Ryman League Division One South

Horsham YMCA 0

Merstham 0

Merstham picked up their third successful point after a goalless encounter against Horsham YMCA.

Both sides had opportunities to snatch victory but lacked composure in front of goal as the match went from end-to-end.

Horsham's Tom Lawley came closest to scoring in the second half but crashed his effort against the bar.

Merstham were always going to find it difficult against a side that had not lost at home since December but after 25 minutes James Hancock's ball over the top found Wes Goggin who timed his run to perfection to beat the offside trap.

The midfielder burst into the box and fired a low shot at goal but Anthony Di Bernardo was equal to his effort as the keeper saved with his legs.

Moments later, Gavin Gordon skied Anthony Myers' cross over the bar after the Merstham striker was left unmarked 10 yards from goal.

Goggin got in-behind Horsham's defence again on 35 minutes and pulled the ball back for Adrian Stone, but Di Bernando superbly rushed out of goal to deny the striker from point-blank range.

Just before the interval Dale Marvell's free-kick curled inches over the far corner to leave the visitors wondering how they were not ahead after four glorious chances.

Merstham were again denied moments after the break as Stone flicked his effort wide with the goal at his mercy.

Lawley hit the crossbar on 54 minutes bypassing Hancock on the outside to hit a thunderous shot from the edge of the area but the defender made up for his mistake moments later as he headed the ball off the line to keep the scores level.

Merstham almost rued their missed chances in injury time as with the last kick Horsham substitute John Westcott fired a low shot just wide.

Merstham: Chatfield, Hancock, Myers, Duke, Vernon, Moriarty, Ferguson, Goggin, Stone (Marshall), Gordon (Savage), Marvell (Smith). Unused Subs: Sam Hewitt, Dave Tidy (GK)