Chipstead 0
Merstham 2

Merstham kicked off their Easter programme with an away win at local rivals Chipstead which keeps their title hopes alive.

The visitors were forced to shuffle the pack, with keeper John McBride out because of a broken finger, giving the recently returned Colin Harris a start betwen the sticks.

Injuries to Rob Hill, Gary Donovan, Luke Roberts and Tommy Ellis made way for Joe Hill, Craig Vernon and a welcome start for Russell Bedford who has not played since breaking a leg at Ash United in September.

Chipstead, who had only lost one game in their last 12 outings, had Merstham's full attention.

They had certainly done their homework, mentally teasing and going down a little too easy in front of striker Meshach Nugent forcing the referee Andy Connor to act.

Merstham failed to let Chipstead affect their game and took the lead after just four minutes.

A sloppy free-kick by a Chips defender fell to Craig Phelps at the far post who calmly slotted home to make it 1-0.

As the game went on, scraps worsened with both sides at fault. But Merstham did manage to get their heads back down and play some football before half time.

Russ Morgan had a great header cleared by keeper Michael Lidbury before a Chips corner forced Harris to punch clear.

After the interval Merstham continued their dominance and played the neater football. Their dominance was finally rewarded 10 minutes into the half.

Jamel Carr's powerful cross was met by Phelps at the back post and he made no mistake doubling his side's lead.

Chipstead had their best chance to respond when Kofi Quarty forced keeper Harris to palm wide from only two yards out.

Merstham held on to their 22nd clean sheet in the league and secured another three points.

Mole Valley Predators 0
Merstham 1Merstham bagged another important three points last Tuesday with a battling victory over Mole Valley Predators.

The hosts started in dominant mood and Merstham keeper John McBride kept the Predators out with a string of early saves.

It remained 0-0 at the break, but Merstham claimed the three points four minutes from time when Meshach Nugent grabbed the winner.