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Man of the Match: Pico Gomez
Report by Gary Weir
Two second half goals from Merstham's Aaron Rhule was the difference between the two sides as a highly spirited, serious and enthusiastic Casuals side was pipped at the post by a formidable Merstham side.
Corinth went into the game unbeaten in the last three matches and with a host of new signings by manager Kim Harris there seems to be momentum and much optimism despite the present league standing. Although the away side took the lead against the run of play on 36 minutes through an extremely soft penalty, the Casuals came out the second half even more determined to peg one back. On 56 minutes, Casuals drew level. A neatly placed low right footed shot inside the penlaty area by Pico Gomez went beyond the keeper into bottom left hand corner, this coming after after skillful combination play down the left channel between Hodges and Byatt.
The match was even until Aaron Rule slotted home two attempts on goal within 13 minutes. The first coming on 71 minutes after a counter attack move just moments after Pico Gomez stunned the Merstham goalkeeper with a thunderous free kick from 30 yards out. Shortly after the chocolate and pink outfit also had a ball cross the line when Hodges latched onto a loose ball in the box but the referee's decision was final and no goal was awarded.
The final whistle brought much delight to the faces of the away support as it was clearly evident they had to come to King George's and met a side capable of taking points from anyone. The current low league position is clearly deceiving and with Tuesday's match away to relegation battlers Walton & Hersham there is another good opportunity to get some points on the board.
Come on the Casuals!