numerous puddles and sticky mud. In the end this was probably the fairest result and perhaps the referee should have abandoned the game so that both teams could show their potential under better conditions. - Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt Merstham battled their way to a hard-fought draw amidst terrible playing conditions on Saturday afternoon. Whitstable took the lead through a header from Liam Quinn in the first half whilst the home side replied with a header of their own from Man of the Match Chris Boulter at the start of the second period. As the rain spat down incessantly on the pitch, the two teams tried valiantly to take a grip of the game in the early stages. David Smith was having some joy down the right wing as the slippery conditions created problems for defenders. On eleven minutes he cut inside and shot but the ball skewed over the bar. A poor Mark Simmons free-kick was the only other effort of note for the home side in the early exchanges. Whitstable weren’t creating much more but on 16 minutes they took the lead. Smith fouled Dan Dolton leading to a free-kick about 25 yards from goal. Jack Tanner whipped the ball in and Liam Quinn rose highest to power a header home. Chris Roberts, making his debut for the suspended Ian Chatfield, was helpless to stop the goal. Just a minute after going behind, Merstham nearly restored parity when midfielder Hassan Nyang took on a dipping volley from all of 30 yards that just whistled over the bar with keeper Kevin Fewell stranded. Whitstable nearly increased their lead in the 19th minute when Ian Pulman had a shot from close range that Chris Read managed to block and clear when all seemed lost. Pressure was mounting on the makeshift Merstham defence around this time as Whitstable forced a succession of corners and free-kicks but the Moatsiders defended resolutely. Nyang had another good chance to equalise in the 28th minute when Simmons set him up inside the six-yard area but his shot was snuffed out by Fewell. With less than ten minutes to go Merstham gained a free kick in a dangerous area when James Hancock was fouled. The ball was swung in and Chris Boulter was just narrowly wide with his planted header. Simmons and Read went close with shots from distance but it ended 0-1 at half-time. Merstham didn’t take long into the second half to draw level. A free kick similar to the one at the end of the first half was arrowed in towards Chris Boulter and this time, his header dipped accurately into the corner of the net. Five minutes later and Whitstable had a good chance to retake the lead when Ian Pulman broke clear of the back line and gave the ball to Dan Wisker whose shot was well blocked by Chris Read. Around ten minutes into the half came Merstham’s best move of the match. Kevin Lock took hold of a long ball downfield and laid it back to his strike partner Kwabena Agyei. Agyei sent the ball back immediately into the path of the sprinting Lock who outpaced the Oystermen defence only to send his shot narrowly wide of the upright with just Kevin Fewell to beat. The rain was much heavier during the second half and there were fears the match could be abandoned. The centre of the pitch was becoming a quagmire whilst the ball was skipping away from everyone around the outskirts meaning that very little in the way of good football was able to be played in the final 30 minutes and both teams were resorting to hopeful punts at goal. With five minutes to go Merstham’s front two linked up again. This time Lock set up Agyei whose shot was blocked well by Fewell in goal. Lock had a fabulous chance to snatch all three points in the dying minutes when David Smith put him in on goal. Lock cut inside the defender and was bearing down on the keeper and was just pulling back his right foot for a definite goal when Whitstable’s Sam Denly slid in and tackled Lock at the last moment. Up the other end and the away side nearly grabbed the points when Dan Wisker had two shots at goal from close range but the first was blocked and the second whizzed wide. In the final moments a Hassan Nyang cross found Smith who laid it to Read but his shot was blocked and the game ended a draw. Injuries and suspensions meant that Merstham were unable to play with their strongest line-up but all credit to Whitstable who battled hard and often played better in the terrible conditions. The point apiece was a fair result and that leaves Merstham just slipping a place to sixth in the table. Next game is at home in the Southern Combination Cup to Virginia Water on Tuesday but the next League action is away next Saturday to Leatherhead.

	Tuesday 28th October 2008 7:45pm Ryman Isthmian League Division One South Merstham 1 v 0 Ashford Town (HT 0-0)
Scorers: Kwabena Agyei Team: Ian Chatfield (c), James Hancock, Joe Hill, Chris Boulter, Dean Gunner, Chris Read, Michael Morgan (Lean Wallace), Hassan Nyang, Kwabena Agyei, Kevin Lock (Vitor Tavares), David Smith Unused Subs: Ross White, Chris Davidson, Chris Roberts (GK) Man of the Match: Chris Read Referee: N. Wilde Attendance: 102 Match Day Sponsor: Andy & Bob McGillivray Photos (Click on Name): David Fish Match Review: Not one of the world’s most entertaining matches but after the recent two league losses against Godalming Town and Kingstonian it was a relief for Merstham to get back to winning ways and if you can get three points when not at your best it’s always a bonus. It took a poor back pass by the Ashford Town defence to give Kwabena Agyei the opportunity to put Merstham ahead and he did just that. - Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Sue Austen After a great display of football but a disappointing result against Kingstonian last Saturday, Merstham were out to get all three points this evening to avoid slipping down the league table. They did just that with the only goal of the game scored by Kwabena Agyei in the 63rd minute, leaving the Moatsiders in a creditable fifth place. On a bitterly cold evening a crowd of just over one hundred turned out to see Merstham entertain Ashford Town. With only a couple of minutes on the clock a throw-in by Joe Hill to Kwabena Agyei who in turn passed to Kevin Lock who had a great chance of an early goal. But to the disappointment of the Merstham faithful he placed it just wide of the post. A couple of minutes later a great cross from Joe Hill to Michael Morgan in front of goal was miss-kicked and again the ball went wide. With end to end football and only a couple of insignificant chances on goal for most of the half, it was Morgan who came closest when, just minutes before the break when he floated the ball into the goal area, only for it to be punched away by Josh Willis the Ashford Town keeper. The game remained goalless at the break. With Leon Wallace replacing Morgan at the start of the second half, Merstham were still having difficulty getting the ball in the back of the net. A corner taken by Lock was met by the head of Chris Boulter who knocked it down to Agyei whose shot at goal was well saved by the keeper. The resulting corner, again taken by Lock, was cleared by the Ashford Town defence, resulting in yet another Lock corner which this time found Boulter’s right foot but he was only able to fire it into the side netting. The goal kick gave Ashfield a chance on goal but the shot went over the cross bar. It was in the 63rd minute when a poor short back pass by Ashford’s Jimmy Elford gifted Merstham the only goal of the game, when a quick thinking Agyei intercepted the pass and fired the ball into the back of the net to the relief of the Merstham bench and fans alike. With only ten minutes left on the clock it looked as if Merstham could get their second when Lock had a great solo run from just inside the visitors half but was only able to hit the cross bar. With Ashford controlling the midfield they made double substitution in hope of getting an equalizer, this almost worked when a series of corners, putting Merstham under a lot of pressure were cleared by Hill and Chatfield. Up went the Merstham blockade and they managed to contain the Ashford onslaught to take all three points. ;
