Tooting On Road To Wembley After Beating Merstham
- Official TMUFC
- Sep 4, 2017
- 2 min read
Tooting ensured a safe passage into the second qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup this afternoon thanks to a solid and efficient performance against fellow Bostik Premier League side Merstham.
There were debuts for new signings, goalkeeper Joe Tupper who started in place of the injured Kyle Merson and striker Omar Folkes who came on as a second half substitute. There was also a first call up to the senior squad for U18s skipper and centre back, Eric Mbangui.
After a cagey opening 25 minutes or so where neither side wanted to give too much away, Tooting gradually began to take control of the game. It was debutant Joe Tupper however who was the first ‘keeper brought into serious action after Tooting lost possession on their left hand side. The ball was sent across to the unmarked Ryan Hall on the edge of the 6 yard box however his side footed effort was kept out by Tupper, throwing himself down smartly to his right. The Terrors went in front on 42 minutes following some good build up play. The ball came to Chace O’Neill on the edge of the box who flicked the ball up before gently volleying it into the bottom right hand corner of Chris Haigh’s net.
Tooting continued the second half as they had left off the first; defending solidly and looking to push forward with swift passing football whenever they could. Despite continuing to control affairs, it took the Terrors until the 81st minute before they finally sealed victory with their second goal. Dan Clements picked the ball up on the edge of the box from a corner on the right and drilled the ball across the face of the goal. Omar Folkes tried but was unable to get on the end of it, as did Callum Mcaughton, however as the ball ran out across the 6 yard box it was picked up by Jake Baxter who picked up the ball and shot, finally putting the game beyond the reach of Merstham.
Photo credit: Sam Conquest