Match report from Dave Wilmott super sub for Jamie Spoor. Pictures by Stephen Goodger

New faces in the Lancing dugout with Jamie Hollis having been relieved of his post as Lancing manager after a poor run of results ,which gave Lancing only 4 points out of a possible 33. Former manager Martin Gander, sponsor and experienced ex player John Bailey linked up with Mr. Dependable Mark Stuart and, together, they assumed match day responsibilities, pending the selection of a new manager

Merstham came into this game on the back of a 5-0 trouncing of bottom placed Phoenix and enjoyed a comfortable position in the upper half of the table. Lancing were able to welcome back Shay Leahy, having recovered from injury, but had lost the services of Luke Robinson, who had been tempted away by Whitehawk. This allowed Noel Fisher to take up a more advanced position on the left. Harry Docherty and Shay Leahy who had proved to be a solid partnership at the centre of the Lancing back four, now had the opportunity to show what they could do in the heart of the midfield. And they combined well together.

Both sides looked to attack with the result that, despite the absence of many goals, the crowd of 230 witnessed an entertaining, competitive game. Merstham had the first shot on target, after 4 minutes, capitalising on a misplaced pass from the Lancing defence but failed to take full advantage with a shot which Alieu Secka was able to gather with ease. Lancing hit back with a superb pass from Charlie Gibson, inside Merstham’s right back, which put Ta’shae Andall-Gibbons in behind to finish with a low drive, which was cleared behind for a corner. This led to a corner on the right, delivered by the cultured left foot of Charlie Gibson, which reached Noel Fisher on the far post. Fisher’s header towards the near post was fumbled by keeper Rob Tolfrey before being scrambled clear.

Merstham got forward from this and delivered a ball into the box which had Alieu Secka stretching one hand to reach before clearing upfield. Lancing thought they had taken the lead on 10 minutes when Ta’shae Andall-Gibbons calmly planted the ball into the bottom corner, after being set up by Thomas Dickson-Peters .But rejoicing by the home supporters was short lived, as the assistant referee’s flag ruled the “goal” as offside.

Lancing looked threatening as they broke forward. Harry Docherty was a driving force and created a shooting opportunity for Thomas Dickson-Peters but Tolfrey was able to reach his well struck effort, conceding a corner. Merstham were quick on the counter attack and Lancing were fortunate when a loose ball in the box ran kindly for Charlie Gibson who was able to clear it to safety. Noel Fisher was proving to be unstoppable and another driving run finished with him hitting the ball low to the near upright resulting in another corner as the ball came off Tolfrey.

Some clever skill on the ball from Knory Scott enabled him to tee up Thomas Dickson-Peters. Peters got power into his strike on goal forcing a good save from Tolfrey .

Merstham were able to give Alieu Secka some work to do but they relied mostly on low shots from distance ,which Secka coped with without too much difficulty. A Charlie Gibson free kick just need the faintest of touches to put the ball past the keeper but it missed everyone, nestling safely in the keeper’s arms. Thomas Dickson-Peters was showing a greater willingness to aim for goal and it needed a good block from centre back Matt Drage to deny him a goal.

Play continued to go from end to end and Alieu Secka did well to reposition himself to keep out a deflected shot. Another swift counter attack by Merstham was halted by Sam Bull with a  foul earning him the first caution of the game .This was quickly followed by Bradley Wilson going into the referee’s note book for an over aggressive challenge on Charlie Gibson. Gibson was then called upon to put pressure on Aaron Jenkins forcing him into a high and wide effort on goal.

Early in the second half Alieu Secka was again tested with a low drive but, once again, was not troubled. A good spell of possession at the edge of the Merstham box ended with Knory Scott curling a superb effort on goal which struck the cross bar before being cleared .This proved to be the closest Lancing was to come to going in front. Quick thinking by Shay Matthews saw him send Harry Docherty clear on the right .Docherty hit a fierce drive which flew across the face of the goal and wide of the far upright.

Lancing had to show real discipline to keep Merstham’s powerful attackers at bay, and the back four, with an inspirational performance from Harrison Parker, held firm .

Lancing brought on Ahmed Belgarne and Casel Hylton on the 70 minute mark and, within a minute, Dean Gunner latched on to a loose ball in the box, following a corner, giving his side a lead. Further substitutions followed for Lancing ,with Lewis Lembikisa, Leon Moore and Ryan Riddles replacing Shay Matthews, Harry Docherty and Shay Leahy. Lancing continued to drive forward but could not create any clear-cut openings and, once again, suffered defeat by a single goal.

The overwhelming reaction from the Lancing supporters was that this was a much-improved performance, deserving of three points. What is needed is someone with a goal poacher’s instinct and the knack of putting the ball in the net. In terms of ability on the ball and defensive organisation and solidity there is much to applaud.

The temporary management trio can give themselves a pat on the back for getting the players to play with such spirit after a difficult week.

My own personal choice for Player of the Match (and I think many will share that view) is Harrison Parker. An outstanding performance, tackling, reading of the game, timely interventions and a good range of accurate passing.

Lancing starting XI :

Alieu Secka, Shay Matthews (Ryan Riddles 89), Charlie Gibson, Harrison Parker, Sam Bull (Capt.), Shay Leahy (Lewis Lembisika 80), Harry Docherty (Leon Moore), Thomas Dickson-Peters (Ahmed Belgarne 68), Knory Scott (Casel Hylton 69) Noel Fisher, Ta’shae Andall-Gibbons.