Not Fazed by High Flyers !

Today was a match to see how far Meridian FC had come along since the start of the season.

The home fans from the top of the league club Phoenix Sports FC came to the fixture with the perception that this game would be a walk in the park and just needed to turn up.

These thoughts were soon to be abolished within the first five minutes as Meridian FC coming from a two match unbeaten run came out of the blocks confident, applying themselves with deserved credit along with giving out as good as they got.

The home support, team and bench atmosphere was one of concern has Meridian knew that there style and determination was going to give great concern as arguments between players and management broke out to the amusement of the travelling opposition.

Meridian with key players out and players playing out of position adjusted the best they could with credit.

Harry Stacey (normally a centre back) playing has a right back had to contend with a Phoenix Sports tricky winger as Harry found it testing to begin with but soon got to grips with the situation. This was the case all over the field with players putting a shift in and not to get overwhelmed with the high flying home team.

It was Meridian’s Darren Flaherty with intelligence up front with his movement kept the home team defence on their toes and a constant pain.

As the game continued, both sides had created chances but taking them was few and far between.

It was not till later and for all the efforts of Meridian, the weakest of goals was conceded, from a dubious free-kick decision. This followed with a lapse of concentration between the defence and goal keeper ultimately conceding to Phoenix Sports to score at the near post, 1-0.

Without doubt the pressure was on the home side as the goal released the massive pressure on the Phoenix players, fans and management.

Although conceding Meridian heads never dropped which showed a true belief, determination and desire in themselves that achieving something could be gained from the game.

The game continued in the same vein pretty much in the second half also. Changes made by Meridian as the substitutes who came on kept up the intensity on Phoenix which was a credit to them and to watch.

Meridian FC had no hesitation and knew they had to push for the equaliser, on applying this got caught out by an unforced error, which turned into a quick counter attack. The coming together between Phoenix striker and Meridian defender in the Meridian penalty box eventually went to Phoenix Sports way on the 93rd minute penalty!

Phoenix wrapped up a very difficult day 2-0 with the relief around the ground was tangible from the home supporters.

A moment of respect was paid from the home supporters with the way Meridian performed outplaying Phoenix Sports in large amounts of the game but never again will Meridian FC be taken lightly. It has to be said as one home supporter stated “best team we have played all season”.

It was a valiant attempt by all involved with Meridian FC and a very proud moment.