A Game of Two Halves

Merstham U13s girl’s final game on Sunday was against near neighbours Croydon Borough. Merstham elected to go with the strong wind and with Lauren Devlin’s excellent distribution and Beth Hardy’s pace Croydon were soon on the defensive. Merstham carved out a number of good chances but failed to break the deadlock. As the half progressed Croydon started to play their way into the game and took the lead when a looping shot found the back of the net 0-1. Merstham rallied and following a strong run and confident finish by Belle Jacques levelled the score 1-1. Following an almost identical scenario Belle Jacques again broke free and prodded the ball home past the advancing keeper 2-1. As halftime approached Croydon almost equalised as their striker wriggled free but was thwarted by Devlin’s brave dive.

 The second half commenced with Croydon having the advantage of the wind and started brightly and started to pass the ball really well. The equaliser came as a result of a well struck shot from the edge of the box; Devlin parried the ball into the path of the striker who smashed the ball home; 2-2. Croydon started to dominate and took the lead when their midfielder hit a sweet strike from 18 yards into the roof of the net; 2-3. Merstham rallied but the strike partnership of Hardy and Edwards couldn’t find the back of the net. As the game reached its climax Croydon scored a fourth a near post shot was well saved by Devlin but the rebound spun up into the air and deflected in off Sophia Tobin’s thigh 2-4.

 So their unbeaten run came to an end, Croydon played well and deserved their victory, Merstham girls commitment could not be faulted so well done again to all girls. 

Report by John Devlin

Merstham girls continued good form was evident again on Sunday with a battling performance that earned them a fortuitous victory.

 Beecholme started the stronger and subjected the Merstham rear-guard to continued pressure. Merstham rarely ventured out of their own half as the pressure intensified, the deadlock was nearly broken when a Belles’ midfielder struck a sweet free kick that looked destined for the roof of the net however Lauren Devlin did well to divert it onto the crossbar and safely gathered the rebound. The deadlock was finally broken when a cross from the left caused uncertainty in the Merstham box and the Belles’ striker stuck the ball home from close range; 0-1. Merstham girls responded with a rare counter attack Rosie Wright slipped the ball through to Tayla Edwards who in turn found Beth Hardy in space and she found the back of the net from an acute angle; 1-1. The game started to open up Belles nearly retook the lead but Devlin foiled the Belles’ striker one on one and managed to punch clear. Merstham took the lead via an Annie Sonatun through ball which Edwards raced onto and lashed a half volley into the top left corner for 2-1 at the break

 Second half commenced with Beecholme dominating possession. Merstham were restricted to counter attacking football as Beecholme pressed forward looking for a deserved equaliser but the Merstham backline of Sonatun, Tobin, Ngaruiya, and Yerrell were excellent, the midfield duo of Wright and Jacques worked tirelessly but were being swamped by the Beecholme attacking force. As the game entered the last five minutes Merstham looked to be hanging on but on a rare occasion Beecholme managed to get behind our backline and the winger pulled the ball across the Merstham area for the Belles’ striker to finish from close range; 2-2. Beecholme looked the more likely to snatch a winner as a number of dangerous corners had to be defended. Merstham mustered a counter attack Hardy found Edwards unmarked in the 6 yard box to net the winner; 3-2.

 Yet another terrific performance from all 11 girls, a bit fortunate with the winner as it looked offside, a draw would have been a fair result but the girls have real belief now and feel they can compete against any side, well done.

Report by John Devlin

Merstham Girls Too Hot

Merstham girls continued their fine recent form with a well deserved victory over 10-girl Colne Valley.

Merstham dominated the opening proceedings with Beth Hardy hitting the bar and the Colne Valley keeper making a number of fine saves. Merstham again almost broke the deadlock when Belle Jacques went on a run and her perfect cross just eluding the Merstham attackers. Merstham finally took a deserved lead when Lauren Devlin’s clearance found Tayla Edwards who in turn fed Hardy who finished comfortably; 1-0. Colne Valley rarely threatened Merstham’s defence and a second followed when Hardy poked the ball home from close range 2-0. Halftime was welcomed by both sides as the heat started to tell on all players.

