Firstly Meridian FC would like to congratulate Welling FC in their success and promotion to the Football Conference Premier Division next season 2013/2014. Also Erith & Belvedere FC on achieving the same to the Rymans League.

This being the second game within in nine days against the away opposition Seven Acre & Sidcup (SA&S), Meridian knew they were in for a very competitive affair.

The game started with both teams trying to play to their strengths with SA&S being more direct with their two forwards and gritty midfield to which the Meridian defence & midfield dealt with extremely well.

Meridian asserted themselves with a calmness moving and opening play at almost every opportunity. The prowess of the Meridian centre midfielders was clear to see has they took control and started to create chances with simple passing and movement.

As the half progressed Meridian delivered some great patterns of play but the only item the shopping list missing was the end product, waiting for that sublime killer pass to which the moves deserved more a shot on target! and not to over-cook things.

All the hard work carried out was to no avail as the SA&S goalkeeper’s job was carried out for him, not really being tested. On the set pieces from corners awarded to Meridian was their only real threat.

SA&S had their odd chances, purely down to poor errors to which they tried to capitalise on and again the Meridian’s defence and goalkeeper was always on hand to clean up.

The 0 – 0 half-time score was maybe the fair reflection even though Meridian looked and were quite comfortable.

The second half was going to be decided by the team who scored first and it was only on the 53 minute when Meridian were attacking on their left with a great ball delivered in was the decision made for a penalty. It was hard to see in the melee but it was the keen eye of the assistant who made the decision for the referee has the SAS&S goalkeeper was adjudged to push a meridian player.

Up stepped Meridian captain Daniel Twin as he took it in his stride and hit the ball to the low right of the goalkeeper who did extremely well to save the shot under pressure but Twin settled it by following up on the rebound 1-0.

SA&S needed to react to which they duly obliged but the work ethic and attitude of the Meridian team was clear to see as they harassed every ball, moved it with purpose restricting SA&S to very minimal chances.

Meridian were comfortable and again slowly started to move up the gears as spaces started to open up as the pattern of play was gearing up for that second goal that was required.

Nevertheless credit to SA&S as they did not bow down and kept the fight to Meridian. An immense performance by all was required with now chances being created by Meridian and shots on target and off.

This was the instruction given SHOTS! from the management at half time. As now the SA&S defence and goalkeeper had to now work harder, the goalkeeper finally had something to be concerned about.

Coming into the last ten minutes SA&S played their part and on one of the particular attacks down Meridian’s right initially, the ball was switched and delivered and yet again the Meridian defence was firm dealing with the danger. Only then Meridian breaking with pace on the 82 minute on the left from midfield as the momentum carried forward culminated in a peach of a 50 yard switched / cross ball from Dean Carpenter to Dean Macdonald to the right on the edge of the 18 yard box who showed his quality with the one touch that players only dream of then shimming and striking the ball low and hard to the goalkeepers left only to be beaten off the post and in the goal, 2-0.

Delight was clear to see by all as Meridian cemented their well-deserved lead and continuation of the ever improving form.

Changes made in the last 5 minutes by Meridian were soured as the one and only red caution was awarded leaving the home side down to ten men.

SA&S sensing the notion that they could possibly turn the tables with the extra man, soon was put to bed as Meridian dealt with everything that was thrown at them comfortably as the final whistle was blown.

Jubilation by all involved with Meridian FC was immense the joy and the occasion was fitting for all the hard work carried out and mis-fortune during the season the club had endured.

Today was dedicated and richly rewarded for the monumental efforts of all the volunteers, management & players involved with Meridian Football Club.

Meridian FC now look to their final home game on Saturday 11th May 2013 kick off 3pm against Crockenhill FC, to which all at the club know the extreme importance of this fixture and to achieve the goal set!