After being confirmed as League champions a week previously, Merstham U10s A team had the chance to add the League Cup to their trophy cabinet, if they could overcome the dogged determination of an NPL team looking for revenge after being pipped to the league title by the boys in amber and black.

As the match kicked off it was obvious that this was not going to be a stroll in the park for the league champions as NPL pressed high up the pitch. The midfield fluidity and majesty of James Synnott and Taylor Dean in previous games was replaced with a tenacity and determination to win every ball. If NPL wanted to deny Merstham a league and cup double they were going to have to do it the hard way and get through these two gladiators in the middle of the park. Even though Merstham had the advantage in the first half of attacking down the slope of the pitch, it was NPL who started the brightest. Goalkeeper Morgan Chatfield, with his normal ‘you shall not pass’ mentality, had to be alert several times during the first half when long range shots rained in on his goal.  Although it was end to end stuff it was NPL who were having the majority of the chances but the defensive partnership of Nathan Hopkins and Ciaran Lowe meant that they were being limited to long range shots. Up the other end both Jake Holmes and James Synnott had opportunities to put Merstham ahead and the long throws and corners from the league champions were always capable of causing problems for the NPL defence. During a scrappy and nervy first half, with both teams giving their all, the first goal was always going to be all-important. The deadlock was finally broken when Jake Holmes shot at goal only to see his effort rebound to the grateful Jamie Skipper who tapped in from close range; Merstham 1 – 0 NPL. Conceding the first goal seemed to galvanise NPL and straight from the kick off they bombed forward, threatening to equalise immediately. With Ciaran Lowe being replaced with Alfie Harris, the Merstham defence were soaking up everything that was being thrown at them with Harris coming to the rescue on several occasions with booming clearances. As the half came to a close it was the league champions who went into the break holding the slightest of leads.

During the break Nathan Hopkins, who had spent the first half running himself into the ground, was replaced by the always reliable presence of Connor Jury. Straight from the whistle NPL came out attacking, knowing that they would have to give their all to win this cup final. They were finding a lot of success down the wings, but Merstham were soaking up most of the pressure, with Connor Jury a defensive stalwart. When NPL did manage to get behind the defence, however, they were met with the imposing figure of Chatfield who was in imperious form between the sticks. As the second half continued, and chances for Merstham were at a minimum, it was left to the captain James Synnott to finally put the game to bed. An in-swinging corner from Taylor Dean led to confusion in the NPL defence and Synnott was there, lurking just outside the penalty area, to retrieve the ball, look up and sweetly stroke it into the bottom left hand corner of the goal; Merstham 2 – 0 NPL. With ten minutes to go, NPL bombarded the Merstham defence with long balls in an attempt to get back into the match. Chatfield had to be at his very best to tip over a dipping shot from outside of the area and was also called upon to save point blank from the NPL striker who suddenly found himself one-on-one with the Merstham stopper. As the minutes ticked down, and finger nails were being bitten down to the quick, the Merstham team showed great maturity and determination to see out the remaining minutes. When the final whistle went, and the celebrations began in earnest for the boys in gold and black, the spectators who had made the trip were left to reflect on a thrilling final from two teams who like to play football in the right way.

Congratulations to Merstham U10s ‘A’ for their tremendous achievement in becoming League and Cup double winners.

Merstham closed out their League campaign and were confirmed as Champions with a hard fought win against a determined Stoneleigh side. On a sunny, but blustery morning Merstham lined up without top scorer Jamie Skipper and left sided defender Alfie Harris, but the seven lads available made sure that the their league season ended on a high.
 
Merstham started strongly and front man Jake Holmes had a couple of early efforts saved comfortably by the Stoneleigh keeper. Captain James Synnott was in determined mood and with the assistance of Taylor Dean they were beginning to exert their authority on proceedings. However despite Merstham’s early dominance it was Stoneleigh who almost opened the scoring, but their forward shot wide with only Chatfield to beat.  The near miss seemed to galvanise Stoneleigh, who with a strong breeze at their backs began to come into the game.  The backline of Nathan Hopkins, Connor Jury and Ciaran Lowe were being tested, but they were not found wanting, and made several good tackles and telling interceptions which rendered Chatfield largely untroubled. As half time approached it looked like the sides may go in level but then Merstham won a corner.  Taylor Dean's excellent delivery was volleyed sweetly home by James Synnott at the back post. It was an impressive strike from the captain who controlled his volley expertly to find the bottom corner; half time 1-0 Merstham.

The second half was largely dominated by the home side, with Jake Holmes going close twice in the opening exchanges, firstly he struck the post after wriggling clear, then he was denied by a smart stop from the Stoneleigh keeper following an astute through ball from Hopkins. Next it was Synnott's turn to be denied by the keeper, following an excellent run down the right his precise shot for the far corner was palmed away. At the back Jury and Lowe were both looking very assured, Stoneleigh had one chance which was snuffed out by the alert Chatfield, who smothered the ball at the feet of the onrushing striker. Merstham finally sealed the match with a goal from another set play. Jake Holmes in-swinging corner deceived the keeper at the near post and nestled in the back of the net, 2-0 Merstham. There was still time for a couple more near misses, Dean crossed for Holmes to send a sizzling volley just wide, then Holmes shot again, the keeper could only parry and Hopkins was just unable to apply the finishing touch to the rebound, taking a blow to the knee for his bravery.