The Second half commenced again with Merstham dominating, another good clearance by Devlin found Hardy in space who shot across the keeper to complete her hatrick; 3-0. Merstham continued to dominate with Devlin’s drop ball distribution and the speed and link up play between Hardy and Edwards eventually fashioned a fourth for Hardy for 4-0. To Colne Valley’s credit they tried to rally and almost snatched an equaliser but Devlin’s brave dive at the Valleys striker’s feet thwarted any danger. Following another long clearance and some uncertainty in the Valley box Edwards finally got the goal her performance merited; 5-0. Brittney Brockham came close with a long range effort which had the keeper beaten but bounced narrowly wide.

 Again another terrific performance, Merstham defence looked assured all game, excellent performance by Belle Jacques in midfield and some good passing combinations between Beth Hardy and Tayla Edwards, all 12 girls excelled today and we can approach our last two fixtures with confidence.

 Team: Devlin, Yerrell, Sonatun, Tobin, Hardy, Buchan, Wright, Jacques, Haddow, Ngaruiya, White, Edwards. Brockham

Report by John Devlin

Merstham girls ventured out to Molesey on their last away trip of the season with a full squad and a buoyant team spirit they approached the game full of confidence.

Molesey dominated the early possession and took an early lead when a left wing cross was converted at the far post leaving the defence flat footed. Merstham rallied and almost equalised when Lauren Devlin’s drop kick found Beth Hardy through on goal but was thwarted by a last ditch challenge by the Molesey centre back. Merstham began to get a grip on the game but were limited to sporadic counter attacks with Hardy and Edwards looking more and more threatening as the half progressed. Halftime came 1-0.

With a few tactical changes made at the interval Merstham began the second half with more conviction the back five were excellently marshalled by Evonne Yerrell and Sophia Tobin. Jo Haddow and Rosie Wright began to win their fair share of the ball and an equaliser looking more and more likely. Hardy and Edwards both had half chances and Merstham squandered a number of good situations in the opposition half. Molesey were now reliant on the counter attack but the Merstham rear-guard were excellent. The equaliser finally came when Belle Jacques excellent cross was finished superbly by Beth Hardy. Molesey responded by throwing girls forward and gained a number of corners, in the dying minutes a dangerous in swinging corner caused mayhem in the Merstham box but the danger was cleared after good handling by Devlin. Game finished 1-1.

 A richly deserved point and fantastic performance by all 13 girls in particular Yerrell and Tobin. Merstham now have a run of four home games but with holidays booked the Merstham squad will be severely stretched. However they are unbeaten in three games so let’s keep going.   

Report by John Devlin

Hardy’s Hatrick Seals Impressive Win

A week is a long time in football, after last weeks disappointment Merstham girls put in the performance of the season with an impressive display by all twelve girls involved on the day.

 On a hard sloping pitch Merstham elected to defend the slope in the first half, although Croydon had the lion share of possession Merstham's rear-guard of Lauren Devlin in goal and a back four of Annie Sonatun, Sophia Tobin, Evonne Yerrell and Siobhan Buchan defended deeply and held firm. Merstham's midfield of Belle Jacques, Rosie Wright, Jo Haddow and Becca White worked really hard but Merstham were unable to release the front two of Beth Hardy and Tayla Edwards. The deadlock was broken when a rare excursion into Croydon half produced a chance for Beth Hardy to race onto and she made no mistake in finding the back of the net 0-1. Croydon still dominated possession and playing with the slope earned a constant stream of corners which were confidently dealt with by the Merstham defence; Halftime 0-1.

 Merstham kicked off the second half attacking Croydon with the advantage of the slope. Croydon held a high line which played into Merstham’s hands with Devlin’s distribution and Hardy’s pace. On a rare Croydon attack they equalised with a well driven shot that sailed over Devlin’s head leaving her no chance 1-1. A notorious second half collapse was feared but Merstham continued to attack Croydon, Edwards and Hardy’s neat interchange set Hardy in on goal and again finished with ease; 1-2. Merstham continued to attack, Devlin’s drop kick put the Croydon defence in trouble and Hardy capitalised on the uncertainty to lob the keeper to complete her hatrick; 1-3. Croydon tried to rally but could not breach Merstham’s excellent defence, Merstham attacked again, Hardy cut inside and struck her shot just over, Hardy became provider as she crossed the ball to the near post for Edwards to poke the ball home for a well deserved goal. Game finished 1-4

A tremendous performance by all involved, fantastic team spirit and inspirational team talk by Belle Jacques, well done girls.  

