Forton Rangers 0 -2 Merriott Rovers
Forton kicked off the 2016/2017 season with a home fixture against a strong Merriott side.
Kicking up the hill in the pouring rain, Forton soon found themselves under pressure as Merriott started brightly.
A number of balls over the top saw the Merriott strikers flagged offside as the back four kept a good line.
Merriott were quick down both flanks & Forton took a while to get going.
Merriott took the lead after 15 minutes when the midfilder picked the ball up 25 yards from goal & hit a shot that would normally land in the clubhouse, however, on this occasion it found the top corner!! 1-0 Merriott.
Forton grew into the game. The strong presence of Robbie Walker hassled the Merriott backline while Wayne Long on the right, was causing the fullback problems.
A number of crosses came to nothing & one from the left from Craig Studley evaded everyone across the 6 yard box & Long was unable to convert at the back post.
The resulting corner fell to Dave "Doris" Harris who's effort hit the post. The rebound fell to Russell Gage 4 yards out for an easy tap in but the Merriott keeper pulled off a great save.
The ball then fell at the feet of Elliott Richards whos effort nearly went out for a throw!!
Half time 1-0 Merriott.
After an inspirational team talk from Dave Ellis & a cup of orange, Forton kicked off the second half knowing there was something in this game for them.
Merriott were under pressure for long periods of this half.
The Forton lads were pressing for that equaliser with Long still pressing down the right.
Following some good play on the right, Forton were awarded a free kick. A great delivery was headed goalwards by Dave Harris and was flying into the far corner. Out of nowhere Merriotts 4foot winger jumped to clear the ball off the line & away for a corner.
The resulting corner was again headed goalwards by Harris & again it was cleared off the line.
Forton continued to press & a Robbie Walker header flew just wide following a great cross from Jake Board.
It was going to be one of those days!!
Wayne Long introduced himself to the Merriott sub by taking him out across the shins, earning himself a yellow card.
Against the run of play, Merriott broke away & goalkeeper Adam Smith dragged down the striker on the edge of the box. A yellow card followed.
The freekick hit Lee Richardson in the wall but the rebound dropped kindly for the Merriott player who drilled a shot against the post.
Forton bombed forward & a header from Lee Richardson missed by a matter of inches.
With a few minutes to go, a Forton attack broke down & the ball was lumped towards the halfway line. Elliott Richards was underneath it but slipped at the last minute.
The Merriott striker ran on to the loose ball & rounded Adam Smith in the Forton goal to wrap up the 3 points.
It was a dissapointing end for Forton who on another day could of won by 3 or 4.
Words from the Gaffer - Dave Ellis
"Well done everyone. It was a good game of football in shit conditions. Any other day with a little luck we would have been looking at 3 points."
"Move on to the next one, the only way is up"
