Extra Time Cracker!

Meridian went away to their opponents Rusthall FC today who they have met on the first day of the season with a convincing win.

With major changes in today’s squad Meridian looked to rectify last week performance with the right result in the Kent Intermediate Challenge Shield.

Rusthall started the challenge with a purpose but it was Meridian that cancelled out the early exchanges. The game came alive on the turn of 30 minutes when a neat ball from the Rusthall defence was put through to their forward who in turn carried to the edge of the penalty box only to be brought down judging by the referee’s decision.The penalty put away 1-0 the home side.

Meridian now started to pressure and kept their composure which in turn proved the downfall for Rusthall as the equaliser on 40 minutes when Lee Wilson pressed onto the right back for Rusthall taking the ball and avoiding the oncoming goalkeeper by going around him then from a tight angle buried the ball to the left corner 1-1.

It was nothing more than Meridian deserved at the half way point. Stern words from the management expecting a better focus and concentration from all over the pitch was the only element required for the second half on the break.

The second half started positively from Meridian attacking both from left to right opening the game where it needed to be. The home side to their credit kept their nerve but it was only on the 74 minute when a neat assist from Lee Wilson slotted in Spencer Illinge who scored on his return to the side 1-2.

Meridian again deserved their lead but within 2 minutes a sloppy fortuitous goal was conceded with a cross from Meridian’s right to an unmarked Rusthall player 2-2, game on!

There were several more chances from Meridian but a disciplined last 15 minutes in the game from the away side ended 2-2.

Extra time, fantastic just what the doctor ordered!

1st period was a case not making a mistake by both sides being very cautious but with Meridian causing more problems for the home team.

It was not till the 2nd half when it was time for Meridian to start passing the ball better, this was clearly in evident on the stroke of 110 minutes when Lee Wilson was put through and felled in the box PENALTY Meridian.

Only one person for this and up stepped Alex Vidak putting the spot kick away with purpose 2-3.

With only 10 minutes to go Rusthall through the kitchen sink at Meridian, but it was the discipline and concentration from Meridian that kept Rusthall at bay with a commanding defensive display.

It was literally on the stroke of full time Rusthall pushed for a corner they were awarded which again was defended superbly landed to a rusthall defender on the edge of the box who incidentally got beaten as Mohammed Miah of Meridian applied tremendous pressure by taking the ball the length of the pitch, only then to put a neat disciplined pass back to the oncoming Lee Wilson for his 2nd of the match.

Mind you it was a race between Jubril Okunnu and Lee Wilson mmm, both were neck and neck but the latter was favourite again on his return to the team 2-4.

Meridian today deserved their win with plenty of positives coming from the game also.

It was very pleasing to the eye to see players with the right attitude, focus, concentration, belief and most importantly teamwork! Well done to all players!

Next week’s fixture at home to league leaders Bly Spartans will prove to be a test to which Meridian will be looking forward to very much!