Report by John Devlin

Merstham travelled to Crystal Palace without two key players Tayla Edwards and Lauren Devlin both ruled out through injuries.

Merstham kicked off in determined mood with Rosie Wright and Jo Haddow winning the midfield battles, the back four of Annie Sonatun, Evonne Yerrell, Sofia Tobin and Siobhan Buchan looking safe and assured. Merstham nearly broke the deadlock when Beth Hardy raced through on goal but her well struck shot was pushed wide by the Palace keeper. Beth Hardy and Becca White continued to threaten and it was no surprise when Merstham took the lead when Hardy again was set free and this time found the back of the net with a well struck shot 0-1. Merstham continued to contain Palace but cracks began to show and Palace equalised with a well taken drive into the back of Merstham's net 1-1. Merstham continued to defend well but the game turned following an accidental clash of heads between the Palace midfielder and Jo Haddow, both players left the pitch. Merstham lost their shape and Palace took the lead after a good move and cross from the right was converted by the Palace number 9; 2-1. A third and fourth followed and the half finished 4-1.

 Second half commenced with Jo Haddow returning to the pitch but Palace went up a gear and Merstham started to get outplayed, a fifth goal was conceded when a Palace midfielder waltzed through the Merstham defence and tucked the ball away to make it 5-1. Merstham tried to rally and nearly scored a second when White and Hardy combined well but unfortunately White was unable to hit the target. Palace’s sixth goal came courtesy of a quick counter attack the Palace striker cut inside and smashed the ball past the outstretched hands of Farr to make it 6-1.

 Very good performance from Palace, who were clinical in front of goal. Some positive individual performances from Wright, Haddow, Yerrell, Tobin and Hardy. The girls should be applauded for their spirit and attitude shown today against a very good side.

Team: Farr, Yerrell, Sonatun, Tobin, Hardy, Buchan, Wright, Brockham, Jacques, Haddow, Ngaruiya, White

Report by John Devlin

Jekyll and Hyde

Merstham girls entertained Molesey on a cold wet Sunday morning. Yet again Merstham were without some key players which resulted in a number of girls playing in unfamiliar positions.

 Merstham dominated the first half with Beth Hardy and Tayla Edwards running the Molesey rear guard ragged. The deadlock was broken when Lauren Devlin put Tayla Edwards through who shot across the keeper and Beth Hardy slid in from close range to take a deserved lead 1-0. Merstham continued to dominate and forced a number of corners, again Lauren Devlin’s delivery from set pieces causing all sorts of problems and  after a succession of corners Devlin’s in swinging corner found the back of the net; 2-0. Molesey rarely threatened and the excellent pairing of Evonne Yerrell and Rosie Wright dealt with everything Molesey could throw at them. Merstham were unlucky not to increase their lead when Devlin again put Edwards through but the keeper saved from the resulting corner Devlin hit the post. Molesey got a foot back into the game when Merstham failed to clear the ball on the edge of their box and the Molesey midfielder hit an unstoppable drive into the back of the net; 2-1.

 Second half commenced with Molesey in the ascendancy and the half time instructions largely being ignored, Merstham were pinned back, Merstham began to cave in as mistake followed mistake and Merstham began to concede soft corners from which Molesey equalised when Merstham failed to attack the ball and Molesey prodded the ball home from close range; 2-2. Molesey continued to dominate as half of the Merstham team went missing and again another needless corner was conceded. The ball was delivered to the back post and the Molesey striker scuffed her shot and somehow went through Beth Farr’s legs; 2-3. Merstham rarely entered Molesey half and it was a matter of time before a fourth was conceded. Yet again another needless corner conceded, which was duly dispatched 2-4. Really good first half, total collapse in the second where a number of girls commitment should be questioned, three second half goals conceded from corners.

Report by John Devlin

Rampant Rangers

Merstham girls visited high scoring QPR devoid of a number of girls due to injury and illness. The first twenty were dominated by QPR but the Merstham girls held firm with a number of tenacious tackles and good defending particularly from Evonne Yerrell, Sophia Tobin and Ruth Ngaruiya which kept them in the game. Merstham had a few sporadic attacks with Beth Hardy looking threatening. QPR took the lead when the Merstham defence failed to clear the ball on the edge of the area and a looping shot hit the back of the net. The half came to a close with QPR in front 1-0.

