Macpherson named six changes to the side that narrowly lost at Tiverton a few days prior, with Archie Taylor, Conor Lee, Mason Galloway, Jasper Mather, Herson Alves, as well as new signing Matthew Hall coming into the starting eleven for this Surrey Senior Cup tie.

The Met started brightly from the off, looking particularly promising from a number of dead-ball situations: Alves saw a free-kick on the edge of the area comfortably saved by Sonny Wheeler, before Hall saw two headed efforts cleared off the line in quick succession. With Tom Read expertly winning back the ball high up the pitch on numerous occasions throughout the first half, the Blues were able to put pressure on the Westfield backline, with one speculative effort from the striker whistling just over the bar as he attempted to lob Wheeler.

A couple of nervy moments at the back almost cost Macpherson’s side in the first half, with the hosts unable to fully capitalise on these errors however to truly test Liam Beach in the Blues goal. A darting run by Archie Taylor, who was able to subsequently place the ball into the feet of Mather who shot straight into the arms of Wheeler, proved to be the last notable Met chance of the half, as the two sides headed into the break level.

As the game got back underway for the second half, neither side were able to create a clear sight of goal, with the Met looking most dangerous on the break, though lacking a killer instinct as they entered the Westfield penalty area.

It was a Met substitution in the 68th minute that proved to be decisive, as Richard Afrane-Kesey took to the field following a lengthy spell out on the sideline. A couple of minutes later, the winger picked up the ball twenty-five yards out from goal, before unleashing a venomous strike that arrowed into the top corner to pull his side in front. He was not done there however, as in the 78th minute the winger was able to double his tally, firing into the bottom corner from close range with his weaker foot to give his side a two-goal advantage.

A fine solo run and finish by striker Jasper Mather in the 90th minute subsequently capped off a fine second-half performance from Macpherson’s Met, ensuring it was their name in the hat for the next round of the Surrey Senior Cup.

Match Report by Alex Gardner

Match preview

Match details

Match date

Kickoff