1. Man of the Match Chris Read 2. Kwabena Agyei 3. Ian Chatfield - Photos by David Fish

	Saturday 25th October 2008 3:00pm Ryman Isthmian League Division One South Kingstonian 1 v 0 Merstham (HT 1-0)
Scorers: Team: Ian Chatfield, James Hancock , Matt Francis (Joe Hill), Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Chris Read, Michael Morgan, Hassan Nyang (Ross White), Mark Simmons, Kevin Lock (Kwabena Agyei), David Smith Unused Subs: Dean Gunner, Rob Hill Man of the Match: David Smith Referee: Colin Lymer Attendance: 327 Match Day Sponsor: N/A Photos (Click on Name): Match Review: Merstham must have thought that there was no justice in this game when, after taking the game to the league leaders and totally dominating the first twenty five minutes of play with a superb display of football, went behind in what was Kingstonian’s first real attack of the game with a goal by Carl Wilson-Denis. Then to add insult to injury just as the first half was coming to an end Kevin Lock found himself one-on-one with the K’s keeper in what seemed a certain goal scoring chance only to put the ball unbelievably wide of the target. The second half saw Merstham match Kingstonian in all areas but yet again as on many occasions the final goal scoring touch eluded them. Although coming away as losers Merstham can hold their heads high knowing that, on their day, they have the ability to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best. - Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt Merstham played their first competitive fixture against Kingstonian on Saturday and came away with all the plaudits but none of the points as the home side continued their lead at the top of the table. The away side had the better of the first half with several clear-cut chances but Kingstonian scored with virtually their only attack thanks to Carl Wilson-Denis. The second half saw the league leaders control play without ever overly threatening the Merstham goal but the game ended 1-0. Merstham started the first half extremely brightly under the overcast sky. Within a couple of minutes they signalled their intent to take the battle to the league leaders when David Smith crossed from the right wing and Michael Morgan attacked the ball with a neat volley that flew over the bar. Smith went on another great run soon after but this time his cross was deflected for a corner. In the tenth minute, came the clearest opening yet. A free-kick for handball was taken quickly by Mark Simmons to Hassan Nyang who stole into the penalty area and from 12 yards out hit a shot that evaded the keeper but hit the post and rebounded to safety. Merstham kept the attack going and Matt Francis headed the resulting cross wide. Kingstonian was struggling to even get out of their half let alone mount an attack during these early periods of play. Hassan Nyang was particularly impressive in midfield winning every single header that he went up for. Thirteen minutes in, Kevin Lock playing the lone striker role, latched onto a long ball which he passed to Simmons after spinning his marker. Simmons took a shot on the volley but he was leaning back and it flew over. Smith continued his good work down the right with a run and a floating cross that nearly caught the keeper out but instead landed on the roof of the net. Simmons, playing a free role in front of midfield also tried to catch the goalie napping with a cheeky 40 yard chip that just went the wrong side of the post. On 18 minutes the K’s had their first shot in anger but Ian Chatfield in goal watched it sail well wide. This was a danger signal though as five minutes later, they scored. Simmons lost the ball in midfield and a long flighted pass in behind Merstham’s back four found Carl Wilson-Denis in on goal. Chris Boulter tried his best to recover the situation but the striker powered into the box and smashed the ball into the net past Chatfield. However even after the goal, Luke Garrard was the busier of the two keepers in the first half. He had to save at Kevin Lock’s feet and then saw his weak kick-out land at the feet of Smith who drove the ball back past the post like a missile. Kingstonian started to have a few more attacks now that the goal had settled them down. Tommy Williams smashed one over from 30 yards and NJ Lampton headed over from a cross but it was still the Moatsiders who had the majority of the chances. Chris Read headed over from a cross and Simmons saw a fierce strike from 18 yards saved but the opportunity of the half fell to Lock on 41 minutes. Put through, he was bearing down on goal with only the keeper to beat. From 12 yards out he slid the ball past the keeper’s right hand but also agonisingly beyond the right hand post and so the half ended 1-0. Merstham started slowly in the second half, perhaps still shaking their heads at how they could possibly be losing the game. Kingstonian were looking sharper and more aggressive and none more so than striker Bobby Traynor who left his boot in as Matt Francis cleared a ball. Unseen by the referee this foul left Francis needing treatment before having to be replaced by Joe Hill. Kingstonian’s winger Dean Lodge was having more joy this half and he had a good chance to score in the 52nd minute. He skipped past the defence and past Ian Chatfield only to see his shot cleared off the line magnificently by skipper Craig Vernon. The pressure was mounting on Merstham and they had to face a barrage of corners and crosses but the home side were unable to breach the Merstham back line for a second goal. For the final 20 minutes Kwabena Agyei replaced Kevin Lock as the search for an equaliser continued but chances continued to be few and far between. Mark Simmons skewed a shot wide after Michael Morgan had done well to win a corner. On the other flank David Smith matched Morgan and from the ball in Chris Boulter headed across the crowded area to where Vernon rose highest and headed it goalwards only to see it cleared off the line by some great defending. Back up the other end Vernon found himself beaten by Traynor who strong shot was parried brilliantly by Chatfield and the rebound was tapped wide by Jon Neal. Ross White came on for the final 10 minutes as Merstham returned to the more usual 4-4-2 formation and White nearly got on the score sheet with his first touch as he just missed the chance to knock home a Smith cross from the right. Vernon picked up a knock in the last few minutes and as all the subs had been used, he played up top with Chris Read filling in for him ably at the back. The final chance of the game fell to Simmons who blasted over so it ended at 1-0. On the face of it, losing away to the runaway league leaders after a couple of defeats on the trot, doesn’t sound all that surprising. However, for anyone at the game, they know that the score does not reflect the game at all. Merstham will know that they deserved at least a point from this game and maybe more but unless chances are taken when they arrive, more points will be lost. Some K’s fans were calling this the best footballing display by any opponents this season but good play counts for nothing if goals are not scored. Merstham drop to seventh after this game but have an instant chance to right this on Tuesday night against Ashford Town.