The second half continued with QPR dominating possession, Merstham almost equalised when Beth Hardy closed down the Rangers hesitant keeper but her goal bound effort was cleared by a covering defender. Good link up play between Jo Haddow, Rosie Wright and Lauren Devlin resulted in a number of corners of which one was cleared up field and QPR extended their lead with a swift counter attack; 2-0. Merstham battled on but with QPR maintaining possession Merstham started to flag and a third goal was conceded by another swift passing move, the Merstham defence failed to clear the ball from their box and the ball was scrambled in; 3-0. Two further goals were conceded late in the game to make it 5-0. Harsh score line but QPR played well and were clinical in front of goal, really good effort by all 12 Merstham girls.

Report by John Devlin

Hard Luck Stories Continue

Merstham girls fielded the bare eleven again due to sickness and injuries, as of last week another excellent performance by all.

Merstham dominated the first half with Becca White and Tayla Edwards constantly threatening the Kingstonian’s rear-guard. Merstham almost broke the deadlock when Lauren Devlin’s corner caused mayhem in the visitor’s box but some how the ball was cleared. Kingstonian rarely threatened until mid way through the first half on a rare attack a Kingstonian forward was found unmarked inside the box and finished comfortably against the run of play 0-1. Merstham rallied; Tayla Edwards latched onto a through ball and tucked it under the advancing goalkeeper only to see her effort cleared off the line. Merstham continued to dominate and again Tayla Edwards was put through but saw her fine right footed shot smash off the near post and then to safety. Merstham were finally rewarded for their dominance when Lauren Devlin’s long throw went in at the near post after a faint touch by Ruth  Ngaruiya 1-1, halftime.

 Second half continued with Merstham dominating, Lauren Devlin’s corners were a constant threat but Merstham couldn’t apply the finishing touch. Evonne Yerrell had an excellent half volley saved. Kingstonian started to gain some territorial advantage but most threats were comfortably dealt with by Merstham’s back four. Against the run of play Kingstonian took the lead after some sloppy defending and again the striker tucked it away easily 1-2. Merstham almost snatched a deserved equaliser when Rosie Wright went on a powerful run and shot which the keeper just managed to keep out. As of last week excellent performance by all very unlucky not to come away with some points. 

Team: Farr, Sonatun, Yerrell, Devlin, Tobin, Edwards, Haddow, Buchan, Wright, Ngaruiya, White

 Report by John Devlin

Hard Luck Story

Merstham U13s girls entertained a strong physical Denham team on a heavy sticky pitch. Illness and injuries left the Merstham girls with a bare eleven players all of which turned in excellent performances.

Both sides were evenly matched and Merstham started brightly with Lauren Devlin and Rosie Wright instrumental in midfield. Denham’s long throws and corners caused Merstham problems and the deadlock was broken when a long throw was not cleared and the Denham striker forced the ball over; 0-1. Merstham rallied and forced a number of corners and almost produced an equaliser as Devlin’s corner forced a double save from the Denham’s keeper. Beth Hardy almost converted and the rebound was poked narrowly wide by Rosie Wright. Denham produced a number of counter attacks but Merstham’s back four and keeper looked assured and dealt well with each threat; Halftime 0-1.

Second half continued as the first half with a lot of midfield battles ensuing. Merstham gave away a cheap corner from which a dangerous delivery was unfortunately turned into her own net by Ruth Ngaruiya 0-2. Merstham rallied and created a couple of chances for Beth Hardy and Tayla Edwards both of which were saved by the Denham keeper. Merstham pulled a goal back when Lauren Devlin’s in swinging corner found the back of the net after a faint touch from a Denham defender, dubious goal panel elected to award Lauren Devlin the goal. Lauren Devlin earned a free kick as she was upended 25 yards out, her delivery just eluding Hardy’s head at the far post. Evonne Yerrell struck a decent shot just over from the edge of the area. Merstham continued to press for an equaliser but the game ended with a narrow defeat 1-2.

A draw would have been a fair result but an excellent performance by all particularly Yerrell and Buchan.

 Report by John Devlin

Easy Prey For Eagles

After a long layoff Merstham played this County Cup tie away at Crystal Palace.

