Merton Reserves vs Weirside Rangers – 29th September 2012

Having been on the road for the past two Saturdays, Merton this week were back at Joseph Hood for the first time this season, where they defeated a decent Weirside Rangers outfit by three goals to nil.

Despite both teams making a slow start to the proceedings, it was the homesters who looked the more likely to open the scoring, which they duly did after just 18 minutes. Will Taylor’s tenacious battling, allowing midfielder Oliver Ross the opportunity to bundle the ball over the line for his first goal in Merton colours. Ten minutes later, Taylor, who is currently in a rich vein of form, doubled the advantage with his fourth goal of the season. Merton continued to create chances up to the interval, with Paul Pearce going closest to extending the lead. The striker, though, saw his far post header hit the base of the upright.

After the break, and despite Weirside coming out stronger and seeking to find a way back into the contest, it was Merton again looking the more threatening. Guilty as the half wore on of spurning a number of chances, the hosts survived a scare at the other when Alex Herbert was called upon to make a smart stop during a ten minute purple patch for the visitors. In the closing stages, the home side continued to press and, with two minutes remaining, the points were finally secured when Pearce met Taylor’s cross to the far post, slotting home from close range.

Next week Merton welcome Royal Bank of Scotland to Joseph Hood for what promises to be a tough first round AFA Surrey/Kent Intermediate cup tie. Let’s hope the availability issues of the opening three weeks have abated, therefore, allowing Ian Lewis to select a strong line-up.

Report by:Harry Hood