The matched finished, and Merstham were confirmed as Champions. A terrific effort by all the boys which has seen them beaten just twice in the league amassing 90 goals and conceding just 22. Next week it's the cup final and a chance of the double.

Lad of the match for the final league game was Jake Holmes.

The sunshine beamed down at the home of Merstham Football Club for a game that would surely decide the winners of the Epsom & Ewell League U10 Division Four title.

The game started at blistering pace with no player getting any time on the ball, both teams were hungry for this one. However the first attack and subsequent corner went to Merstham. NPL defended well and showed they were not going to be easy to beat. Then NPL went on the attack and it was Merstham’s turn to defend a corner with some solid challenges going in. It was evident early on this was going to be a big challenge for both sides. With just over ten minutes played Jaime Skipper sent in one of his specialty long throws which James Synnott got on the end of, turned and skillfully right footed his shot into the goal; 1-0 Merstham. The goal seemed to settle Merstham and they went on attack again with a Jake Holmes shot going just wide. Then it was Holmes again striking the ball well only this time to be saved by the NPL keeper. With moments to go before half time Skipper unleashed a great shot on goal which went agonizingly wide.

The second half started and saw Merstham pressing into the NPL box, Holmes got a shot off which was really well saved by the new NPL keeper and the ball then went out for a corner. Skipper sent it into the box and the NPL defender was pressurized into giving away a handball; Penalty! Synnott handed the ball to Skipper who didn’t disappoint taking a nicely directed spot kick; 2-0. The determined NPL went on the attack trying to break the Merstham back line of Nathan Hopkins and Connor Jury, but the boys were defending well. Then ten minutes in a NPL attacker, in broken play, slipped through and managed to just beat the Merstham keeper Morgan Chatfield; 2-1. Straight away Merstham went back at them, Cieran Lowe played the ball up to the attack, and the ball was kicked behind for yet another Merstham corner. The crossed ball came in and there was a scramble in the area. Then Taylor Dean, standing strong, avoided two challenges before he deservedly finished off the move with simple a tap in; 3-1. The game was now going too and fro with end to end attacks Alfie Harris and Nathan Hopkins now defending as a unit and not letting NPL in. The Merstham attacking duo of Skipper and Holmes were linking well and Skipper narrowly missed scoring his second when he hit the bar. Synnott joined the attack and was rewarded with a badly mistimed tackle studding him on the back of the leg, but after he got some attention and stayed on. NPL didn’t know when to give up and were putting everything into their attacks but the Merstham boys simply would not let them by. Into the last moments of the game Skipper pushed forward and shot but the impressive NPL goalkeeper palmed the ball away but Skipper alert as ever followed up to finally get his brace for the day.

Merstham are the League Champions unless by some strange quirk of fate they were to lose by 26 clear goals at home to second from bottom Stoneleigh Athletic on Saturday 30th April.

After last week’s disappointing defeat against Warrenmead, Merstham looked to get back to winning ways against original conquerors Reigate A.

After eventually kicking off 30 minutes late, Merstham started the match looking to blow the cobwebs away early on. Jamie Skipper and Jake Holmes were chasing down every loose ball and Nathan Hopkins looked sprightly in his more forward role. Merstham had started the game well and were having the majority of the possession, although it was the home team who eventually broke the deadlock. A mix up in Merstham’s defence led to Reigate being awarded a corner which was taken short. The Reigate No.8 powerfully struck the ball and it arrowed into the back of the net. With twelve minutes gone it was Reigate 1 – 0 Merstham. The Merstham defence, led by James Synnott and backed up by Connor Jury, continued to be bombarded by high balls from the home team and this tactic nearly led to Reigate doubling their lead when a shot left Morgan Chatfield stranded only for Taylor Dean to clear the ball off the line. With a minute to go until half time, and with Reigate looking more likely to take a lead in with them at the break, Dean broke out of defence and rampaged down the left wing. He looked up and crossed the ball into the home team’s penalty area where Ciaran Lowe, running in from midfield, deftly scored his first goal of the season. As the whistle blew to signal the end of the first half it was Reigate 1 – 1 Merstham.

After the break, and with the manager’s motivating words ringing in their ears, Merstham played with a new found fervour and hunger, putting Reigate on the back foot with the passing game that they have become known for this season. Ciaran Lowe, in particular, was playing one of his best games in midfield, breaking up Reigate attacks and making a nuisance of himself in the home team’s penalty area. The pressure was mounting on the home team, with the goalkeeper in particular prone to handling errors, and Merstham looked to press home their advantage. With Holmes and Skipper linking up in midfield the Reigate defence was being turned inside out and when Holmes popped up on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a ferocious shot, you knew it was going in one place and one place only, the top right hand corner of the net; Reigate 1 – 2 Merstham. Reigate looked shaken up and with Skipper, Dean and Holmes all shooting on sight; it felt that it was only a matter of time until another goal was scored. That feeling became prophetic when the home team, on a rare excursion into the visitors half, caused problems in the Merstham defence. With 6 minutes left the Reigate No.5 was given too much time and space to get a shot in and the visiting team could only watch in horror as the ball squirmed over the line; Reigate 2 – 2 Merstham. With five minutes left, and a draw looking more and more likely, Merstham took the resultant kick off and lobbed the ball high down the pitch, into Reigate’s penalty area. The home goalkeeper could only watch in horror as his attempted save ended up with him palming the ball back onto his own crossbar where a grateful Skipper was waiting to take advantage and score his easiest goal of the season; Reigate 2 – Merstham 3. As the clock ticked down to the end of the match, Merstham battened down the hatches and soaked up all the pressure that Reigate could throw at them as the home team went looking to level the scores again.