Merstham started brightly and played some good football, Lauren Devlin was at the heart of Merstham’s best chances, a number of her through balls found Beth Hardy one on one with the Eagles keeper but she failed to hit the back of the net. Palace rarely troubled the Merstham back four and the away side looked more likely to break the deadlock. On a rare Palace break Merstham conceded a soft opening goal, the ball looked to be rolling out of play and the hesitant keeper was lobbed from an acute angle 1-0. Individual mistakes and poor communication appears to be dogging our season, the second goal came when a right wing cross was left by the defenders and goalkeeper and allowed a Palace striker to finish easily from six yards, yet again another soft goal conceded, against the run of play the Merstham girls found themselves 2-0 down. A third goal was conceded just before halftime when the Palace striker turned Sophia Tobin and hit a left shot into the corner, halftime came 3-0 down.

Second half commenced with Merstham again attacking the Palace defence another Devlin through ball found Hardy who shot from the edge of the box forcing the keeper into a smart save. Palace started to play some good football and carved Merstham defence open, a fourth goal came when Palaces No 9 was allowed drift into the box with Beth Farr routed to her line  finished comfortably. Merstham nearly snatched a goal when Devlin's fine free kick just eluding the palace goal. Heads started to drop and legs became tired and a fifth and sixth goal came following some good play and two fine strikes from the edge of the box. Game finished 6-0, harsh score line as Merstham squandered numerous chances but good effort particularly Devlin, Wright, Haddow and Yerrell.

 Report by John Devlin

Game of Two Halves

Merstham travelled to Bedfont in buoyant mood after last weeks win. Merstham kicked off and straight away the strong midfield four of Belle Jacques, Lauren Devlin, Jo Haddow and Rosie Wright dominated the early proceedings. Early chances fell to Tayla Edwards and Beth Hardy all of which were squandered, Devlin’s through ball fell to Jacques who was unable to connect with the goal at her mercy. Edwards again went close when she turned neatly in the Bedfont area but her cross shot just going wide. Merstham deservedly took the lead when Devlin found Edwards who finished with a neat lob 0-1. Merstham almost extended their lead when Haddow’s shot was pushed onto the post by the Bedfont keeper. Bedfont attacks were sporadic and as the half drifted to half time the back four were caught out by a ball over the top which the Bedfont striker finished smartly 1-1, halftime.

Second half commenced with Merstham contributing to their own downfall as Farr fumbled a Bedfont cross and Bedfont took the lead. Further defensive errors saw Bedfont take a 3-1 lead. Merstham tried to rally and the move of the match saw the impressive Haddow find Devlin in space and her perfect pass was latched onto by Hardy who spun and struck a sweet shot across the keeper but just wide. Poor defensive errors cost us the game which Merstham should have had sown up at half time.

Team: Farr, Yerrell, Sonatun, White, Devlin, Tobin, Edwards, Hardy, Buchan, Wright, Brockham, Jacques, Haddow, Ngaruiya

 Report by John Devlin

Second Half Voodoo Broken

Merstham U13 Girls travelled to Barnes Eagles, a venue last season that gave us a famous win.

A number of changes made saw Lauren Devlin restored to the midfield and Beth Farr back in goal. Merstham girls looked solid and assured and dominated the early midfield exchanges. The midfield quartet of Belle Jacques, Rosie Wright, Lauren Devlin and Jo Haddow began to stamp their mark on the game and started to create chances for the front two of Tayla Edwards and Beth Hardy. The deadlock was broken when Devlin’s through ball was latched onto by Hardy who slotted the ball home 0-1. Eagles responded with a well struck corner which was converted via a goal mouth scramble, 1-1. Full credit to Merstham who responded well and nearly took the lead when Hardy and Edwards linked well with Edwards shooting narrowly wide. Again Merstham continued to create chances, Devlin’s free kick was headed wide by Edwards. Half time came with the scores level at 1-1.

Second half commenced with the customary substitutions and as per previous games Merstham started slowly and allowed Eagles to press, Merstham struggled to deal with the long throw and eventually the Eagles took advantage of Merstham’s slack defending to take the lead 2-1. Another second half collapse was anticipated. Merstham rallied and as per the first half started to carve out chance after chance Devlin started to dominate midfield and Hardy and now Becca White caused the Eagles defence all sorts of problems. The equaliser came via long ball over the top by Yerrell and Hardy was there again to smash the ball home 2-2. Merstham continued to attack, White hit the post and Hardy spooned one over from close range. Eagles nearly snatched all three points with a counter attack that resulted in a dangerous cross which just eluded the oncoming striker. The winner came via Devlin’s clever short corner and cross which Haddow converted via her knee 2-3 to Merstham. Well deserved win but both sides played very well.