	Tuesday 21st October 2008 7:45pm Ryman Isthmian League Division One South Merstham 1 v 2 Godalming Town (HT 0-1)
Scorers: Michael Morgan Team: Ian Chatfield, Joe Hill, Dean Gunner (Matt Francis), Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Hassan Nyang (James Hancock), Michael Morgan, Mark Simmons, Kwabena Agyei, Kevin Lock, David Smith (Chris Read) Unused Subs: Chris Davidson, Chris Kennedy Man of the Match: Chris Boulter Referee: D. Buck Attendance: 130 Match Day Sponsor: Doug Randall Photos (Click on Name): Match Review: Merstham’s run of good fortune in the league ran out as they lost at Moatside to Godalming Town. They weren’t without their chances in the game and will still remain a force to be reckoned with if only they can keep their heads up. Godalming’s league leading goalscorer Kenny Ojukwu added to his tally with a goal in the second half after colleague Graeme Purdy had given them the lead in the 22nd minute. Merstham’s only reply came with a cracking goal from Michael Morgan as the game drew to a close. Defender Joe Hill was playing in his last game for the club before taking up a career in the Royal Navy; he joined the club in the 2005/06 season along with twin brother Rob. We all wish him well. - Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt Merstham, suffering from the hangover of defeat in the FA Trophy on Saturday, lost 1-2 at home to mid-table Godalming Town on Tuesday night. The defeat means the chance to leap into an unprecedented second place was denied. A Michael Morgan goal in the last quarter of the game was the only reply to a goal in either half for the away side. The game started promisingly for the home side that were undefeated in six league games. Within the first five minutes Chris Boulter met an in-swinging corner firmly with his header only to see the ball cleared off the line. Minutes later Mark Simmons received the ball from Kwabena Agyei and struck the ball fiercely past the post. Shortly afterwards Simmons was involved again. The referee gave a free kick for a foul on him just outside the box, which he took himself but drove just over the bar. On 17 minutes came Godalming’s first clear-cut chance when on-loan Todor Buzov took a shot which Ian Chatfield parried out. The ball was sent into the box again and top scorer Kenny Ojukwu headed just over when he should have scored. Five minutes later and Godalming did score. Dean Gunner stood off Andy Ottley and Graeme Purdy nodded Ottley’s cross from the right wing in from close range. The goal seemed to stun Merstham and there was a period of chaotic play that followed with neither side dominant. On 32 minutes the home side broke out of their slumber as Simmons slid a ball into Agyei whose powerful shot from a tight angle was turned wide for a corner by Rodney Chiweshe. Up the other end and Godalming were looking dangerous. Ojukwu blasted over on 36 minutes and just a minute later Craig Vernon missed a through ball completely leaving Purdy in on goal. For some reason he tried a square pass when a shot on target seemed on and it was down to Joe Hill to rescue the situation with a last ditch tackle. The half ended with some half chances for both sides. Michael Morgan drilled a shot wide and David Smith hit the side netting whilst the ever-dangerous Ojukwu had a header on target but comfortably saved by Chatfield. The temperature had dropped on the pitch for the second half and the freezing conditions meant it took a while for the game to get going again. Ian Chatfield got to warm his hands in the 55th minute when he had to save at the feet of a Godalming attacker. Mark Simmons had a great curling strike a few minutes later that just bent agonisingly away from the post at the last second. On 60 minutes though came a killing blow. Andy Ottley ran from deep down the right wing and substitute Matt Francis didn’t follow the run. The ball was sent in along the ground towards Kenny Ojukwu who had an easy task of tapping the ball home. Merstham sent on Chris Read and James Hancock in an attempt to rescue the tie and for the first time in the game the home side were in control. Crosses and free kicks were fizzing into the Godalming box but no one seemed able to out-muscle the away side’s defenders to score. With six minutes left came Merstham’s best period of play. Kevin Lock sent in a great cross that Kwabena Agyei met from ten yards out but Rodney Chiweshe superbly saved his shot. The ball arrived out at Michael Morgan’s feet on the left wing. Morgan cut inside and from the tightest of angles slammed the ball into the corner of the net. Buoyed by the goal, Merstham’s pressure continued with further corners and free kicks. From one such dead ball situation Agyei had a header cleared off the line and Hancock sent the rebound flying over the bar. Soon afterwards Hancock sent in a great cross that every Merstham attacker missed and with that the chances were over. Ojukwu had a chance on the break to score again in the final minute but Chatfield made a great save to keep the score at 1-2. Merstham stay in fourth despite the defeat but they’ve now lost the game in hand they had. Next up is a trip to table-toppers Kingstonian on Saturday who have yet to lose a league game. This game marked the last appearance for perennial favourite Joe Hill who is leaving to join the Navy. Everyone at the club wishes him well and thanks him for his years of exemplary service.

	Saturday18th October 2008 3:00pm FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round Worthing 2 v 0 Merstham (HT 1-0)
Scorers: Team: Ian Chatfield , James Hancock, Dean Gunner , (Hassan Nyang ), Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Chris Read, Matt Francis (Chris Davidson), Mark Simmons , Kwabena Agyei, Ross White (Kevin Lock), David Smith Unused Subs: Man of the Match: Craig Vernon Referee: S. Butler Attendance: 318 Match Day Sponsor: N/A Photos (Click on Name): Match Review: An out of sorts Merstham were under the cosh from the start of the game as the gritted determination of Worthing to exact revenge on the Moatsiders for their earlier defeat gave them the upper hand. Within seven minutes Worthing believed they were ahead but the goal was disallowed for offside. Worthing kept pushing forward and Ian Chatfield in the Merstham goal was forced to make several good saves to keep Merstham in the game. Then in the 37th minute Chatfield, already committed to making the save from a poor back pass from Craig Vernon brought down the Worthing attacker and was given an extremely harsh red card by referee Butler. Worthing went ahead with the penalty taken by Scott Kirkwood beating the Merstham skipper Vernon who had donned the keeper’s jersey. Worthing could have gone further ahead just before the break when Vernon misjudged a cross but the resultant shot went wide. In to the second half Merstham, now down to ten men and with an inexperienced man in goal, never really looked like getting back into the game. Dean Gunner went close early on in the half but his shot went wide of the mark and this was probably the Moatsider’s best chance of equalling the score. As the ‘Rebels’ pressed forward they had two close chances courtesy of Ross Trevieaven one went just wide and the other from an acute angle which was well saved by Vernon. Worthing finally put the game to bed in the 61st minute when a corner ball eluded Vernon and was met by the head of Ben Andrews. Mick Sullivan made some changes in an effort to get back into the game but it almost seemed as if the players had lost interest and Merstham quietly bowed out of the game. Chatfield will now miss the away game at Leatherhead on the 8th November - Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt

