Merley FC hosted Child Okeford at Merley FC Mens on 27 September 2025, kicking off at 3:00pm in a crucial league fixture. The home side emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline after a competitive 90 minutes of football plus added time.
Merley FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying a balanced structure designed to control midfield and provide width in attack. The back four consisted of Ryan Trevett at right-back, Ryan Vaughan and Sam Payne as central defenders, and Brandon Hay on the left. In midfield, Ciaran Tuley and Callum Gilbert operated as the two central midfielders tasked with both defensive cover and distribution. Ahead of them, Jonty Hughes took up the right attacking midfield role, jole Davidson played centrally behind the striker, and Lewis Rose occupied the left attacking midfield position. Leading the line was Octavian Sandu as the lone striker, expected to spearhead attacks and convert chances. No substitutes were named for this fixture.
The first half saw Merley FC assert themselves with a disciplined defensive shape and purposeful forward play. The defensive unit, marshalled by Vaughan and Payne, kept Child Okeford’s attacks at bay, while Trevett and Hay provided support on the flanks. The midfield duo of Tuley and Gilbert worked tirelessly to break up play and recycle possession, allowing the attacking trio to link up effectively.
Child Okeford struggled to penetrate the home side’s well-organised defence during the opening 45 minutes. Merley’s attacking midfielders, particularly Davidson and Rose, sought to create openings through quick interchanges and clever movement. Sandu’s presence up front demanded constant attention from the opposition defenders, creating space for his teammates.
At half-time, the scoreline remained poised, with Merley FC holding a slender advantage. The break offered both teams a chance to regroup and adjust tactics for the second period.
The second half witnessed Merley FC capitalising on their early dominance. Their cohesive team play and tactical discipline paid dividends as they extended their lead. The midfielders pressed higher up the pitch to disrupt Child Okeford’s rhythm.
Merley’s attacking midfielders continued to shine, with Hughes and Rose exploiting the wide areas and Davidson orchestrating play centrally. Sandu remained a constant threat, using his strength and movement to unsettle the Child Okeford defence.
Despite Child Okeford pulling a goal back, Merley FC’s resilience and attacking quality ensured they maintained control and secured a comprehensive 3-1 victory. The home side’s tactical setup and individual performances combined to produce a dominant display that delighted the home supporters.
Overall, Merley FC’s 4-2-3-1 formation proved effective both defensively and offensively, with key contributions across the pitch. The disciplined backline, industrious midfield, and creative attacking trio supported by a clinical striker delivered a memorable league win at Merley FC Mens.