Conclusion – Fantastic team effort all 14 girls contributed, some good football, and great team spirit, half time substitutes White, Brockham and Ngaruiya were magnificent. Well done to all girls and travelling parents.

 Report by John Devlin

Another Second Half Collapse

Merstham Girls travelled to Abbey Rangers hoping to avenge a 2-3 deficit from our earlier encounter.

Merstham looked fairly confident and controlled most of the midfield battles with Rosie Wright and the outstanding Jo Haddow dominating midfield proceedings. Although Merstham were comfortable throughout the first half, Merstham girls never really troubled the Rangers keeper. Half time came all square at 0-0.

Second half commenced with a number of changes which unfortunately unsettled the Merstham Girls. The deadlock was broken when Rangers found a through ball to their winger who squared the ball to find an unmarked striker to finish with ease 1-0. A second followed as Lauren Devlin was caught off her line as the Rangers Striker produced a perfect lob which found the back of the net 2-0. Understandably the girls heads dropped a little and a third goal followed as a defensive mix up left Devlin exposed and the Rangers striker finished comfortably to make it 3-0. Merstham attempted to rally with Beth Hardy going close on a couple of occasions.

Conclusions – Poor tactical changes made at half time unsettled the girls, poor final ball never threatened the Rangers Keeper, on the positive side Jo Haddow was outstanding good solid performances from Siobhan Buchan, Rosie Wright, Evonne Yerrell and Sophia Tobin

 Report by John Devlin

Mud Bath

Merstham U13s Girls played hosts to high scoring QPR on a rain soaked pitch. QPR had the early advantage as the Merstham girls looked a little disjointed but eventually started to get to grips with the opposition. QPR continually attacked  Merstham's back four but Merstham girls held firm, a few half chances fell to QPR one of which was a rasping drive that Lauren Devlin did well to hold on to in the wet conditions. The back four were superbly marshalled by Sofia Tobin and Evonne Yerrell with good protection offered by Rosie Wright and Joanna Haddow which resulted in the first half remaining goalless.

Second half commenced with the match following the same pattern as the first QPR maintaining possession but Merstham defending strongly, the deadlock was almost broken as Lauren Devlin's long clearance found Beth Hardy racing in on goal and unfortunately prodded her effort just wide. QPR’s best chance fell to their right winger which saw her effort cleared off the line by Belle Jacques. QPR forced a few corners which the Merstham girls defended well in particular Jo Haddow who bravely headed a number of crosses clear one of which unfortunately fell to a QPR player who shot through a rain soaked penalty area which eluded Lauren Devlin's dive and nestled into the far corner 0-1. Merstham rallied and nearly grabbed an equaliser when another Devlin clearance found Beth Hardy onside but shot just wide as the QPR keeper closed her down. Game finished with Merstham losing 0-1.

Conclusions – Again another excellent performance with the whole squad contributing, again as of last week didn’t feel like a defeat and a little unlucky not to nick a draw.

 Report by John Devlin

Eagles Nearly Tamed

Merstham Girls entertained Crystal Palace on a sun drenched autumn morning. Yet again a few positional changes were made.

The game commenced with the bulk of the play being fought in midfield Merstham Girls showing true grit and determination. The pre-match team talk focussed on the importance of the midfield defending deep and the quartet of Tayla Edwards, Jo Haddow, Rosie Wright and Siobhan Buchan took to their task with real determination. The first chance fell to Palace as they split the Merstham back four; Lauren Devlin raced from goal and managed to take the sting out of a goal bound shot which Ruth Ngaruiya cleared off the line. At the other end Merstham managed to create a chance as Beth Hardy latched onto a through ball and struck the ball sweetly which forced the Palace keeper into a fine save. Palace had the greater territorial advantage but the Merstham girls defended expertly, another through ball found the palace striker in on goal Devlin raced off her line and intercepted well but suffered a nasty cut to her lip, fortunately she was able to continue and fair play to the Palace girls who showed great concern. First half came with the scores level at 0-0.