When the final whistle sounded, a relieved Merstham had got back to winning ways and had taken their revenge on the team who had beaten them previously.

Merstham Man of the Match: Ciaran Lowe

Merstham moving towards the end of the season had an important game against third in the league Warrenmead. The weather was mild and the pitch was firm.

The game kicked off with the first attack against the home team, Warrenmead striker just shooting wide. Then it was Merstham turn to attack Taylor Dean playing up front   sending in a nice cross to midfield James Synnott whose strike was thwarted by the solid Warrenmead defence only to be picked up again by Taylor Dean whose shot went just over the bar. Then it was Merstham pushing forward again, Jaime Skipper putting through a nice pass to Jake Holmes who fired it at the Warrenmead goalkeeper who was strong and produced a good save. Warrenmead playing three players ahead of the Merstham midfield led to a good shot at the Merstham keeper Morgan Chatfield who produced a good save. Following some battling in the midfield Holmes found himself in front of goal and unleashed another good shot, this time with his left foot which was again saved by the Warrenmead keeper. Merstham now went into a pattern of play which saw them knocking up long balls from defence however Warrenmead didn’t seem to mind knocking them out for throws and corners. This passage of play showed their defence was very good and they had a quality keeper. When it was Warrenmead on the attack the Merstham defence also was happy to kick the ball off the park sometimes seemingly without any direction. With both teams electing this long ball style of play the first half ended perhaps unsurprisingly 0-0.

The second half kicked off and again the game settled into more of the same style of play, there was no doubt the hard pitch was playing its part with the long balls bouncing off the pitch. Merstham were fishing again when another long throw went in from the specialist Skipper, the ball bounced up and the new Warrenmead keeper deflected it in for an own goal 1-0. Then it was Warrenmead’s turn to run at Merstham which saw a wild shot deflect of a Merstham defender for another own goal 1-1. The scrappy game played out in this fashion for the rest of the match, no-one could doubt the commitment of both sides but surely good football is played on the ground. Deep into the second half Warrenmead were on the attack Chatfield dived to make a good save but in the subsequent goalmouth scramble Warrenmead struck home for the winning goal of the match 1-2. 

On a sunny spring morning Merstham U10s looked to get their season back on track after last week’s loss by beating visiting Wolves.

From the opening whistle the Division Four leaders looked to get on the front foot but their eagerness to put last week’s result behind them meant they were leaving themselves open at the back. The visitors showed their ability to break at pace and goalkeeper Morgan Chatfield had to be alert to the dangers when they nearly went ahead with a low drive. That seemed to spur Merstham on and the three Js (Jake Holmes, Jamie Skipper and James Synnott) started to boss things. Skipper took the ball from his own half and ran down the by-line where his cross was met by Nathan Hopkins who made no mistake and buried his shot; Merstham 1-0 Wolves. The opening goal had settled Merstham’s nerves and they started peppering the visitor’s goal with long range shots. With Holmes refusing to give up on any loose ball and Taylor Dean showing his usual tenacity in midfield the feeling was that another goal would be coming sooner rather than later. This belief was well founded when a long throw from Synnott found Holmes on the edge of the area who blasted his shot into the top corner; Merstham 2-0 Wolves. With Ciaran Lowe and Connor Jury reliably solid in defence and Alfie Harris and Hopkins looking to get forward at every opportunity Merstham were looking more like the table toppers they are. Wolves were also playing their part in an entertaining first half of football, and constantly caused problems in the Merstham defence with their pace and skills, but Jury, Lowe and Hopkins were standing firm. Going forward Skipper was looking on good form and his jinking run past three Wolves players culminated with him unleashing a shot which the visiting keeper did well to push away, however the rebound landed at the feet of Holmes who gratefully tapped it into the net; Merstham 3-0 Wolves. The home team were now causing problems to the visitors whenever they went forward and on the stroke of half time Skipper got his name on the score-sheet when he took the ball round two defenders and placed it past the goalkeeper; Half time Merstham 4-0 Wolves.