	Wednesday15th October 2008 7:45pm Ryman Isthmian League Division One South Eastbourne Town 2 v 3 Merstham (HT 2-2)
Scorers: Joe Hill, David Smith, Dean Gunner Team: Ian Chatfield, James Hancock, Dean Gunner, Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c) , Joe Hill, Michael Morgan , Mark Simmons , Kwabena Agyei (Ross White), Kevin Lock, David Smith Unused Subs: Kristian Hale, Jon Dale Man of the Match: Mark Simmons Referee: TJ Robinson Attendance: 151 Match Day Sponsor: N/A Photos (Click on Name): Match Review: If you turned up late for the game, as many Merstham fans did due to traffic problems, you could have missed Eastbourne’s best moments in the match, as within twelve minutes they had stunned the visitors into silence taking a two goal lead courtesy of Liam Baitup and Jamie Salvidge and they looked like they meant business. However they hadn’t counted on Merstham’s ability to bounce back and by the twentieth minute they had reduced the deficit with a goal from the unpretentious Joe Hill. As the half drew to a close, up popped David Smith to take the Moatsiders into the half time break on levels terms. The second half belonged to Merstham when Dean Gunner put them ahead with just under half an hour to play. Defending their slender lead became Merstham’s priority and they held on to make in six games unbeaten in the league. The three points lifts them to fourth in the league albeit on goal difference and sets them up nicely for their FA Trophy game away at Worthing on Saturday 18^th October. - Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt

	Saturday11th October 2008 3:00pm FA Cup Third Qualifying Round AFC Hornchurch 2 v 0 Merstham (HT 1-0)
Scorers: Team: Ian Chatfield, Dean Gunner (James Hancock), Matt Francis, Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Chris Read, Michael Morgan, Hassan Nyang, Kwabena Agyei (Ross White), Kevin Lock (David Smith), Mark Simmons Unused Sub: Joe Hill Man of the Match: Ian Chatfield Referee: A. Field Attendance: 473 Match Day Sponsor: N/A Photos (Click on Name): Sue Austen Andy Nunn Match Review: Merstham’s FA Cup run ended at the hands of the AFC Hornchurch in a tough game in which Merstham did not disgrace themselves in any way. A goal in either half secured the Urchins passage into the next round and we wish them all the best. We could make any amount of excuses; conditions didn’t suit us, players missing, poor refereeing, wrong type of leaves on the track but we were beaten by a better and more experienced side on the day and we should all be proud of how well we have done. And just to add to that, of the remaining RL South teams who played today only Burgess Hill Town are guaranteed a place in the fourth Qualifying Round. So we were not alone. - Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt Merstham’s FA Cup run came to an end at the home of Ryman Premier side AFC Hornchurch on Saturday. The two-nil defeat was a fair result and Merstham can have no complaints. Thankfully the cup run has brought in some much-needed revenue and a place in the club’s history books, as they had never reached this stage before. The Merstham coach arrived at the Bridge Avenue stadium in sweltering conditions for the time of year. The hospitable welcomed provided by the Essex club carried onto the pitch as Merstham had the best of the early exchanges. A succession of chances for the Moatsiders whizzed narrowly past Jerome John’s right hand post. Michael Morgan impressed early and had a couple of shots just wide, including one great volley. Morgan was also first to a Mark Simmons cross in the seventh minute but again his header crept past the post. Hornchurch’s Dean Green made a statement of intent though with two good drives that were well stopped by Ian Chatfield. Straight from one of these attacks, Chatfield launched the ball up field, which put Kevin Lock in on goal. With John coming out to meet him, Lock attempted the lob but the goal continued to lead a charmed life and the ball bounced wide. Mark Simmons blasted a shot wide of the now annoying right hand post after a poor kick-out from the keeper. There was a hint of danger on 23 minutes when the home side’s Kris Lee clipped the bar with a volley. In the following minute Matt Francis crossed well and a Simmons header was scrambled off for a corner. The resultant ball in created mayhem in the box but the Urchins managed to clear. In the 28th minute and slightly against the run of play, Green reacted first to a loose ball as the Merstham defence hesitated and stabbed the ball home past a helpless Chatfield. Green nearly doubled his tally three minutes later when he met a cross with a shot from close-range that Chatfield did magnificently to keep out. The end of the half was all Hornchurch as Green had another shot close in stopped well by Craig Vernon and right on half-time, Andy Tomlinson had a shot that hit the woodwork before going over. There was little in the way of good chances at the start of the second half until the 58th minute when Hornchurch’s Kris Lee’s header from a corner went in the goal but was disallowed by the referee for pushing. Three minutes later and the best move of the game came when Lee went on a great run before pulling it back to Andy Tomlinson who hit the bar again when it seemed easier to score. Merstham’s best chance of the second half fell to Kwabena Agyei who broke behind the home defence and had just Jerome John in goal to beat. His powerful shot was well saved by the keeper, as was the follow-up attempt by Chris Read. Back at the other end Ian Chatfield was doing well to keep the score to one as he tipped over a good header from Frankie Curley and saved well with his feet a few minutes later. In an attempt to rescue the tie, Merstham changed formation to 4-3-3 and brought on David Smith, Ross White and James Hancock but they were unable to fashion any clear-cut chances. Michael Morgan continued to look the most likely player in attack however his free kick with seven minutes to go was blocked by Jerome John in goal. Just as the game was on its last legs, a ball was tossed into the area by Hornchurch and was accidentally kicked up onto his own arm by Agyei. The referee awarded the penalty that Dean Green dispatched with ease. There was just time for Hornchurch to hit the woodwork for a fourth time before the whistle blew and ended Merstham’s run. AFC Hornchurch now faces Conference side Weymouth in the next round. The game ended Merstham’s unbeaten run of ten games but they should be proud of this cup run and it was certainly no disgrace to go out to a Ryman Premier side with a decent pedigree in this competition. Merstham can now concentrate on the League, as next up is an away fixture against Eastbourne Town on Wednesday night.

