My First XI: Merstham FC, Craig Williams

Merstham fan Craig Williams has gone for a four-three-three formation, and is heavily reliant on the side that made the Playoff Final in 2018-19.

His squad is as follows:

Chris Haigh – these days playing National League South football for Concord Rangers. Had two spells with the Moatsiders, the last coming at the start of the 2018-19 season. Has also played for Heybridge Swifts, Maldon & Tiptree, East Grinstead and Barnet

Simon Cooper- had two spells at Moatside including in that Playoff Final side, before heading off to Kingstonian. Previously played for Carshalton Athletic, Guildford City, Chipstead and AFC Croydon Athletic

Tutu Henriques- These days Assistant Manager at the K’s, Tutu played for the Moatsiders for six seasons and is a Merstham legend. Made twenty appearances during that Playoff season.

Marc Okoye – Marc sadly had to retire from the game due to injury after realising his professional dream with Bromley. Was a big part of the Merstham side which reached the FA Cup First Round in 2017-18. Also played for Dulwich Hamlet and Braintree Town.

Michael Abnett- Another member of that Playoff side, and another who moved on to Kingstonian- although in his case he wasn’t there long. Went back to the Moatsiders, and last season played at Margate.

Alex Addai- played for Carshalton Athletic, Whitehawk and Kingstonian amongst others, before really coming to prominence at Moatside. His displays earned him a move to Cheltenham Town, and he has recently been playing on loan at Maidenhead United.

Tom Kavanagh – had four fabulous seasons at Merstham. These days playing for Kingstonian for the third time, and has also turned out for Sutton United and Dulwich Hamlet. Almost ever-present during that fine Playoff season.

Fabio Saraiva – had three spells with the Moatsiders, and also played for Woking and Maidstone United. These days- you’ll be surprised- at Kingstonian.

Tommy Hutchings -played for Leatherhead, Dorking Wanderers and Whyteleafe as well as the Moatsiders.

Calvin Ekpiteta – Calvin has previously played for Leatherhead, Aveley, East Thurrock United, Bishop's Stortford, Oxford United, Dartford and Grays Athletic- but his performances for Merstham have been electric. Five goals came in eleven games towards the end of last season, and in this campaign he has another three in nine.

Walter Figueira- scored nineteen times on that run to the Playoff Final, form which earned him a move to Ireland to play for Waterford. He has thrived in the Emerald Isle, and these days is at Derry City.

Right, let’s have your First XI! Email your squad to Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com and you’ll see it appear here.