Meridian VP 0-2 Sutton Athletic

Meridian VP opened the season at home to Sutton Athletic hoping to set a marker, but just fell short after switching off just after half time.

The home team fielding only two players from last season in the starting line-up, looked organised led by new Club Captain John Foster at Centre Half and partnered by Zach Beeden. New signing Charlie Martin made his debut in goal and made some good early saves. Completing the back five was Callum Berg at Right-Back and Jordy Luvovadio at Left-Back.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with both teams defending resolutely. Meridian’s midfield trio of Jess Samba, Saidou Camara and Emmanuel Akinte worked tirelessly to win the ball back with the front three of Ross Obazee, Jason Kaate and Billy Reavill also worked hard to defend from the front.

H-T 0-0

All the hard work of the first half was unravelled within five minutes of the second half by a bullet header from a corner by Sutton’s Sean Nicholls in the 47th minutes. Two minutes later Emmanuel Akinte was dispossessed and in an attempt to win the ball back conceded a penalty for a challenge from behind. The Penalty was duly despatched by George Acland to double the visitors lead.

Meridian made a spirited attempt to get back into the game but didn’t quite threaten the visitors goal, with the only shot of note coming from John Foster when he stepped into the midfield, curling one just wide.

The home side made changes bringing on Raul Lupuescu for Saidou Camara, Adrian Spence for Jason Kaate and Aldo Vani for Billy Reavill. The changes made an impact but wasn’t enough to retrieve a point from the game.

Next up for Meridian is the local Derby at home to Lewisham Borough on Tuesday 15th September, while Sutton Athletic host Kennington on Saturday.

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