	Tuesday 7th October 2008 7:30pm Ryman Isthmian League Division One South Burgess Hill Town 0 v 1 Merstham (HT 0-0)
Scorers: Ross White Team: Ian Chatfield, Dean Gunner, Matt Francis, Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Chris Read, Michael Morgan, Hassan Nyang, Kwabena Agyei, Kevin Lock, David Smith Subs: Mark Simmons, Ross White, Joe Hill Man of the Match: Michael Morgan Referee: L. Rendell Attendance: 160 Match Day Sponsor: N/A Photos (Click on Name): Match Review: Merstham made in five league games without defeat and moved up to fifth position in the league, albeit on goal difference, with an 89^th minute winner from ‘Supersub’ Ross White. Merstham had the better of the play in the first half with several chances. However the second half saw the ‘Hillians’ take on a more dominant role and the Merstham defence was put under pressure and with just five minutes to go Mick Sullivan made what proved to be a vital substitution bringing on the youngster Ross White for leading goalscorer Kevin Lock. In the last minutes of the game ‘Man of the Match’ Michael Morgan sent a pinpoint cross to the head of White and all three points went to the overjoyed Moatsiders. -Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt Merstham secured their fifth victory in the League on Tuesday night away to Burgess Hill Town. Merstham had the best of the first half whilst the home side created more in the second half but just as both sides looked like they would have to settle for a point apiece, substitute Ross White stepped up and scored the winner in the 89^th minute. The win takes Merstham up into the dizzy heights of the play-off positions after nine games. After scoring nine goals in two cup games last week, Merstham kicked off full of confidence and this showed with all the early dominance coming from the away side. Michael Morgan was creating chances from the left wing and he had the best early shot which whistled over the bar. It took until the 11^th minute for the Sussex side to have a decent attack when Kane Louis’ shot was saved by Ian Chatfield but other than that Merstham were producing a controlled display that the home side were finding hard to counter. On 32 minutes, Merstham went very close to opening the scoring. Dean Gunner found David Smith whose teasing cross from the right wing fooled the goalkeeper and hit the inside of the post. Unfortunately the ball bounced out and away from the approaching attackers. Just two minutes later Chris Read passed to Morgan who cut inside onto his right foot and smacked the ball hard from 12 yards only for it to be well saved by Craig Stoner in goal. In a period of continued pressure from the Moatsiders, it appeared that Read was pushed in the box as he rose to meet a cross but the referee ignored the protestations. Another chance came from Morgan as he skewed the ball from the left. Several players missed the ball completely as it veered across the box before David Smith smashed it wide. Merstham’s final chance of the half fell to Morgan again when he received a great pass from Kevin Lock and then hit a screamer just wide of the post. Just on 45 minutes Burgess Hill had their best opportunity of the half when Ben Johnson nearly stole in at the back post to head in but Chatfield managed to put the winger off. The second half saw the Hillians upping their game somewhat but Merstham were working their socks off in defence. Hill’s Dan Beck had the best early chance when he shot wide from close range in the 52nd minute. Merstham created a flurry of corners for themselves after this but seemed unable to avoid the giant Danny Gainsford who was clearing everything with his head. One of the corners that did avoid him nearly went straight in from Matt Francis’ kick. With 20 minutes to go Mark Simmons replaced David Smith as the game turned into a bit of a battle with yellow cards being dished out for minor infringements while more dangerous tackles from both sides were being ignored. There were several touches of acrimony on the benches as well as both sides agonised over every moment on the pitch that could make the difference between no points and three. The home side had a couple of good chances in the final ten minutes but their strikers were generally being marshalled well by the dependable centre-back pairing of Chris Boulter and Craig Vernon. With five minutes left to go, Merstham made their last throw of the dice sending on Joe Hill and Ross White. Just as the game entered the last minute of normal time, Michael Morgan went on another roving run down the left. After turning his marker inside-out, he sent a beguiling cross into the box which was met by Ross White who bulleted his header in from point blank range. This cued up delirious scenes on the sidelines as three minutes of added time were played out and the win was secured. Merstham are now ten games unbeaten in all competitions and five unbeaten in the league. The win moves the Moatsiders up to fifth, their highest position yet. The next League game is next Wednesday away to Eastbourne Town but before that comes the extremely important matter of the FA Cup 3^rd Qualifying Round game away to AFC Hornchurch on Saturday. Places are still available on the coach. Contact the club for details

	Saturday 4th October 2008 3:00pm FA Trophy Preliminary Round Merstham 4 v 1 Arlesey Town (HT 1-0)
Scorers: Kwabena Agyei (2), Michael Morgan (2) Team: Ian Chatfield, James Hancock, Matt Francis, Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Chris Read (Mark Simmons), Michael Morgan (Ross White), Hassan Nyang, Kwabena Agyei, Kevin Lock (Nick Greenhouse), David Smith Unused Subs: Dean Gunner, Joe Hill Man of the Match: Michael Morgan Referee: D. Blunden Attendance: 101 Match Day Sponsor: Gary & Ellie Lomas Photos (Click on Name): Sue Austen Simon Roe Match Review: Merstham’s first ever game in the FA Trophy saw them brush aside a poor Arlesey Town side with a fine display of dominating football. The simple difference was class; Merstham had it and Arlesey didn’t. With quarter of an hour gone Kwabena Agyei headed in a fine Kevin Lock cross to open the scoring and put Merstham on the road to the next round. The rest of the half saw Merstham outplay the opposition in every quarter but with no addition to the score and Arlesey must have thought that they might just have a chance. However they didn’t count on Michael Morgan whose brilliant goal just three minutes into the second half doubled the Moatsiders lead. Midway through the half Agyei added his second from a Mark Simmons free kick before Morgan made it 4-0 with a stunning volley that couldn’t have been stopped even if Arlesey had had two keepers. The only setback for Merstham was goalkeeper Ian Chatfield giving away an unnecessary penalty from which Lee Allen pulled one back for the visitors. Perhaps he felt sorry for them. Merstham now play Worthing away in the First Qualifying Round on 18^th October. -Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt Just four days after making club history in the FA Cup, Merstham did the same in the FA Trophy by winning their first ever game in the competition 4-1 against Arlesey Town. A brace apiece from Michael Morgan and Kwabena Agyei secured the victory and a dubious penalty for the visitors rounded off the result. Merstham now face Worthing away on the 18^th October in the 1^st Qualifying Round. Despite a very good set of results in September, Mick Sullivan didn’t win Manager of the Month but he made several changes to the team that won so comfortably in midweek. Michael Morgan was back in the team and he started brightly in the opening minutes feeding a one-two with Kwabena Agyei before sending a cross in that David Smith met with a shot that was blocked. Just 16 minutes into the game Merstham scored their first goal. Kevin Lock sent in a dynamic cross from the right hand side which Agyei met with a powerful header that thundered into the net. Lock and Agyei were continually making nuisances of themselves upfront while Chris Boulter and the rest of the defence were comfortably moping up at the back. The home side continued to make chances and should have extended their lead. The best chance fell to Lock after Matt Francis gave him the ball on the six yard line but he missed his chance and Nyang’s follow-up shot was blocked. The opening minute of the second half saw a Michael Morgan shot hit the bar and rebound into the keeper’s arms and this was an omen for the half as Merstham made sure of their domination. Just four minutes into the second half David Smith sent in a curling right wing cross which Morgan met with a sweet volley from just inside the box that flew into the net. Shortly after this Arlesey’s Shane Brown was yellow carded for pulling back Agyei and this was to prove costly as 18 minutes later he pulled back Merstham sub Nick Greenhouse and so was shown the red card. From the resultant free kick Agyei directed another header goalward to make it 3-0. Four minutes later Michael Morgan received a cross field pass from James Hancock which he collected masterfully before curling a delicate shot beyond the keeper’s grasp. The away fans were getting rowdy this point and it’s possibly no coincidence that the referee decided to give them a penalty. Ian Chatfield, called into action for the first time, motioned towards the forward who dived theatrically and once the award was given, Lee Allen dispatched it to make it 1-4 which is how it ended.

