Meridian got back to winning ways with a fine display at Croydon.
Meridian won a freekick wide right. G.Jones free kick was met by Troy Copeland, his header was saved but Juluis Roy Macauley pounced on the rebound and smashed in the opener on 5 minutes. Meridians attacking play was a constant threat. Thompsons through ball sent Macauley in on goal but he was upended by Croydon's keeper, penalty awarded. West dispatched the pen into the corner and Meridian led 2-0 after 24 minutes. A mistake at the back let Croydon in on goal but Frankie leonard saved at the strikers feet. He was called upon again a few minutes later blocking another close range effort. Julius broke through again but his shot went just past the post. While Frankie Leonard pulled off another fine reaction save. Macauley and West then combine down the left, west's shot is blocked and Macualey following up sees his effort cleared off the line. An entertaining half end s . HT Croydon 0 Meridian VP 2.
Meridian began the second half on the front foot. Forcing early corners. Jo Ogunbiyi, Troy Copeland and kelvin Bakare all getting in shots on goal. Croydon were left taking long shots which were easily picked up by Leonard.
A break by Meridian and west's cross was met by Macauley he juggled the ball over the defender and fired a volley just over the bar. West then saw his turn and shot tipped over the bar. Croydon should have pulled a goal back on 70 minutes but when well placed at the back post they fired over. Frankie Leonard then pulled off the save of the match tipping over a curling shot destined for the top corner.
A period of constant pressure by Croydon led to a penalty award after Norcott's mis-timed tackle. Pingling scored the penalty and Croydon were back in the game with 7 minutes to play. Despite a few corners which were defended well Meridian kept Croydon at bay and in the 90th minute George Jones long ball was headed down by Macauley picked up by Sub Gideon Sonko he shot from the edge of the area flashed by the helpless keeper and into the corner sealing the win. A fantastic team effort and great result.
FT Croydon 1 Meridian VP 3.