ISTHMIAN PREMIER DIVISION 5TH MARCH 2022
A very pleasant gesture of flowers being laid ,on behalf of the people and friends of the Ukraine,
Having reported on the last few meetings of these side’s the only mention of a ‘Derby’ would be ‘derby & joan’ so let’s hope today gives us a fresh approach.
Change in the referee Mr Hawkes now presiding, who looked like he had the kid’s doing the line’s for him-he’ll need eye’s in the back of his head !!
We start with a good vibe ,ref letting thing’s thing’s flow (hard on a sticky pitch) and we have immediate action both teams showing a willingness to please, maybe a little quick and touches need a little more concentration but looking like a game full of promise, Leatherhead keeper Cawdron living up to his name ,two good blocks in quick succession – no entry allowed. Players can make their own luck some have it given, on 15 mins Merstham reliable fullback Biler, turned towards his own goal and for no reason slotted a perfect pass into Leatherhead man McGlashan ,who turned well and put the visitors one up-oops !! We go again with the anti up and eagerness apparent ,has the ref let things go too much ,we’ve encountered this before .However honest commitment there for the 312 spectators, tackles, shirt pulling and I was only watching !! the game turning into a real contest .Then on 35mins Finlay Lovatt for Merstham fires in the equaliser fine finish from a bit of a melee 1-1 and all too play for. We battle towards the close of the half ,and I have to mention quite a few of us shared a giggle ,as ‘had a lovely day ‘ Biler was getting man handled-(must have thought he was in an gentleman outfitters) saw the decision given against him, even the linesman had a smile .We plodded in at half time with no further damage and a game with a touch of everything. H-T 1-1
We notice a change of personnel in the Leatherhead ranks as Richard’s replaces Papakonstatinou-who in my own opinion looked like he was capable of performing ,but maybe tactical or injury reason for the change. Cawdron in Leatherheads goal soon called into action, punching clear. Leatherhead then started to play with a little more fluidity and when skipper Lamont pinged a ball into space for McGlashan to chase, he was met with an ‘ early tackle’ by Biler ( some people don’t forget, are you reading this) booking followed .As the game progressed it appeared Richards was going to orchestrate proceedings ,Leatherhead did improve but I noticed that a back line was very flat ,and with Richards now performing with his arms more than the legs, space was there for most to see. Merstham forward Sesey first one up, when he scooted onto a through ball, keeper Cawdron advanced every opportunity to dive for the penalty, but chose not-good man. On 80 mins Merstham bustling Henry hit a sumptuous close range effort top left hand corner, ‘GOAL’ oh no its not, great save yet again, this was actually enjoyable ,not necessarily for the connoisseur but what do you want for your pennies. Merstham now in hot pursuit for the winner, had all the freedom they needed to plant the ball into space, shutting down from Leatherhead not quick enough, then on 85mins probably’ just desserts ‘as just the home side supporters would shout out LOVATT that’s who popped home the winner for his brace to make 2-1 Merstham.
Results do matter in football ,but you don’t always get the effort and honesty so Thank you teams.
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