Salvation for Rovers and Moatsiders

Merstham have had two seasons of agony, but perhaps they’ll soon be looking back at today as a turning point after salvaging their Isthmian future with play off victory over Egham Town.

The Sarnies, who left us in 2019, got a final shot at promotion after finishing second in Combined Counties Premier North. They travelled to Moatside in good form, but in the end couldn’t keep pace with their hosts, despite a good start. The visitors went ahead on seventeen minutes, Excellence Muhemba with the opening goal, but Merstham equalised just before the break- Aaron Goode delighting most of the six hundred and fifty two present- and went ahead just after the hour, Adam Adam proving that he was so good they named him twice. Eight minutes from time Adam struck again, and the celebrations began.

Sutton Common Rovers ended the campaign in fine form, losing only two of their last ten, and were too strong for Crawley Down Gatwick.

It is nine years since Down last graced our ranks, and they’ll have to wait at least another twelve months after their hosts eased to victory. Conan Torpey put Rovers ahead just before the break, and Tyler Cox made quite sure with a second three minutes from time. One hundred and sixty four watched that one.

Congratulations to the Moatsiders and Rovers, and here’s to a better 2023-24.

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