Second half commenced with no changes to the back five and the game continued in the same vein as the first half with Palace having greater possession but Merstham girls defending brilliantly with sporadic counter attacks from Merstham which troubled the Palace rear guard. The deadlock was broken when for the first time in the match the defence failed to clear a corner and the Palace striker smashed the ball home 0-1. Merstham rallied and kept the pressure on all over the park but succumbed to a second goal as a deep cross found a Palace player free just inside the box who finished well to make it 0-2.

Conclusions – Best battling performance I have witnessed with every one of the 13 girls playing their part, so good was the effort it almost felt like a win, on effort alone we deserved to get something from the match.

Team: Farr, Yerrell, Sonatun, White, Devlin, Tobin, Edwards, Hardy, Buchan, Wright, Brockham, Haddow, Ngaruiya

 Report by John Devlin

Late Strike Beats Merstham Girls

Merstham Girls played hosts to Molesey which turned out to be a cracking cup tie, the first 10 minutes saw each side probing forward without any real chances being created. Merstham’s backline were excellently marshalled by Sophia Tobin and Evonne Yerrell with the security of Lauren Devlin between the posts. The breakthrough came when Molesey caught Merstham on a counter attack and the Molesey striker finishing well. Merstham responded with a fine attack which saw Belle Jacques’ shot go across the keeper to make it   1-1. Chances fell to both sides but halftime came with the scores level at 1-1.

Second half started brightly as both sides tried to attack, Merstham took the lead when Lauren Devlin, who had relinquished the keeper’s position, found Hannah Ayshford in space with a long throw and Ayshford ran clear to finish smartly making it 2-1. Molesey equalised when a mistake at the back allowed the Molesey striker to score from close range to make it 2-2. The game went from end to end with both sides committing girls forward, Molesey went ahead when a speculative shot crept in at Beth Farr’s near post 2-3. Merstham girls battling spirit was rewarded when Lauren Devlin's perfect through ball fell into Beth Hardy’s path who shot wide of the keeper to again make it all square; 3-3. Further chances fell to both sides and as the game approached extra time another speculative shot found its way into the bottom right of Beth Farr’s goal, 3-4 to Molesey fulltime.

 Conclusions – Excellent performances by all, kept battling away unfortunately we succumbed to individual mistakes which cost us the game, a lot of positives to taken from the game.

 Report by John Devlin

Merstham Girls Off the Mark

Merstham U13 Girls travelled to Colne Valley for this week’s game, the game kicked off in brilliant sunshine.

Merstham started brightly and put Colne Valley’s defence under pressure with our midfield dominating possession and the front two of Hardy and Edwards looking lively, chances started to be carved out but we found the Valley keeper in inspired form, with Devlin, Hardy and Edwards all going close. The move of the first half occurred when Haddow won the ball in Merstham’s half and played a great ball through to Devlin who ran at the valley defence and attempted to chip the keeper from a tight angle another chance went begging. At the other end the defence were rarely troubled and coped with Valley’s sporadic counter attacks. Half time came with the scores level at 0-0.

Second half continued in the same manner as the first, Colne Valley keeper making a number of good saves, Merstham almost broke the deadlock when Wright nearly converted Devlin’s corner but somehow the Valley defence cleared. The breakthrough came when Hardy forced the Valley defence into an error and squared the ball for Edwards to finish at close range 0-1. Merstham continued to squander chances and to their credit Valley kept chipping away and eventually from good approach play Colne Valley equalised when a through ball found their striker free and finished confidently to make it 1-1. The next period saw Valley creating chances as Farr pulled off a smart save to keep the score 1-1. Hardy was reintroduced to the fray and came up with the winner after a jinking run and cross by Edwards found Hardy unmarked who smashed the ball home from six yards. A nervous last couple of minutes were played out and Merstham held on for a deserved victory and our first three points, credit to Colne Valley for not giving up and some very good counter attacking football.

Conclusions – Excellent first half performance by all, stuttered a little during the second half but certainly our best performance of the season with Edwards just edging out other star performers with the girl of the match display, Well done to you all.

Team: Farr, Yerrell, Sonatun, White, Devlin, Tobin, Edwards, Hardy, Buchan, Wright, Brockham, Jacques, Haddow.