	Wednesday 1st October 2008 7:45pm FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay Thamesmead Town 1 v 5 Merstham (HT 1-3)
Scorers: Matt Francis, Kevin Lock (2), Kwabena Agyei (2) Team: Ian Chatfield, Dean Gunner, Rob Hill, Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Chris Read, Joe Hill, Hassan Nyang, Kwabena Agyei, Kevin Lock, Matt Francis Subs: Ross White, David Smith, James Hancock, Vitor Tavares Man of the Match: Kwabena Agyei Referee: TBA Attendance: 102 Match Day Sponsor: N/A Photos (Click on Name): Andy Nunn Match Review: There are not enough superlatives in Roget’s Thesaurus to describe Merstham’s clinical dismissal of Thamesmead Town in this FA Cup replay so I won’t bother. Merstham won and for the first time in the Club’s history they have reached the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. It was the Merstham of old with last season’s strike pair of Agyei and Lock, grabbing two goals apiece, that steered the Moatsider’s ship to victory.. -Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt Mick Sullivan’s men made Merstham history on Wednesday night when they reached the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for the first time. Not only did they achieve this milestone away from home at Thamesmead Town but also they did it thanks to a comprehensive scoreline of five goals to one. Matt Francis’ first half goal was cancelled out by Mead’s Harbingi Grant but a brace of goals either side of half-time for Kevin Lock and Kwabena Agyei secured a thoroughly deserved victory. Merstham started the replay strongly with an early Chris Read strike and they came very close to opening the scoring in the ninth minute when Kwabena Agyei headed a Kevin Lock cross onto the post. Just four minutes later and the move was repeated but with greater success. Kevin Lock, working wide left in a 4-3-3 formation, sent in a teasing cross that was met by Matt Francis. His glancing header hit the post then trickled agonisingly across the line and in, much to the delight of the travelling fans. The home side stepped up a gear at this point and Merstham had to weather some pressure but the forwards were relieving this with lots of hard work upfront. However on 24 minutes Thamesmead won a corner when Rob Hill had to put behind his own goal. From the resultant cross Harbingi Grant headed home after the Merstham defence had struggled to clear the ball away. The goal was against the run of play though and Merstham were soon back in their stride when on 34 minutes Kevin Lock took advantage of some Thamesmead confusion in the back line before chesting the ball round the keeper and slotting home. The away side were dominant now and Joe Hill and Matt Francis had chances to extend the scoreline further before Kwabena Agyei did just that in the final minute of the half. Agyei was causing havoc for the Mead defence and it was their mistake that led to the ball deflecting to him inside the box where he calmly prodded the ball past the keeper and into the net to achieve a two-goal cushion. David Smith replaced the injured Rob Hill at half-time but Merstham started the second half the way they finished the first with another goal for Kwabena Agyei. Hassan Nyang sent in a good cross, which Joe Hill reached and would have scored from if not for a good save by Mead’s Chris Conneally. The rebound bounced out to Agyei who with a predator’s finish tapped home. Agyei’s effort and hard work was getting him into great scoring opportunities but although he found himself on the end of good crosses from Dean Gunner, Joe Hill and David Smith he was unable to get his hat trick. On 66 minutes Merstham rammed home their superiority with a fifth goal. Kevin Lock kept himself onside to receive a slide-rule pass from Matt Francis. Lock jinked inside a defender with ease before slamming a right foot shot past the despairing keeper. Vitor Tavares and Ross White came on in the last quarter of the game and this young pair showed a lot of skill and hunger that bodes well for the future. With the tie dead and buried, Merstham relaxed a bit too much and allowed Thamesmead to have a few chances with Harbingi Grant first hitting the bar and then forcing a fantastic save from Ian Chatfield from just a few yards out but there were to be no more goals. Merstham face AFC Hornchurch away on the 11th October in the next round of FA Cup and the club are putting on a coach for any supporters that wish to travel to the game. Before that, there is no small matter of the club’s first ever FA Trophy match at home on Saturday to Arlesley who are currently 19th in the Southern League Division One (Midlands).

