SHOW OF IMPROVEMENT GOOD TO SEE !

Meridian looking to improve on last week’s performance was an incentive today as players knowing they must prove themselves for the squad selection on the 20th August 2011 the first league game against Rusthall FC.

Without doubt every team looks to give Meridian a drubbing, but all that come to the Meridian Sports have a rude awakening including today’s opponents.

Starting were players that looked a little tired from the pre-season which started in June 2011, but the level of performance & has been improving every game.

Meridian started as the more composed side that passed the ball better but it was in the first eight minutes when a mistake from an un-cleared ball in defence allowed E&B to capitalise on this with their first goal against the run of play.

The goal spurred E&B on as their football started to improve. Meridian always kept their shape an structure very well stopping the opponents from pressing too much.

Several close chances created with great play & movement were thwarted by the opposition goalkeeper who kept E&B in the game in the first half.

Without doubt a Club that plays its football in the Step 5 Kent League pressed on and managed to create a few chances with Meridian goalkeeper Dave Hall making the decisive saves when required.

Half time changes made and the management requested more from the players in their application.

With Ali Musa and Spencer Illinge carrying out a superb job with busy Otto making life difficult for the opposition Meridian started to assert themselves as requested and creating more chances with shots from Alex Wasolva, Jordan Mctigue.

With the bit between their teeth Meridian with Alex Wasolva receiving the ball out wide on the right who then pushed the opposition left back only to be brought down, PENALTY!

With confidence oozing up stepped Yovonne Otto and despatched to the goalkeeeper’s left with purpose, great penalty.

Meridian took control of the match with ball winning displays and deep penetrating runs from Jubril Okunnu & Gassimu Jalloh from defence creating clear cut chances yet again and only fine saves from the opposition keeper was keeping the goals at bay.

It was not until a poor clearance in around the 75 minute from Meridian that the opposition were awarded a throw, the resulting move came from patient passing one touch play with a good finish from E&B forward who shot into the right corner of the goal making it 2 – 1.

Meridian would not let this game be lost and pushed with a purpose looking for that elusive goal. It finally came in the 88 minute when the tenacity of Julian Fiano pushed on, harassing and pushing E&B defence into mistakes eventually allowing Alex Wasolva with a heading opportunity who then got a touch on the ball allowing it to fall outside the box.

The goal of the pre-season came when the run of Jubril Okunnu from deep struck the ball with great technique, foot over the ball and rifled the shot through a crowded penalty box from 20 yards into the top right of the goal the shot too powerful for the goalkeeper to handle.

Yet again Meridian proved resilient with their performance but the management & players know there is still room for improvement in order to progress.

A very good test and workout yet again and on today’s display a draw was a fair result !

Meridian FC next game will be the opening league home fixture next Saturday 20th August 2011 KO 3PM !

Club Match Day Programme will be available to purchase £1.50 for this history making fixture for Meridian Football Club.

Good Luck & Best Wishes for the Season ahead ! The hard work starts here & now !

From all at Meridian Football Club