MATCH REPORT: UNITED V MERSTHAM 3-2 | 21/10/23

ASHFORD UNITED 3 MERSTHAM 2
By Keith Masters

Pitching In Isthmian League | Match 7
Date - Sat | Oct 21st
Opposition - Merstham FC
Venue - The Bauvill ME4 6LR
Referee - Daniel Baines
Attendance - 108
Half-time: Ashford United 1-2 Merstham
Full-time: Ashford United 3-2 Merstham

Ashford United won this first encounter between the sides in a most entertaining game.

The Nuts & Bolts began the game in brisk fashion. After six minutes some good work by Danny Parish released Lanre Azeez but his shot was wide of the right hand post.
Two minutes later Danny Parish, himself had an excellent chance, but he shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Merstham’s goalkeeper – Endurance Johnson, playing his first game for the club, made two good saves in quick succession from Ian Draycott and Vance Bola.
Two minutes later more good work by Bola found Ian Draycott in an excellent position but he shot wide.

Ashford took the lead after 26 minutes.
Some excellent work by Danny Parish was finished off when he slotted the ball into the net.
Going behind spurred Merstham into action.
They were level within 4 minutes through a great shot by Billy Oram and 4 minutes later took the lead through another clever effort from Lorenzo Lewis.

William Kendall could have made it three shortly afterwards but his attempt from very close range went over the bar.

Halftime Time - United 1-2 Merstham

Ashford began the second half much better and put the visitors under some pressure.
Danny Parish sent a good chance over the bar and shortly afterwards, some great work by Kymani Thomas, found Vance Bola who saw his volley cannon off the left hand post.

The Nuts and Bolts were level on seventy-one minutes. More good play by Danny Parish found Vance Bola in space from which he made no mistake.

In the 82nd minute Ashford secured the points. Good work by Vance Bola found Danny Parish clear.
He made no mistake and scored the winner.
Star Man – Danny Parish (Ashford United)
Entertainment Value - ****