Meridian starting to Gel !!

As last week’s result was clearly etched into the minds of today’s team, the correct response was required today from all.

As winter started to bite the game was going to be a tough, tiring affair with a heavy pitch and biting wind.

Meridian moving in the right direction started the game with a sense of caution keeping the ball with good possession in the opening minutes.

It was only on the 7th minute when a needless foul made by the defence of Meridian on the right side did the home side score which see the eventual kick swung in and straight into the bottom corner, 1-0.

Meridian reeling carried on with their form of football with debutants Darrell Francis, Trevor Charlery & Danny Tipple showing plenty of grit and termination.

In the 21st minute against the run of play a loose ball collected by the home midfielder was then allowed to run without any pressure and took his chance from the 18 yard box putting the ball to the left of the keepers left, 2-0.

Meridian simply sleeping in the first 21 minutes then finally woke up, with an instant reply by Trevor Charlery slotting in the ball from a well delivered corner from Darren Flaherty on the 26th minute, 2-1.

Trevor then became the server and assisted for Meridian’s second on the 32nd minute with a fine through ball on the right side to Tashan Nicholas who completed his fine run with a composed finished GAME ON, 2-2.

Second half started with the home side pressing at every opportunity, but Meridian comfortably dealt with all that was thrown at them learning from the first half performance was good to see.

Substitutions carried out on the 59 minute allowed Junior James & Ademola Shennowo to get straight into the game bring the required balance as legs started to fade on the heavy pitch.

Meridian took the game to the home side with a new sense of being and it was not long until the 70th minute when a well worked move from winning the ball in Meridian’s own half on the right set off Darren Flaherty who was eventually pinned in the left corner of the home side penalty box, showed the trickery and quality which resulted in the pin point delivery for Junior James who still had plenty to do head the ball down into the mouth of the goal, 2-3.

With a forced change on the 75th minute in defence due to injury the goal was the perfect tonic for the 2nd half display as Meridian grew with confidence and composed with every pass and movement.

On the 88 minute the icing on the cake arrived with pressure asserted by Dean Carpenter in central midfield winning the ball and driving forward outwitting the home defence and superbly slotted the ball hard and low to the bottom left of the keeper, 2-4.

Man of the match, was the trickery and quality of all that was carried out by Darren Flaherty today and worked hard for the team, well done!

Moving on to next week’s enormous home fixture Meridian FC entertain high flying Ashford Utd.

Meridian will carry forward the hard work, focus, attitude and steps achieved into the game with confidence and look to achieve the result required!