Naivety The Main Criteria For Own Downfall !

Today Meridian play their first away fixture which was going to be a testing time with an early evening Kick Off.

With both teams players pushed to get there for the 6.30pm KO, it still attracted a good crowd for this entertaining game.

Meridian buoyed on from their opening day win along with Phoenix, started the game the better of the two teams.

Meridian kept their shape well and the structure of their game as instructed by the management. The home team started a little nervously and it clearly showed after Meridian started to play and react to every ball that was passed. This was deservedly rewarded after an attack by Phoenix down Meridian’s left was defended and from the resulting defending a ball into Alex Wasolua set him off who then put a positive through ball to Wayon Anderson on 9th minutes in turn running the length of the opposition half almost and despatching a great clinical shot to the goalkeepers right 1-0.

Phoenix although passed the ball well found it hard to cope with Meridian game and again it showed after the ball was won in midfield by Wayon Anderson who then repaid the compliment in the 24th minute and slipped through a telling ball for Alex Wasolva who out smarted the home defence and despatched his clinical taken low shot to the left corner of the goalkeeper from 20 yards 2-0.

Meridian knew that the home opposition would apply pressure and it was only on the 30th minute a change was made with right back Mohammed Miah entering the game.

Meridian defended, played and applied pressure as a team and without doubt a good 1st half performance also from Steven Pickles Meridian’s centre back.

Changes made at half time with Kyle Burt entering and Jordan Mctigue off, Meridian knew that Phoenix would come at them with their own substitute changes and had to defend for the first 15 minutes not to concede in this golden time period.

This was not to be with a mistake in the 51st minute made due to concentration Phoenix grabbed their 1st goal, 2-1.

This was not the medicine Meridian wanted and the home opposition pressed on for the equaliser and yet again two more mistakes in quick succession on the 65th & 69th minutes Phoenix scored yet again 3-2.

Meridian now on the receiving end knew they had to push which they did only to give the ball away cheaply and the resulting factor another attack on the 77th minute down Meridian’s left allowed the run of
Phoenix right midfielder who was felled in the penalty box. Penalty awarded & despatched 4-2.

It was only then Meridian actually got a hold of the ball and started to pass with a move of 10 passes from defence to midfield to the forward line who in turn shot from outside the box narrowly missing the post.

With Meridian pushing and lack of cover in midfield Phoenix managed to get through on their left with a good delivery into the box and only a clinical finish was suffice, 5-2 Phoenix Sports.

First half Meridian without doubt 2nd half Phoenix Sports without doubt, but Meridian will safely say that they did not perform in the second half of this game with errors plentiful and concentration levels not the levels required!

Although Meridian did not compete in the second half, credit & congratulations must be given to Phoenix for a well deserved comeback as always when your up against it in a game then succeed to win it is a great feeling.

Meridian will analyse this performance very much in every aspect, learn from this and will come back a better & stronger team.

Meridian FC next game is away to Bly Spartans FC on Saturday 27th August 2011 KO 3pm.