Early Shot Across the Bow!

Meridian looking to kick start the new year with a good performance especially after their last fixture came into this game with the sense of achieving the win required to lift them in the league standings.

Within one second of the kick off and audacious kick form the centre spot caught everybody off guard except goalkeeper Kelm Strickland who managed to tip the long shot onto the cross bar saving everyone’s embarrassment and to finish off this great save an even greater reaction save with a hard drilled 2nd shot from the home team which was palmed away to safety.

Just the wake up call Meridian needed and immediately pushed with purpose kicking against the slope keeping compact and passing the ball very well.

The home side also did not stand idle as chances were created only to be thwarted by Meridian’s defence and goalkeeper.

From everywhere on the pitch Meridian played for each other and this was a pleasure to see.

Meridian broke down Seven Acre’s attack in the 15 minute and pushed up the pitch with neat passing and interplay has Guy Munianga receives the ball only to be fouled.

Alex Wasolua steps up and straight into the wall, however free kick was retaken after a infringement spotted by the official. This time no mistake a well driven goal hard and low to the keepers left 1-0.

Meridian deserved their lead but it was not long till the 30 minute when the home side scored through lack of communication which cost the goal 1-1.

Seven Acre increased their lead minutes later to a fortuitous goal which was taken from a lofted free kick only for the home side to pop up with a hopeful header which went into the top left corner of Meridian’s goal 2-1.

Disappointment of conceding did not stop Meridian creating several chances but to no avail towards the end of the half.

After the restart Meridian came out with the urgency expected from a game they were losing and within 10 minutes a well crafted goal from defence to midfield finding Alex Wasolua and eventually onto Guy Munianga who jinked and twinkled pass the Seven Acre defence slotted a very difficult ball through a tight angle beating the goalkeeper 2-2.

Meridian on the ascendency grew with more and more confidence defending, creating many chances but again thwarted by the home keeper and shooting not of the required calibre.

The home side although on the back foot still threw the fight at Meridian with key saves from Meridian goalkeeper Kelm Strickland and a superb debut performance from Sonny Vallance made sure Meridian continued with a positive stance.

The game was not over and only a save to equal the first saves made in the opening minutes of the game when a desperate shot from the home side from the edge of the box through a crowded penalty box was superbly made by Meridian’s goalkeeper in the final minute of the game as it finished a draw.

Meridian felt that they deserved the win but now move on to Ashford Utd at home next week.