Meridian new team got off to the perfect start. Manny Ikeocha 's run down the right flank produced a cross which was met by Kelvin Bakare at the back post to fire into the net 1 up with just 4 minutes on the clock. Meridian continued to press back Croydon throughout the half but couldn't find the second goal. Although they had a slice off luck on the half hour when a scrambled shot came back off the post and was gratefully picked up by the keeper.HT 1-0.
The second half started as the first with an early goal. This Time Croydon capitalising on a loose pass in Midfield and a shot from the edge of the area beat the un-sited keeper low to his right. Meridian rocked by the equaliser never reached the same level as the first half. But neither team could create any clear cut chances. Meridian at least showed some resilience despite the constant over reactions from the Croydon dug out over every decision. Which eventually earned one member of the coaching team a yellow card! With a Croydon player starting a melee with a spectator the game turned ugly. A draw suited neither team but a loss would have been hard on both and for Meridians new team their first point is a huge step for their confidence going forward.
FT 1-1.
Att 32.