As the second half got underway it was obvious that Wolves, although 4-0 down, were not going to capitulate and took the game to Merstham. The match was end to end stuff with both Skipper and Holmes going close to adding to the score when Wolves broke out of their own half at pace and the visiting number 11 just put his shot wide. Wolves were not being overawed by the league leaders and another chance from the pacey striker ended up in the grateful hands of Chatfield. The goalkeeper’s resultant long kick down the pitch split the visitors defence and found Skipper unmarked. Showing instant control he calmly slotted the ball past the out-rushing keeper; Merstham 5-0 Wolves. The table-toppers were taking a strangle-hold on the match now and continued to pile on the pressure for the visitors. Skipper took the ball down the wing before cutting in from the right and unleashed a bullet-like shot that nestled in the top corner of the visitor’s goal. Skipper had got his hat-trick and Merstham had got their sixth! Wolves were now struggling to keep up with the pace and skill of Merstham with Holmes dispossessing the Wolves midfield and hitting a rasping shot straight at the keeper. In a role-reversal from the first half, the keeper couldn’t hold the shot and Skipper was there to slot in the rebound for his fourth of the afternoon; Merstham 7-0 Wolves. Even though the visitors were being outplayed by the league leaders, they refused to let their heads drop and this strength of character ended with their striker breaching the home team’s defences with a rebounded shot ending up in the right hand corner of the net; Merstham 7-1 Wolves. Conceding a goal only seemed to galvanise Merstham back into action and from the following kick off Skipper found himself in the visitor’s penalty area with only the keeper to beat. On this form there was only going to be one winner and he calmly slotted the ball home to claim his fifth of the game; Merstham 8-1 Wolves. With two minutes of the match remaining, the Merstham Manager brought Skipper off to a well earned round of applause and replaced him with Jury to play up front for the remainder of the game. Jury’s bullish style lent itself well to playing up front and he immediately started to make a nuisance of himself in the Wolves penalty area. Merstham weren’t finished bothering the score-line either and with a minute to go Holmes, going for his hat-trick, found himself one on one with the Wolves keeper and calmly slotted the ball home; Merstham 9-1 Wolves. There was still time to take the score into double figures and with the last kick of the game Dean popped up at the back post to score with the deftest of touches; Final whistle Merstham 10-1 Wolves.

A thoroughly professional performance from the league leaders who did well to bounce back from last week’s defeat in such emphatic style. What a difference a week makes!

On a bright March afternoon Merstham U10 ‘A’ team took to the field looking to stretch their unbeaten league run to thirteen matches against the unknown quantity of Reigate A.

From the whistle Merstham went on the offensive, asserting pressure onto the Reigate defence, with           Jamie Skipper hitting the post within the first minute. Taylor Dean and Jake Holmes were looking to boss things whenever they had the ball and both Ciaran Lowe and Nathan Hopkins were looking strong in defence. A long throw (a thorn in the side for the visiting team throughout the match) came in from Skipper, causing panic in the Reigate defence and James Synnott impudently back heeled the ball into the visitors’ net. 1-0 to Merstham and the boys in gold looked in good form to stretch their league lead over NPL to three points. However from the resulting kick off Reigate came straight back into the match. Lowe and Hopkins were brought off to be replaced by Connor Jury and Alfie Harris who continued where their fellow defenders left off and stayed strong at the back. Although Reigate were limiting Merstham to long range shots the corners and long throws from Skipper continued to cause problems. This eventually resulted in a mix up in the Reigate defence which led to an own goal. Merstham were ahead 2-0 with ten minutes of the first half remaining. However Reigate were not to be undone and with the half time whistle imminent a quick break from the visitors led to a low hard shot that ended up in the back of the net.

Half time Merstham A 2 – 1 Reigate A

After a galvanising team talk from Chris Dean and Natasha Carpenter the home team   came out for the second half with a determination to hold onto their unbeaten league run. Merstham pressurised Reigate for the first ten minutes of the second half culminating with a great run and cross from Harris which ended up with Skipper hitting the post with a rasping shot. Surely Merstham wouldn’t live to regret these missed chances? As the half wore on Reigate started to find their feet and some quick passing from the back of the visitors defence ended up with a snap shot that Chatfield did well to pluck out of the air. Another chance from Reigate ended with Chatfield making the save but getting a knock on the head in the process. A substitution was made and Dean took on the responsibility of stand-in goalkeeper. After the substitution, and with the playing conditions worsening, Reigate continued to put the home team under pressure and with ten minutes to go they burst forward and scored; Merstham As 2 – 2 Reigate As. In response to the goal, Merstham brought on Chatfield, sufficiently recovered from his head injury, to play up front. His strength and determination immediately caused problems within the Reigate defence as he took the ball into the penalty area. The ball was only cleared as far as Skipper who was lurking outside the area. He struck the ball well and it looked destined for the top corner until the Reigate keeper athletically tipped it over the bar. With five minutes left of a tough tackling, hard fought game, Merstham threw everything at the Reigate defence with the visiting keeper in particular standing firm. It looked like a draw for both teams until Reigate broke at pace with one minute left on the clock. Suddenly Jury found himself with two Reigate forwards to deal with in his own penalty area. A well timed tackle from the young defender broke up the play but the referee saw it differently and pointed to the penalty spot. Reigate dispatched the penalty with aplomb, putting it to the left side of Dean. The final whistle sounded and Merstham had lost their first game of the season and a determined Reigate team had just beaten the league leaders.

As the team trudged off, with Connor Jury in particular inconsolable, Chris Dean reminded them that even though they win as a team they also lose as a team.

Man of the match was awarded to James Synnott – a Captain’s performance

Merstham warmed their supporters on a cold, overcast day with another emphatic cup victory to secure their spot in the final and keep hopes of a league and cup double alive. Despite their slow start, when both teams exchanged chances that went wide, Merstham began to control the game with Jake Holmes shooting just over then just wide and Jamie Skipper saw a well struck shot hit the post with Holmes nearly forcing the rebound home.

