Goalless draw was a fair result...

MERIDIAN VP 0 HOLMESDALE 0
Saturday 21st September 2019
SCEFL Division One
by Sean Boothe

Meridian VP returned to League action after a three week gap against 6th placed Holmesdale who on paper, were most people’s favourites for the win. Meridian VP had three new signings in the squad for the game with Trey Small returning after a short stint with Punjab United, Abbas Oduncu from AFC Croydon Athletic and Adrian Spence from Croydon.

Holmesdale started the game well and dominated possession without truly threatening Ben Ashton’s goal, with the Meridian Keeper making a couple of routine stops. The home side created very little with one move of merit down the left with Toyeeb Babatunde whipping in a dangerous cross which just alluded Adrian Spence at the far post. As the half went on Meridian grew into the game, but both defences marshalling their opponents well.

With a slight tactical change in the second half saw Meridian get to grips with the game. The back three of Michael Ade, Martin Begg and Dan Akintimehin were outstanding at the back providing a solid platform for us to play from with the rest of the team from front to back pressing Holmesdale all around the park. Jacob Skelly and Adrian Spence got through a tremendous amount of running to nullify the opposition at every opportunity.

The first substitution saw Harvey Brinkley make way for Trey Small who made a massive impact on the game immediately. Trey’s strong and direct running caused Holmesdale trouble down the flank and this opened up the game. Jacob Skelly was then replaced by Brandon Hobbs who also caused the away team problem. Within minutes of coming on, Hobbs had a 25 yard strike palmed away by the Goalkeeper which stated his intent. Hobbs’ next attempt was a free-kick which was routinely saved again. The third and final substitution was Abbas Oduncu who replaced Captain Tim Moffatt with Joe Richardson filling in at defensive midfield.

The extra legs allowed Meridian VP to finish the stronger side, even though Holmesdale did have the ball in the net, which was ruled out for offside. The home side should have scored from a four on two counter attack which was thwarted by a poor pass from Brandon Hobbs allowing the defender to intercept. The best chance of the game came from a great driving run down the right by Trey Small who drove a low cross across the box which Adrian Spence stretched for when Toyeeb Babatunde was better placed for a shot coming in from the left.

Meridian won a free-kick at the death which Brandon Hobbs placed high over the bar. With the final whistle coming after seven minutes of added time, Meridian would have been disappointed not to have snatched the points, but a draw was a fair result. Next week the Boys travel to Rusthall for no doubt another competitive game.

MOTM: Martin Begg