	Saturday 27th September 2008 3:00pm FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Merstham 1 v 1 Thamesmead Town (HT 0-0)
Scorers: Kevin Lock Team: Ian Chatfield, Dean Gunner, Rob Hill, Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Chris Read, Michael Morgan (Matt Francis), Mark Simmons, Nick Greenhouse (Ross White), Kevin Lock, Joe Hill Unused Subs: David Smith, James Hancock Man of the Match: Kevin Lock Referee: A. Gillett (Aylesbury) Attendance: 137 Match Day Sponsor: Richard & Lynn Baxter and Charlie Photos (Click on Name): Sue Austen Match Review: Thamesmead Town had the better of the possession in the first half playing some neat and tidy football and they had the first real chance of the game when they hit the crossbar. When Merstham finally adapted to Town’s three up front they began to look dangerous on the break causing Chris Conneally some genuine concern in the Thamesmead goal. Merstham started the second half much brighter and were rewarded in the 65^th minute with a goal from leading scorer Kevin Lock. However it took less than five minutes for Thamesmead to equalise through Peter Smith due to a slip up in the Merstham defence and which Ian Chatfield in the Merstham goal just could not reach. With subs coming on Merstham looked a little fresher and had a couple of chances but all to no avail, the game finished 1-1 and a replay at Thamesmead on Wednesday. -Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt Merstham battled out a 1-1 draw against Ryman Division One North side Thamesmead Town in a game they will feel they should have won. Leading scorer Kevin Lock scored his sixth goal of the season but Mead’s Peter Smith equalised just minutes later. Thamesmead, like Merstham, were fielding a side that had come into a bit of form after an indifferent start to the campaign so it was always going to be a tight contest. Under a baking hot sun, the first half commenced with little to note with the exception of an injury to Dean Gunner by Mead captain Peter Deadman who was booked. The game was livened up in the 19th minute by returnee Nick Greenhouse. Greenhouse received the ball from Joe Hill, looked up and then sent a studied left foot curler toward the roof of the net which Chris Conneally did well to tip over. From the resultant Mark Simmons corner Greenhouse met the ball well with his head only to see it whiz wide. Fellow striker Kevin Lock had his first good chance minutes later with a turn and left foot shot that was saved. For Thamesmead, Robbie Tarrant seemed to have all the time and space in the midfield to pick out passes. Up front Rikki Cable had a good chance on six minutes but his shot hit the side netting. However the best strike of the half went to Peter Smith who hit a screamer from fully 35 yards that hit the bar with Ian Chatfield rooted to the spot. Merstham’s Michael Morgan started to have some influence toward the end of the half winning a succession of corners but these all came to nothing and the first half ended goalless. Merstham started off the second half with a fantastic move that led to Nick Greenhouse bearing down on goal but then in a move that surprised everybody watching, Greenhouse elected to pass even though only six yards from goal. Michael Morgan ran on to the ball but blasted over. Five minutes later and Chris Read, working tirelessly in midfield, had a terrific effort at goal with a cracking shot that had to be tipped over the bar. Merstham were clearly on top at this point and another good chance came with Michael Morgan threading a ball though to Kevin Lock whose shot hit the side netting. Up the other end, Nikki Cable tried to chip Ian Chatfield but the stalwart keeper got a hand to it. Around the three-quarter mark Merstham got the breakthrough their play had deserved. A long ball was flicked by Greenhouse into the path of Lock who exquisitely chipped the keeper to make it 1-0. Morgan was then replaced by Matt Francis but within a couple of minutes Thamesmead equalised. Some dallying on the ball in defence by Rob Hill led to a cross that all the defence missed and which Mead’s Peter Smith met with a simple shot into an open goal. Francis had a chance to restore the lead from a corner he had won but his header zoomed over the bar. Mark Simmons put a good free kick shot just wide but it was looking like a replay at this point. Thamesmead’s Rikki Cable nearly made it even worse in injury time though when a good run and shot was well saved by Chatfield and it remained 1-1. Overall a disappointing result after a humdrum performance but on a positive note, Merstham are now undefeated in seven games. They are in the hat for the Third Qualifying Round for the first time ever and have a chance to reach that stage away in midweek and as most will attest, the better performances recently have come away from home in midweek so the omens are good.

	Tuesday 23rd September 2008 7:45pm Ryman Isthmian League Division One South Walton & Hersham 1 v 1 Merstham (HT 1-1)
Scorers: Joe Hill Team: Ian Chatfield, Dean Gunner, Rob Hill, Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Chris Read, Michael Morgan ( James Hancock), Mark Simmons, Ross White (Kwabena Agyei), Kevin Lock (David Smith), Joe Hill Unused Subs: Kristian Hale, Vitor Tavares Man of the Match: Craig Vernon Referee: T. Power Attendance: 122 Match Day Sponsor: N/A Photos (Click on Name): Match Review: Merstham earned a well deserved and pleasing point away at Walton & Hersham, one of the favoured sides for promotion, and maintained the six place and extended their run to six games unbeaten in all competitions. Despite falling behind to a goal in the second minute of the game Merstham always remained determined and with the Swans looking disorganised at the back they was rewarded when a shot from Rob Hill hit the woodwork and rebounded to twin Joe who duly levelled the score. W&H looked much better in the second half and Merstham knew that they were in a fight. But despite some tricky moments the Moatsiders held out with skipper Craig Vernon rallying his troops in the true ‘never say die’ attitude of last season. -Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Travel: CLICK HERE Match Report: Leigh Hunt Merstham followed up their victory over Crowborough and the award of Club of the Year from Reigate and Banstead District Sports Council with a creditable draw at Walton & Hersham. Their opponents have only lost once this season and until a few days ago were top of the table so this was a great result for Merstham. The home side scored after 41 seconds but the rest of the half was all Merstham and the goal from Joe Hill was the least they deserved. A strong defensive display was required in the second half but they held firm for the point. The game could not have started worse for Merstham as a breakdown in communication between Ian Chatfield and Chris Boulter in the opening few seconds led to a corner. From there the ball came in and Scott Hassell headed in far too easily. From this point on, the half was more or less all Merstham. The attacking football on display was some of the best played all season so far and it was rewarded on 16 minutes with an equaliser. Rob Hill, thankfully recovered from his head injury a week ago, smacked a curling shot from about 25 yards out. As everyone, including the keeper, stood and watched, the ball cannoned off the bar and out and the first person to react was Rob’s twin brother Joe who came in off the right wing to slot the rebound home with calm precision. Merstham didn’t rest on this and continued to play the better football. Rob Hill was having a superb game at right back, setting up a shot for Ross White and having a shot himself that was cleared off the line. White created a chance for himself on 28 minutes with a great touch and half volley from 20 yards that was well saved. Walton & Hersham’s rare attacks were being countered comfortably by some superb sweeping up from Ian Chatfield. However there was one moment of panic when Jordan Cheadle floated a looping ball goalwards from the touchline. Chatfield slipped slightly on his studs and only just managed to catch the ball and keep it over the line. Dean Gunner nearly got his second goal in Merstham colours on 33 minutes when he met Michael Morgan’s corner well but Cheadle cleared over his own bar. A few minutes later a Joe Hill shot was pushed out leading to White being in on goal but instead of shooting, he tried a tricky pass to Kevin Lock and the chance was lost. In the last few minutes of the half, it was end to end. The home keeper dropped a looping cross but the Swans somehow smuggled it away with the aid of an unpunished handball. Dave Stevens homed in on Chatfield’s goal but his attempt on goal was well kept out leading to another counter-attack. This time the ball was played up to Lock who held his man off allowing Morgan to steal in and slot the ball home only to find that the referee had awarded a free kick against Lock. The second half was a very different game. Walton & Hersham came out looking the stronger and Merstham seemed unable to play the controlled passing game they had enjoyed in the first period. This was partly down to the bobbly pitch which got progressively worse as time went on and with the home side playing lots of deep long balls, a strong rearguard action was needed. Other than a Michael Morgan cross that nearly took Kevin Lock’s head off, the early attacking play was nearly all the team in red. Dean Gunner, subject to some filthy abuse from the home fans, made a terrific saving tackle on 53 minutes. This was followed in the subsequent attacks by some fantastic clearances and tackles by the captain Craig Vernon. The defence had a slight breather around the hour mark when Chris Read, working tirelessly in midfield, had a shot saved after good work by Morgan on the wing and Read’s central midfield partner Mark Simmons sent in a cross, which Ross White met with a good header. White was replaced soon afterwards by Kwabena Agyei and it was all hands to the pump as the Swans continued to pile on the pressure. Chris Boulter made a great block on 71 minutes as Dave Stevens was poised to unleash a shot on target inside the box. Ian Chatfield marshalled his backline well and relieved the pressure with his command of the area. One of Merstham’s few clear chances in the second half fell to Rob Hill on 77 minutes when he took an instinctive shot which was just tipped over for a corner. David Smith came on for Kevin Lock and his pace put him in a great goal scoring opportunity but he unable to get the ball under control and the chance went begging. In the space of six minutes towards the end of the half, Vernon made three absolutely sublime saving challenges. First, there was a tackle on Stevens as he seemed about to score, then a clearing header from under his own bar as he was about to get clattered and finally, with just four minutes to go, he hooked the ball clear with attackers ready to pounce on any error. Merstham’s defence held firm much to Walton & Hersham’s frustration and this seemed to lead to the home side’s Jon Boswell elbowing Gunner in the side of the neck, an incident unseen by the officials. As the game drew to a close, James Hancock came on for Michael Morgan and his energy helped run the clock down to achieve a very vital point. Merstham are now six games unbeaten in all competitions and this point enabled them to stay secure in sixth place. Next up in the league are Fleet Town but before them in the important matter of the FA Cup tie against Thamesmead Town from Ryman Division One North. Thamesmead are currently 13th in their division having, like Merstham, just made the step up in division. The winner gets £4500 and a place in history as neither club has reached the 3rd Qualifying Round before.