The pressure soon told as a loose ball fell to Skipper after a mazy run from Holmes and was slotted home in the bottom left corner. The Saxon’s keeper did well to deny a second, saving first when Skipper was through and then smothering Holmes’ shot at the edge of the penalty area. However, it was not long before the Saxon’s defence was again breached. A Skipper corner was superbly controlled by Holmes who rifled in from close range. With tigerish defending from Alfie Harris, Nathan Hopkins battling to win back possession and Connor Jury playing his usual solid game, Merstham were dominating and not allowing Saxon’s to settle on the ball. Morgan Chatfield was a commanding presence in goal and quickly snuffed out any forays into his penalty box. Merstham were a constant threat to Saxon’s goal with James Synnott controlling midfield and he and Taylor Dean providing a ready supply to their strikers. The third goal came courtesy of Skipper’s neat left foot lob which arced over the keeper and into the back of the net. The misery for Saxons was compounded as Holmes was fouled midway into the opposition’s half soon after the restart. The resulting free kick was sweetly struck by Skipper and went in off the left upright.

Saxons started the second half determined not to concede again and the early exchanges were confined to the middle of the pitch. Ciaran Lowe broke down several Saxon attacks and would not be passed. Some nice interplay between Synnott, Holmes and Skipper ended with Skipper’s shot going just wide. The Saxon resistance was eventually broken as Skipper latched onto a long ball from Chatfield and nonchalantly lobbed the rushing keeper for his fourth. To their credit, Saxons continued to battle and forced Chatfield to make several saves. However, they could not match Merstham for strength and skill and fell to another class finish when Holmes twisted and turned past several defenders before firing his long range shot into the left corner. A spectator called this “the best goal ever “! A Saxon’s consolation goal was prevented first by Chatfield, then by Synnott’s goal line block in a goal mouth scramble with Lowe and Jury also defending stoutly. Merstham besieged the Saxon goal with Skipper heading onto the bar from Dean’s corner, Synnott showing good strength and shooting wide and Skipper, Holmes and Dean all failing to find the net after some penalty box pinball.  Hopkins had a rare spell up front and also showed some Brazilian flair with a mesmerising run down the right. There was just time for the Saxon’s post to be struck again and Chatfield to join the attack for a corner before the game ended.

Coach Chris Dean popped the champagne party popper and praised the whole team for a great performance.

It was a bitterly cold morning at St Albans Road, Reigate, as Reigate Priory entertained league leaders Merstham. A strong wind, driving rain and a heavy pitch made playing conditions difficult for both teams. This promised to be a stern test for Merstham, against a side that had defeated second placed NPL the previous week.

The opening exchanges proved this as both sides battled to seize the initiative. Merstham were creating chances, Jamie Skipper had a couple of efforts but shot wide, Taylor Dean had a shot from distance which the Priory's keeper turned onto the post. At the other end Morgan Chatfield was out quickly to a Priory striker whose hurried shot also struck the paint work. It was a timely reminder to Merstham that this was going to be a tough game. Towards half time Jake Holmes wriggled clear but pulled his shot wide. Captain James Synnott also stung the hands of the home goalkeeper, as a corner was half cleared to him, and he volleyed on target. Half time 0-0, Merstham had shaded it, Priory although strong in defence could not get past determined tackling from Nathan Hopkins, Alfie Harris, Dean and Synnott.

The second half began with Merstham playing down the slope, and the leaders began to dominate. Connor Lowe was on at the back and looked in command. Synnott and Dean were beginning to create openings. Upfront Skipper was in bullish mood, his determination, strength and pace was an increasing threat to the Priory's goal. Ten minutes in, breakthrough, Skipper beat three defenders and toe poked home, 1-0 Merstham. Realising the importance of the goal the boys were quick to congratulate Skipper on an excellent solo goal. Five minutes later, breathing space, Skipper picked up the ball 15 yards from goal and sent a lovely drive into the roof of the net; 2-0. Priory were not yet finished and Chatfield had to twice save bravely at the feet of onrushing forwards. Five minutes to go, icing on the cake, strong play by Hopkins and Skipper forced another corner. Dean delivered to the back post for Holmes to wrap things up on the volley, 3-0. Still time for a brilliant Chatfield save, pushing a point blank volley onto the bar.

Merstham and AFC Ewell locked horns for the third time this season on a heavy pitch at the Recreation Ground, and for the third time Merstham emerged as winners in a hard fought contest.

Merstham started brightly and took an early lead when a cross into the box was pounced on by Taylor Dean, who finished instinctively with his right foot; 1-0 Merstham. Ewell battled back strongly and equalised with a well worked goal, when their fleet footed strikers got the better of Nathan Hopkins and Ciaran Lowe, to give Morgan Chatfield no chance.  Merstham knew that they were in for a tough morning.  The midfield of Dean and James Synnott were beginning to get the upper hand, and were feeding the front two of Jamie Skipper and Jake Holmes. After a couple of near misses, Merstham regained the lead, when Jake Holmes escaped his marker and shot low past the keeper; 2-1 Merstham. Ciaran Lowe and Nathan Hopkins were getting to grips with the Ewell forwards, as was Alfie Harris when he was introduced.  Merstham were piling on the pressure, a free kick from Dean was headed off the line, and the Ewell keeper made good saves from Holmes and Skipper.

Second half and Merstham were in complete command but could they make their dominance count. About five minutes into the half they got their chance.  The referee awarded a slightly harsh penalty for a handball against the Ewell defender, Taylor Dean stepped up but his shot was well saved by the keeper. Ewell continued to defend for their lives, and had a succession of close escapes, but Merstham were not to be denied.  A good passing move, allowed Dean to get round the back of the defence and his cross was tapped in by the alert James Synnott; 3-1 Merstham, breathing space! Even when Ewell made occasional forays into the Merstham half they were denied by commanding performances by Hopkins and Connor Jury, Morgan Chatfield had a quiet morning. The final goal wrapped up the win, a corner from the right reached ‘Captain Fantastic’ Synnott and he finished nicely with this left foot, final score 4-1 Merstham. 