 Report by John Devlin

Merstham Girls Again Show Second Half Weaknesses

Merstham Girls played hosts to Abbey Rangers in atrocious weather, Merstham started off with an unfamiliar look to it as a number of girls were tried in different positions. Merstham started off brightly and Hardy and Edwards were proving to be a handful for the Rangers backline. Merstham took the lead when Wright finished smartly from the edge of the box. Rangers responded with a number of breakaways which Devlin, in goal for the first half, foiled with good positional sense. Merstham continued to press and played some good football with Wright, Jacques and Haddow interchanging well. Merstham scored a second when Devlin’s long clearance caught Rangers backline flatfooted and Hardy finished comfortably. Half time came with the home side deservedly leading 2-0.

Second half started and Rangers to their credit pushed forward continuously and got their reward when Merstham defence failed to clear a cross and Rangers striker tapped in to make it 2-1. As with previous games Merstham became disjointed and it was no surprise when an equaliser came via a through ball to the Rangers striker who slotted the ball home unchallenged 2-2. Merstham rallied and Hardy had the ball in the net via Devlin’s through ball but it was controversially was ruled offside. As the game ebbed and flowed it looked like the game was going to end all square but Rangers snatched a late goal to make it 2-3.

Conclusions -  Again excellent first half performance by all particularly Haddow, Sonatun, Wright, with Devlin looking assured in goal and Hardy and Edwards looking dangerous up front. But again fell apart in the second half partly due to poor decision making and tactical changes.

 Report by John Devlin

Second Half Collapse

For the second week running Merstham girls were defeated following a total collapse during the second half.

Kingstonian started brightly and put the Merstham defence under pressure, the hosts hit the woodwork twice within a couple of minutes. Merstham weathered the storm and took the lead when a through ball by Yerrell found Devlin in space which she capitalised on and ran at the heart of the Kingstonian defence and squared the ball to Hardy who finished smartly into the far corner. Merstham continued to attack and scored an excellent goal when Yerrell and Devlin combined with a short corner, Devlin delivered a great cross and Hardy finished at the back post to make it 0-2. Kingstonian responded quickly after a counter attack to make it 1-2. Kingstonian levelled the match when Farr failed to pick the ball up and the resulting scramble led to the homeside’s striker tapping the ball in to make it all square. Merstham rallied again and Devlin was put through and ran at the Kingstonian defence and hit a shot across the keeper to make it 2-3.

Second half commenced and Merstham were caught flat footed and the hosts scored within twenty seconds of the restart; the collapse had begun. A further three goals were conceded due to some indecisive defending, goalkeeping and tired legs. Merstham girls tried to rally but the deficit was too great.

Conclusion – Good first half performance, three good goals and some neat passing, poor second half, some individual errors and poor positional awareness. Devlin and Yerrell being the better performers, hopefully lessons learnt and a full squad for next week. 

 Report by John Devlin

Clinical Finishing

Merstham girls travelled to Denham ladies for out first encounter of the season.

First half started fairly even with both sides sharing equal possession. Hardy came close to breaking the deadlock when she raced onto Devlin’s through ball but prodded the ball wide. Denham responded with a number attacks which resulted in a number of corners and throw-ins which the Merstham defence cleared with ease. The first goal was conceded when Merstham failed to clear a long throw the ball fell invitingly to an advancing midfielder who struck a looping shot over Farr into the top corner.

Merstham girls rallied and nearly equalised when Hardy reacted to a mix up in the penalty area but saw her tap in cleared off the line. As half time approached Merstham pushed forward. Devlin went on a number of searing runs and put  Denham’s defence on the back foot, Hardy nearly equalised as again she pounced on some uncertainty in the Denham’s penalty area and poked the ball home only to see Edwards’ tap the ball in from a clear offside position. The last action of the half saw Wright’s searing drive from the edge of the box just clear the crossbar. The first half came to an end with Merstham trailing 1-0 when on another day we would be going in at the break 3-1 up.

Merstham girls started the second half defending a number of Denham attacks, as the half wore on Merstham started to lose positional discipline and were punished when the defence failed to clear the ball allowing the Denham attacker to advance to the edge of the box and dispatch her shot beating Farr at her near post. At 2-0 Merstham looked deflated and a third followed via a counter attack and smart finish by the Denham striker.

Conclusion – Good first half performance, poor second half, good individual performances from Yerrell, Haddow, Devlin, Wright and White.

Team: Farr, Yerrell, Haddow, Sonatun, White, Ngaruiya, Devlin, Tobin, Edwards, Hardy, Buchan, Brockham, Wright, Ayshford

 Report by John Devlin