Merstham Grab the Points

Regent travelled to the Specsavers stadium in a bid to get back to winning ways after 2 straight home defeats.

Wearing the white kit for the first time, Tom Rothery made a couple of notable changes, Terry Amass came in to the side and Matt Baxter made his first start for the club, with Taylor and Lewis taking their place on the bench.

The first half was not the most exciting for the spectators, although Regent started well in the First 20, popping the ball around nicely but they were unable to create a clear chance, which was very similar for the hosts.

The only notable chance for the R’s, came from Billy Hunt in the 26th minute, Hunt burst past a couple of Merstham defenders, but hit his effort straight at the Merstham Stopper Chris Haigh.

It took until the 37th minute for the host to carve out the only real opportunity for either side, when Kershaney Samuels took down a ball, drive into the box and then laid it back for the unmarked Fabio Saraiva ten yards from goal but he snatched at the chance and his shot went high and wide. The first half ended goalless.

The second half started with Merstham on the front foot. On the 50th minute there was a huge cry for a penalty when a quick corner released Tom Bird who drove into the box, it looked like Jake Gould had made contact, but Bird managed to stay on his feet and fortunately for the R’s he overhit his cross. The Merstham players chased the referee as he waved away the appeals.

Not too long later Merstham got the break through, which happened to decide the contest. A through ball was chipped forward for Dan Bennett just inside the Regent box, he then cleverly backheeled to the full back Michael Abnett who run in and slotted past James Bradbrook. 1-0

Brightlingsea tried for an equalizer, and in the 85th minute the whole ground thought they had. When a Regent free kick knocked into the box by Matt Cripps wasn't dealt with and the ball was scrambled over the goal line by Harvey Hodd. The Linesman then stuck his flag up and this was met by celebration from the Merstham Support. FT0-1

The R’s will be disappointed not to come away with a point from the game, as for a lot of the game this looked the case. We go again this Monday as we welcome our Essex Neighbours AFC Hornchuch to the Taydal Stadium where we will look to get our first home win!