A strong performance by the boys against opponents who never gave up.

It was a blustery day at Epsom Recreation ground for what promised to be a mismatch between unbeaten league leaders Merstham and bottom of the table Epsom & Ewell Colts. When the sides met two weeks Merstham won 13-0, today, however this was to be a different story. Manager Chris Dean started with Taylor Dean and Ciaran Lowe on the bench, with a midfield of Alfie Harris and James Synnott, at the back Connor Jury and Nathan Hopkins, upfront was the lethal pairing of Jamie Skipper and Jake Holmes who have amassed over 50 goals already this season. Morgan Chatfield was the trusted custodian.

Epsom & Ewell started brightly and had the first chance, their forward shooting narrowly wide past Chatfield. Merstham were a little slow out of the blocks and seemed to be struggling with the windy conditions. A good break by Synnott however set up Holmes whose shot was turned aside by the Epsom keeper. Five minutes later Merstham made the breakthrough, Skipper's long throw found Holmes who held off his marker before slotting under the keeper 1-0. Merstham were not finding their passes but looked dangerous on occasions, Nathan Hopkins made a good break and flashed a cross over but no Merstham forward was there to apply the finishing touch. Next James Synnott, who looked the most assured Merstham player in the first half, got a good cross over which just eluded Skipper. Epsom were battling hard and creating chances of their own, Chatfield saving bravely at the feet of the onrushing forward. Jury was solid at the back, and Alfie Harris was getting his trusted left foot working out wide.  Jake Holmes had already flashed a dipping shot just over the bar, but he was not to be denied his second. On this occasion Skipper was the architect with a well timed through ball, Holmes latched on to this and showed composure to score with a shot in off the far post, 2-0 Merstham.  Taylor Dean was introduced just before half time and started to have a positive impact, although Chatfield did have to save a Dean miscue that may have looped under the bar. Half time 2-0.

The second half started and Merstham were straight into their stride, Ciaran Lowe was on at the back and was making some timely interventions. Nathan Hopkins made another break from wide; he fed Holmes, who shot wide.  Jamie Skipper was lively upfront, but it was not to be his day in front of goal, his shot was palmed onto the post by the keeper. The third goal arrived from Taylor Dean; he rode a couple of challenges before finishing with a crisp strike into the roof of the net, 3-0. Merstham were now dominating and the fourth goal of the match duly arrived, and a fine goal it was.  Holmes held off two challenges before feeding Skipper who unselfishly played in Hopkins, who was arriving at pace down the right hand side, he slammed his shot across the keeper and into the top corner of the net, shades of Alberto Carlos in the 1970 world cup final (for those spectators as old as me!).  It was an excellent goal and was appreciated by all the supporters, except Mrs Hopkins, who was in the tea bar...oh Mum! Merstham then created a succession of chances, Dean headed just over, Synnott had a shot saved by the keeper's outstretched foot after some clever footwork and Skipper was denied on a couple of occasions. The fifth goal came from an unlikely source, Hopkins having got his first of the season, doubled his tally with a well taken shot from the edge of the area, and this time Mum saw it! The final minutes saw Holmes and Hopkins interchange positions, to give the latter a chance to grab his hatrick, he didn't quite manage it but did have one shot from an acute angle turned aside by the Epsom keeper;  Final score 5-0.  All credit to Epsom & Ewell for a determined showing, but a good result for Merstham after a slow start.

Another bitterly cold day but Merstham were on home turf and brimming with confidence following a 13-0 league victory on their last outing.

Merstham started brightly and went into attack mode, however it was very apparent early on that Warrenmead were a well organized side and their defenders were not going to be easy to break down. Each attack that Merstham attempted was being thwarted by this defence. Ten minutes in Taylor Dean picked up yet another clearance from Warrenmead and from 20 yards out saw the keeper off his line; he expertly picked his spot and fired his long shot into the top left hand corner 1-0.  This sparked a reaction from Warrenmead who came straight back at Merstham and sent in a quality shot that just went wide. Then keeper Morgan Chatfield sent up a long ball which was quickly controlled by Jake Holmes and before the defender could get at him he laid the ball off to Jaime Skipper who fended off the Warrenmead centre half to enable a shot and score 2-0. Warrenmead go straight back into Merstham’s half with a nice pass and move but Alfie Harris was holding fast on the breaks down the left and Nathan Hopkins on the right - both well drilled in their defensive positions and showing growing maturity in their play. Late into the first half, Skipper sent in a superb cross and Holmes put in a powerful header which is just saved by the Warrenmead Goalkeeper.

