MVP achieve first win since August!

Meridian VP 2 (Georgi Kerenski 4’ Jason Kaate 71’)

Lydd Town 1 (Alex Coyle 40’)

Report by Sean Boothe

Meridian VP claimed a hard fought but well deserved victory over their visitors Lydd Town. On Remembrance Weekend when we think of our heroes who went to war, Meridian’s young team evoked a similar spirit to secure the 3 points in this league encounter.

With our youngest starting line up of the season with 4 teenagers, there was maturity in there displays beyond their years. Debutants Junior Pepin came in at Centre-Half to partner Collins Amanike, Aaron Clarke slotted in at Left back and Georgi Kerenski started on the left wing.

Meridian VP got stuck right into their visitors and scored in the 4th minute of the game with a fantastic curling shot from the left by Georgi Kerenski which hit the inside of the post crossing the line, but Jason Kaate followed in to make absolutely sure. The home side kept the pressure on their visitors with Captain Tim Moffatt hitting the post with a header that rebounded to Brima Daramy who hit a fierce volley that was remarkably saved by Lydd’s Keeper. Jacob Skelly had a shot parried and Jason Kaate was unlucky not to get a penalty when it seemed he was upended from behind by the recovering defender as he was about to shoot.

Harvey Brinkley had to be replaced by Debutant Nick Chan after the half hour mark after pulling up with his hamstring. The visitors got themselves back into the game in the 40th minute when Alex Coyle stole in at the far post to head home a perfect corner kick.

HT 1-1

As the rain came down, the Young charges of Meridian had to dig deep and work hard for the 3 points that they desired. Jason Kaate was immense upfront with his constant running and pinning of defenders. Brima Daramy put in a solid performance using his strength, winning headers and enabling his team mates to get up and support. Midfield duo Tim Moffatt and Jacob Skelly showed discipline throughout and stuck to the task of controlling the game.

Jason Kaate was put through twice in a 10 minute spell but on both occasions couldn’t apply the right finish with his left foot. He got it right at the third time of asking in the 71st minute with a typical hitman’s finish as he raced through on the right side of the area and shot across the keeper to see the ball nestle in the corner of the net. It was Kaate’s first goal for the Club and one that was thoroughly deserved with his performance.

Derrick Akpofure also made his debut replacing the excellent Brima Daramy to lock up shop and help secure our first win since August. Next opponents are Sutton Athletic in another Tuesday night Cup fixture at home.

MoTM: Jason Kaate

1. Dan Carpanini 2. Abbas Oduncu 3. Aaron Clarke 4. Collins Amanike 5. Junior Pepin 6. Jacob Skelly 7. Harvey Brinkley 8. Tim Moffatt (c)
9. Brima Daramy 10. Jason Kaate 11. Georgi Kerenski Subs: 12. Nick Chan (on for Brinkley) 14. Derrick Akpofure (on for Daramy) 15. Ben Ashton