Merton Reserves vs Reigatians – 9th February 2013

A Will Taylor header put Merton in front after they finally figured out where they were supposed to be playing. Not only did someone give us the wrong details of where we were supposed to turn up, he also made wisecracks about it on Facebook before the game. Still, who’s laughing now? Chris Rayner, for one, whose looping header from one of several Merton set pieces delivered by the boot of Oli Ross clipped the post on its way in. The chuckles ended soon after for Willy T, however when he limped off mid-way through the first half. The double-whammy of a dislocated knee and ankle means the Reserves will miss their top-scorer for at least two months. Fortunately, there are plenty of handsome men to fill in for the dashing forward. Foremost among them last Saturday was Rayner, who broke down the left and slotted while Sherbs in goal was still (rightly) lambasting Henry and Oli for messing about from a Merton corner. Henners had a dominant game, and proved too quick and strong for Reigatians time and again. It was fitting that he should set up Shane Lynch – off the bench for the Welshman – for his goal, a sweet strike across the keeper. Ben Cook, as industrious and provocative as usual in midfield, also got in on the act late on after some neat interplay between himself and Henners – driving low from the edge of the box.

Report by:Graham Wilgoss