The second half started and Skipper went straight on an individual run, he dribbled past a defender and got his shot in but that is well saved. There is no doubt about it Warrenmead’s keeper is difficult to beat. Then Warrenmead again ran down the right wing and this time it was Connor Jury putting in a strong challenge and sending the ball out of play. James Synnott from midfield sent a ball up to Holmes whose shot is on target but the ball is deflected. Fortunately for Merstham into the path of Skipper who finds the back of the net for 3-0. Then the game turned yet again with Warrenmead running at the Merstham defence, but this time a powerful shot was sent in which makes Morgan Chatfield dive and make a quality save. He seemed to have taken a knock but shows true grit and dusts himself off to continue. The whole Merstham team is being asked questions today and every one of them is being answered.  This is a display of what surely must be a champion side. Moving toward the end of the game Kieran Lowe put in a good challenge and the ball is sent up to Holmes who has worked tirelessly for the whole game, he finds some space and strikes a nice shot to make it 4-0. The score line brings Synnott into attack and he has a great shot stopped. The keeper quickly sent the ball up, but it landed at Hopkins’ feet.  He has space and from the half way line he is on one of his runs down the right, he skips past a defender cuts inside and shoots, the keeper puts in a brave block and stops what would surely have been goal of the match

The morning was cold and grey but Merstham finally get to play a game at home with kick off at 10:30am.    

Right from the off Merstham were lively making penetrating attacks into E&E goalmouth. Within a few minutes in Jamie Skipper passed to Jake Holmes who dribbled past three defenders and casually dinked the ball in the back of the net 1-0. Then a few minutes on a Merstham corner, there is goalmouth scramble and Skipper uses his strength to fend off the defender and slots the ball home; 2-0. E&E were trying to make a game of it but on the odd occasion they got through the midfield.  The backline defence of Kieran Lowe, and Alfie Harris were easily mopping up and sending Merstham back into yet another attack. With Skipper on the ball again, he turned a defender makes a run down the right and drills a low shot in; 3-0. A few moments later the E&E defence started to look a bit demoralised and that isn’t a good thing when Holmes receives the ball and strikes home Merstham’s fourth; 4-0. It was starting to look like target practice and Skipper had his sights well adjusted (perhaps a promise from Coach Chris Dean for the match ball to anyone who scored five is helping Skipper focus).  He is on the ball again, taking it past a defender and easily hitting the bullseye for his hat trick; 5-0. The midfield boys of Taylor Dean and James Synnott realised the threat isn’t coming from E&E and Dean stepped up to attack. He found a good position in the centre demands the ball and bangs it in the back of the net for 6-0. Then its Skipper again, he shoots; 7-0 which finishes off the first half.

The second half started and E&E tried to take the game to Merstham. Merstham keeper Morgan Chatfield finally got his hands on the ball and gathered it up with KFC relish. He then unloaded the ball to Nathan Hopkins who passed up the line to Skipper who has yet another run with the usual end result; 8-0. The midfield defensive minded Synnott decided it was time to join in target practice and his shot makes it nine for Merstham. A few minutes later left midfielder Dean sent in a quality ball to Holmes who fires in for his hat trick 10-0. E&E then go on a run and their striker shows quality to go past one defender but Connor Jury is having none of it he puts in a solid challenge and picks his pass which sent Merstham straight back on the attack. It’s Dean again (like his name sake Dixie, who remembers Dixie Dean?) who goes on a run and scores a delightful individual goal; 11-0. The midfield boys are enjoying themselves. Synnott moved into the centre and took a strike, the goal keeper saves but he pounces again and left foots the ball into the back of the net; 12-0. Then in the last moments of the game there was a goalmouth scramble Dean and Synnott both on a brace going for a hat trick stick their boots on the ball and Dean jumps up to announce ”that’s mine!” 13-0 with a grin and a nod from Synnott that concluded what was a very entertaining good day for Merstham U10s ‘A’. 

Man of the Match – James Synnott

Finally after a long break following snow, Christmas and New Year the season re-started on a damp winter morning. The Bookham pitch was on a slope, heavy and Merstham were playing uphill with the sun in their eyes. Game on!

The game started with both teams contesting well for the ball and saw breaks from both sides. Merstham were taking a number of shots from deep but the pitch and a decent keeper were not going to allow these to go in. Bookham had a great chance when their striker found space and was faced with a one on one with keeper Morgan Chatfield who bravely ran out only to have the ball deflected off him and land at the feet of another Bookham player, Chatfield jumped up and finally made another save from his line. The match went to and fro with Nathan Hopkins showing strength and resilience in defence and Alfie Harris putting in good challenges with some nice passing up the line. With 15 minutes in Jake Holmes took another shot at goal which deflected off the defender into the net 0-1 Merstham. From the restart Bookham came back and their midfielder tried to chip the ball into the net but Chatfield had it covered. Then in the last few minutes of the first half it was Merstham again, the ball put through to Jamie Skipper and in typical fashion he went passed two defenders, shot and scored 0-2.

The second half started with Merstham’s captain James Synnott and Taylor Dean carrying on with their quality passes through to Skipper and Holmes who were clearly confusing the opposition with their slick pass, move and link up play. These skills saw Skipper pass the ball to Holmes who shot and scored; 0-3.  With the sun on their backs playing down hill Merstham’s were growing in confidence and it looked like a hard day for Bookham. But suddenly they went on attack and Merstham were caught sleeping in defence, the boys in bright yellow were ‘gifted’ a goal 1-3. This woke up Merstham and resulted in Skipper coming straight back at them drilling a nice low shot into the back left hand corner 1-4. Bookham tried to trudge up the muddy slope towards Merstham goal but the defence of Kieran Lowe and Connor Jury were not going to beaten again. Deep into the second half  Holmes took another shot on target which was deflected off the keeper only to be followed up and blasted in the net by Jaime the hat trick Skipper 1-5 and that saw the end of a decent display from top of the league Merstham U10 ‘A’.

