Ryman League Division One South

Merstham 4

Ramsgate 2

GAVIN Gordon scored twice and set up another as Merstham earned a first home win in nearly four months.

The result gave boss Graeme Banyard renewed hope of a play-off place - or at least a top eight finish.

Gordon put the hosts ahead from close range before Tom Tsangarides levelled in controversial style, while defender Sam Hewitt was lying on the ground with a head injury.

Merstham responded immediately through Billy Marshall and Neil Lampton extended the advantage midway through the second half.

A Gary Mickelborough strike set up a tense final 20 minutes before Gordon secured the points in injury time.

Merstham started the game positively for a team who have only won once this year.

Gordon headed a Hewitt long throw over within the first 60 seconds and Marshall's overhead kick on 16 minutes deflected just over the bar.

Ramsgate's Gary Lockyer should have put the visitors ahead after 20 minutes but he dragged a low shot just wide of the far post from a long throw and a minute later the striker found himself through on goal but fired straight at Ian Chatfield.

Merstham led on 30 minutes . Marshall's dangerous ball bobbled around the box and allowed Gordon to nip in between the centre-backs and head home from six yards.

In the 54th minute, Hewitt collided accidently with Mickelborough and fell to the ground on the halfway line holding his head.

The referee ignored appeals to stop play and Tsangarides found acres of space inside the area to slot home.

The players surrounded the referee but the goal stood and Hewitt had to leave the field injured.

Merstham, with 10 men, regained the lead less than three minutes later. Lampton clipped a long ball forward towards Marshall and the striker turned his marker and fired a low volley under Sam Mott.

Marshall inspired Merstham's determination with his hunger to chase long balls. His efforts led to a corner for the third goal on 63 minutes. Marvell's corner found Lampton unmarked at the back post and he struck a fierce shot through a crowd of players.

Mickelborough gave the visitors a lifeline when the Ramsgate striker managed to beat Craig Vernon and unleash a powerful effort past Chatfield.

When Mickelborough went through on 80 minutes supporters feared the worst, but Chatfield saved superbly.

Ramsgate were awarded a free-kick in the second minute of injury time and keeper Mott was sent upfield.

Wes Goggin cleared the danger and Marvell's killer pass allowed Gordon to seal victory by rolling the ball into an empty net from 30 yards.

Merstham: Chatfield, Hancock, Moriarty, Hewitt (Hughes), Vernon, Lampton, Smith (Males), Goggin, Marshall, Gordon, Marvell. Unused Subs: Frontin, Myers, Williams.