Competitive Local Derby Ends In A Good Defeat!

Charlton Athletic Community (CACFC) todays opposition in this enticing friendly encounter are welcomed by Meridian FC and old friend’s the Chairman and Mr Darren Phillips of CACFC come together once again.

The game today was to be a good test for all concerned and very eventful in the sudden heat wave that had arrived.

There was plenty to play for as Meridian went about their business of applying themselves against an organised opposition.

CACFC as expected move the ball very well and composed but Meridian adapted well to mostly everything that was thrown at them. Passing, communication and teamwork was good to see from Meridian with some fine displays from the Meridian defence from left to right.

Many changes were made from Meridian which kept the players on their toes and preventing them wilting in the heat that had arrived.

Chances were created by good play from the Meridian’s midfield moving the ball and utilising the left & right midfielders very well creating several chances but only to be thwarted by the goalkeeper and delayed shooting.

This was going to prove costly as Meridian had their chances but failed to capitalise. It was only in the last five minutes CAFC were gifted a corner from a mistake from Meridian’s midfield, where a long lofted ball to the far post was met by the opposition defender nodding in after the goalkeeper was blocked in a crowd of players trying to attempt the clearance.

Meridian felt a little hard done by knowing that going in level would have been a fair result at half time.

Further changes at half time presented chances for more players to apply themselves, after the team talk and restructure of the set up on the pitch.

The second half was again about battles on the pitch each player cancelling each other out which resulted in fewer chances for both sides proving the game was very competitive in all areas.

It was only in the last fifteen minutes of the game where the heat & tiredness affected the players, but Meridian’s concentration lapsed at the crucial moments allowing CAFC capitalise on errors scoring two goals within minutes of each other.

Meridian kept to their gameplay & never gave up applying good ball possession into midfield creating chances only yet again the opposition goalkeeper carrying out his job correctly.

With the game coming to a close Meridian kept pushing and eventually got their reward with a consolation goal created with good possession and super crafted cross from Yovonno Otto to the oncoming right midfielder Boris Mayala taking the goal first time with good composure slotting the ball into the bottom left hand corner.

Pre-season is about analysing your abilities as a team to compete in whichever level you play, find those positives & negatives and correct, move forward and enjoy the season ahead.

It is fair to say this was a good competitive game and the level of workout required for both teams, the result was not the important factor here and both management would agree.

Despite the club being small, moving forward in our development plan & our humble facilities there will be many that will fall through the season coming to play at the Meridian Sports & Social Club.

Meridian FC will improve, focus and show all the right qualities on & off the pitch!

Despite kenitshfootball.co.uk gracing Meridian’s game today, the Chairman stated after the game that opposition teams will not just turn up and have the right to expect to win, you have to earn this with respect and we WILL surprise, trust me!