Both teams undefeated since the start of the season which one would go top of the league?

It was a grey cold winter morning and the game kicked off, early on it was clear to see this was going to be a contest. Merstham fielded a strong defensive line and Jamie Skipper played lone striker up front. NPL also looked to be well organized in defence which suggested a low scoring game was in the offing. The first break through came from NPL when the centre forward made a nice run and fired a shot at Morgan Chatfield which he dealt with easily. From the goal kick Merstham’s Taylor Dean played a long ball which was deflected for a corner then another corner and two more before Jake Holmes put his head on it only to go just wide. Then it was Merstham on the attack again, Alfie Harris made a nice run through from midfield and got a strong shot in which deflected off the keeper only to find Skipper jumping on it to fire in for the first blood of the game 0-1 Merstham. It wasn’t long before NPL were on the attack and their skillful striker dinked his way passed two defenders, picked his spot and scored 1-1. Straight away from the kick off Skipper went on a run, he passed three defenders but just shot wide. There were some strong challenges going in from both sides and Jake Holmes seemed to be carrying a knock but managed to get a shot off which went just wide. Seconds later it was Holmes again with shot just going wide. Now it was NPL’s turn to go at the Merstham defence but the alert and lively Nathan Hopkins made a strong challenge then carried the ball up laid it off to Skipper 1-2 which took the game through to half time.

Moments into the second half NPL were pressing hard and Ciaran Lowe had to stand tall down the left and Connor Jury was making some important challenges to hold off the NPL attack. Finally after sustained effort NPL broke though, shot and levelled the score   2-2. The pressure was telling, the crowd on both sides were on tenterhooks, this was tense, both teams going at it 100% with end to end runs to be met with resilient defending at each end. Merstham struck the wood work and then it was NPL who were to be denied by the crossbar, this was nail biting stuff. Finally with moments to go Skipper received in front of goal and when that happens there was only going to be one thing happen, GOAL!!!!! 2-3 Moments later the final whistle blew.

For the second week in a row Merstham travelled to Nescot Recreation ground to take on tough opponents AFC Ewell. After last week's 6-0 cup win Merstham were confident, however with centre forward Jamie Skipper and centre half Ciaran Lowe unavailable Manager Chris Dean was forced to re-shuffle the pack.  Luckily reinforcements arrived from the 'B' side in the shape of George Croucher and Ben Ellis.

Merstham started brightly, and after a few minutes goal poacher Jake Holmes smashed in his first from an acute angle. The second followed quickly after a slick interchange involving Captain James Synnott and Nathan Hopkins, leaving Holmes with the opportunity to side foot home, 2-0 Merstham.  Ewell responded well and their centre forward got clear to round Morgan Chatfield and pull a goal back. Merstham picked up the pace and forced a succession of corners.  James Synnott was playing in a more advanced roll than usual and was linking the play well.  Alfie Harris and Taylor Dean were working well down the left, whilst Holmes and Hopkins raided down the right. Connor Jury was solid in defence making a series of solid tackles. The third goal duly arrived, Holmes mesmerised the Ewell defenders and crossed for Synnott to sweep home.  Then a brilliant passing move, started by Alfie Harris saw Taylor Dean feed Synnott, who reacted quickest in the box to grab his second goal, 4-1 Merstham. Just before half time Ewell pulled a goal back when a near post shot eluded Morgan Chatfield, half time 4-2.

It was a bright sunny morning and Merstham traveled to Ewell for this cup match which could take either team into the quarter finals.

From the kick off both teams looked well organized and this looked like it could be a real contest for the unbeaten Merstham boys. With some early attacking breaks from Merstham, Ewell’s well organized defence were flying in with some wild tackles which saw Merstham Captain James Synnott taking a nasty knock to the right leg.  Ewell went on attack and had a shot on goal which was easily dealt with by Morgan Chatfield. The game was locked for the first ten minutes with neither side being able to find the net. Then, Jamie Skipper received the ball through from defence, looked up and taking the game by the scruff of the neck, went past the Ewell midfield past two defenders and finished it with a nice shot 1-0 Merstham. Typically this had a settling influence on the team and they started to pick their passes with some quality link up play between Skipper, Taylor Dean, Jake Holmes and Nathan Hopkins. Then it was Jake Holmes turn to look up pick his spot and slot home Merstham’s second 2-0.

Into the second half saw Merstham start to dominate possession and were clearly growing in confidence when Skipper unselfishly laid off a nice ball for Holmes to knock in 3-0. Ewell were now showing signs of frustration with another nasty tackle going in. From the restart the ball sailed into the Ewell box and they are rewarded for their foul play with an own goal 4-0. Every attack from Ewell was being dealt with easily by the Merstham back line of Synnott, Cieran Lowe, and Connor Jury. Nathan Hopkins was making his now familiar runs up the wing picking his passes to the forwards.  Ewell finally managed to get through the defence and get a shot on goal but Chatfield despite not having much to do was alert, dived to his left to make a very good save. Again another poor tackle from Ewell saw Taylor Dean grab the ball, place it 15 yards from goal, and rocket the free kick in the back of the net 5-0. Then Merstham went on yet another attack again with the ball just going wide. From the restart Skipper controlled and finished off with a well deserved second goal and at 6-0 to Merstham the game came to an end.