Lacklustre Meridian VP return pointless from Lydd

Lydd Town 2 -1 Meridian VP
SCEFL Division One
24.08.19

Lydd come from behind to take all three points against a lacklustre Meridian VP who had control of the game in the first half. On a hot Saturday afternoon in New Romney, Meridian could not reach the levels or intensity of the previous week away to Kent Football United.

The game started with a very slow tempo with both sets of players conscious of the weather conditions. Meridian dominated possession without posing a major threat to the goal. There was three changes from last week with Toyeeb Babatunde (returning from suspension), Jacob Skelly and Jerome Richards coming in for Trey Small (unavailable), Joe Richardson (Hip Injury) and Scott Taylor (unavailable) respectively.

Meridian VP came close to opening the scoring through a Jacob Skelly shot from the edge of the box before actually taking the lead in the 41st minute with a worldy from Captain Tom Moffatt from 35 yards out. This settled the away side who got into the half time in control of the game.

The second half saw a total role reversal as Lydd Town came out and dominated the early exchanges to put themselves in the driving seat with two break away goals in quick succession. They continued to knock on the door with a missed penalty kick and at least 5 clear cut chances that were repelled by the outstanding Ben Ashton in goal. The pick of the bunch being a finger tipped save over the bar from a point blank header.

Harvey Brinkley was replaced by Tyrose Headley, with also Justin Palmer and new signing Leslie Juch coming on for Jerome Richards and Toyeeb Babatunde. Meridian VP still created chances with Jacob Skelly hitting the crossbar with another shot from about 25 yards out, Douane West crossing for Justin Palmer who hit the side netting and Leslie Juch who was put through after passes from Martin Begg and Jacob Skelly, that saw the forward place his shot just past the far post.

As the final whistle blew the disappointment was evident but amends can be made quickly in the Bank Holiday Derby at home to Bridon Ropes.

MoTM: Ben Ashton