Banyard sweats on centre-backs

A CENTRE-back is Merstham boss Graeme Banyard's priority this week ahead of a crunch fixture against Ryman South leaders Folkestone Invicta.

Craig Vernon has vowed to return to face old boss Mick Sullivan's Leatherhead on March 2.

But the injury he suffered nine days ago against Burgess Hill, combined with Tristan Frontin's one-match suspension, has given Banyard a headache.

Left-back Sam Hewitt had a fine game in the centre for the best part of last Saturday's 4-2 home defeat to Godalming, but the Moatsiders are short of options. Liam Bellamy, signed on work experience from Charlton Athletic's youth team, played at right back, but is normally a winger.

And Banyard is in no doubt about the size of the task on Saturday at the Buzzlines Stadium.

"They're a strong all round side, but they've got [former Rushden striker] Jimmy Jackson, who's got a lot of experience, and Jimmy Dryden up front.

"It will be another tough game but the lads have got to start winning a few now.

"If we play as we started against Godalming then we won't lose too many more."

He also hopes his side can draw on the experiences of games such as beating Hastings 6-1 in the FA Trophy earlier in the season.

"When we play good sides that like to get down and play I think it helps us."

Banyard wanted Merstham to get close to Godalming's Grame Purdy last Saturday and force him to play the ball backwards.

Similar tactics are likely to be adopted, while at the other end Cedric Abraham, on his debut, scored a very good goal after Banyard carried out his promise to hunt for talent in lower divisions.

While registered to Swindon Supermarine, in the Southern League, the Dulwich-based hit-man had been spotted playing Sunday football.