Merton were comprehensively beaten and dumped out of the Surrey AFA cup on what was a desperately disappointing day away at Woking. We never really started and most surprisingly never really showed the battle or steel that has been the backbone to or performances in recent years. Woking were bright and quickest to most second balls in the opening 20 minutes and it was no surprise that they took the lead after we failed to deal with a direct run and cross from the left and the simplest of headers giving Sherbs no chance at the near post. One should have been two when their number 7 didn’t make the most of some belated Christmas kindness from Browner 25 yards from goal after he’d been gifted the ball. With our midfield three failing to get any foothold in the game and looking distinctly Clappers read the riot act and demanded that at least the basics were taken care of. Unfortunately they weren’t and within 10minutes of the restart their number 7 got in behind the back four and had all the time in the world to slot past Sherbs. The introduction of Ivan down the right gave some much needed impetus and his direct running created a couple of chances, most notably for Jason who could only hit his shot straight at the keeper. Tom Rees was also unlucky to see his shot deflected over the bar. Their third and fourth goals followed soon after – the fourth an excellent curling effort into the far corner. We pushed for a consolation in the last 15 minutes, but their keeper didn’t have much to worry about. It was was a very bad day of the office but we move on and focus back on the league where we have 13 games left to play in what will be a busy few months. Old Wokingians were a young and lively side who will go in to the semis with confidence. It is a shame that we didn’t give them more of an examination.

MOM:

Written by:James Tilley

Posted in Match Reports 1s