	Saturday 20th September 2008 3:00pm Ryman Isthmian League Division One South Merstham 1 v 0 Crowborough Athletic
Scorers: Ross White Team: Ian Chatfield, Joe Hill, Dean Gunner, Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Chris Read, Michael Morgan, Mark Simmons, Kwabena Agyei, Kevin Lock, Vitor Tavares Subs: Kristian Hale, Ross White, Glenn Garman, James Hancock, David Smith Man of the Match: Ian Chatfield Referee: P. Kelly (Chatham) Attendance: 112 Match Day Sponsor: Iris & Tony Ritchie Photos (Click on Name): Simon Roe Sue Austen Match Review: Merstham overshadowed Crowborough in the first 20 minutes with chances from Michael Morgan and Kevin Lock. They were the first team to hit the back of the net but to the disappointment of their fans Kevin Lock’s attempt was ruled offside. With players playing out of position due to the injuries to influential Rob Hill and striker Hassan Nyang Merstham seemed to lose their way in the last twenty minutes of the half. However, even though Athletic had more of the play from then on they never really looked as if they would trouble goalkeeper Ian Chatfield and so the half finished goalless. Two shrewd substitutions by Merstham manager Mick Sullivan bringing on Ross White and David Smith adding pace and youth to the side gave the edge to Merstham in the second half. Michael Morgan again hit the bar early on in the half but it was Ross White’s solo effort in the 68^th minute that gave Merstham the three points and their third successive league win. Again it was a story of Merstham’s missed chances against a side who have seen better days and these chances must be taken if they want to come away with any points from Tuesday night’s game against second placed Walton & Hersham. -Johnny Moatside = Yellow Card = Red Card Match Report: Leigh Hunt Merstham’s Jekyll and Hyde performances continued with another below-par display but as with the previous Saturday, it resulted in another win, this time over fellow promoted side Crowborough who are rooted to the floor of the table. New striker Ross White scored his second goal in a week to secure the three points with a clinical finish in the 68^th minute. Crowborough kicked off the first half in various shades of blue under a baking hot sun but it was Merstham that started the stronger. An early Chris Read effort was followed up in the 5^th minute by a disallowed goal. Kevin Lock and debutant Vitor Tavares had combined to allow Michael Morgan to score from close-range but Morgan was offside and the goal was chalked off. Six minutes later and the most breath-taking moment of the half occurred when Lock collected the ball from Joe Hill and from some distance lashed a volley goalwards which cannoned off the bar and out. The away side were providing little in the way of an attacking challenge but Merstham seemed unable to inspire themselves and so the game drifted to half-time, goalless. The second half started limply with Crowborough managing just the odd corner and long-range shot. Kwabena Agyei toiled up front and had several shots before being replaced by youngster Ross White. Vitor Tavares, who was playing in an unnatural position of right wing, was also replaced by David Smith with over half an hour to go. White didn’t take long to get into the action as a shot blazed over in the 58^th minute. Five minutes later and Crowborough’s Mark Oldroyd had to claw the ball away as Chris Boulter waited to head in from a corner. Pressure from the home side was mounting with Michael Morgan playing well on the left wing but the goal came from the newcomer. White had a shot with his right foot blocked and as the ball bounced he took the chance instinctively with his other foot planting it past the keeper’s left hand. Crowborough rallied and could well have equalised in the 80^th minute when a powerful header from close-range was superbly saved off the line by Ian Chatfield. Chatfield had had little to do all game but it was a sign of a great keeper that his concentration was up to the task and it is moments like that that can win the three points. Chatfield nearly provided an assist minutes later when a long throw-out into Kevin Lock’s path led to the striker cutting into the box and having his right foot shot well saved. The final minutes were all Merstham as they strived to make sure of the victory. Lock and Morgan both worked good chances but the closest chance came just minutes from the end when Morgan had time to pick his spot and with a delicate chip, hit the bar. The ball came out to Chris Boulter whose powerful shot was saved. Seven minutes of injury time were played out before Merstham could celebrate the win. Merstham’s fifth win on the bounce, the third in the league, means they jump up to their highest position so far of sixth. However, next up on Tuesday are second placed Walton & Hersham who suffered a surprising defeat to Whyteleafe and will be looking to put things right.

	Tuesday 16th September 2008 7:45pm Ryman Isthmian League Division One South Merstham 4 v 1 Worthing
Scorers: Hassan Nyang, Dean Gunner, Michael Morgan, Ross White Team: Ian Chatfield, Dean Gunner, Rob Hill (James Hancock), Chris Boulter, Craig Vernon (c), Mark Simmons, Michael Morgan, Hassan Nyang (Kristian Hale), Kwabena Agyei, Kevin Lock (Ross White), Joe Hill Unused Subs: Glenn Garman, Vitor Tavares Man of the Match: Dean Gunner Referee: S. Scott Attendance: 168 Match Day Sponsor: Chapman and Son Butchers Photos (Click on Name): Simon Roe Match Review: Merstham earned themselves a well deserved three points in a battling performance against a strong Worthing side and move up to eleventh in the league. It took Merstham just one minute to go ahead through Hassan Nyang, his first for the club, but within ten minutes Worthing drew level. Then came the goal of the match when Dean