Belief Is Everything !!

Looking to improve and right the wrongs of last week’s performance Meridian travel to “Homelands” the home of Ashford Utd.

With only a bare twelve in the squad and players on work commitments, the job in hand was not going to be easy today.

Meridian started well against an Ashford side that presumed the same level of performance when they came to the lane earlier in the season.

Meridian stifled the home side in every opportunity and looked composed ready to deal with every- thing thrown at them and this was clearly apparent has Meridian looked threatening with the passage of play from the the team.

Settling down the game moved on and Ashford started creating chances but could only see their efforts wasted in front of goal with poor finishing and the Meridian keeper on fine form coming back from injury.

It was not until the 33rd minute did Ashford capitalise on a through ball which was slotted away neatly 1-0.

Some would say a little fortunate maybe going down 1-0 at half time, but stern positive talking by the Meridian management set the tempo and refocus for the second half.

Meridian looked comfortable but allowed the home side to score immediately on the 47th minute which was a blow to concede so early 2-0.

Ashford shortly after pressed on and asserted their own football which they again capitalised on with a cross from the Meridian left side only on the 53rd minute for the striker to hit the crossbar and the Ashford midfield to follow in on the rebound 3-0.

Meridian players did not let their football go to waste as instructions were to keep doing the right things and the goals will arrive.

This was clearly in evident in the 63rd minute when the home side failed to clear a Meridian corner which landed to Aderonmu Tunde who neatly set Alex Wasolua to drive a cool driven shot from the edge of the 18 yard 3-1.

Meridian never sensed defeat and the belief has always been within the squad has the performance was lifted a level rampaging through Ashford midfield and defence with a neat pass from Ola Shennowo through to Aderonmu Tunde who with coolness out smarted the defence and slot his shot away with conviction 3-2.

Meridian performance was a pleasure to the eye for any neutral watching this fixture and even more so has Meridian broke yet again on the 78th minute only for the striker Guy Munianga to be brought down about 22 yards from the home goal.

Free kick awarded and up stepped Aderonmu Tunde who expertly delivered what can only be said has a very well taken kick into the top left of the home net, keeper no chance 3-3.

Meridian kept positive and realistically should have had all three points in the last 10 minutes only to be thwarted by a last ditch tackle from the Ashford defence.

It must be said that the spirit this game was played in was a HUGE credit to both teams together with the standing ovation from the home supporters that stayed after the final whistle towards the Meridian team as they left the field was fantastic clearly showing the respect they had earned today!

A big well done to all concerned today !!

We now move to next week’s home fixture against EDTFC KO 3pm.