Debutant Davey scores as Blues leave with 3 points

Following on from their defeat at home by bottom club Binfield, Met knew there would need to be an improvement as they faced high flying Southall for whom victory would put them top of the division.

Met introduced new signing Ryan Davey and made a number of other changes following the Binfield defeat. As expected Southall we’re on the front foot right from the start with Met defending resolutely instanced by a goal saving header off the line by Ben Mendoza after 7 minutes. But Met gradually forced their way into the game which became more even.
Then on 27 minutes following a corner only partially cleared by Southall the ball was played high and deep to the back post where debutant Davey steered a header high into the opposite corner of the goal for 1-0. The response from Southall was immediate but Met were playing with confidence on the counter attack. Then on 36 minutes Met inexplicably undid themselves with a series of back passes which under hard pressing from Southall resulted in the ball changing hands and despite a desperate last minute tackle Matthew directed a shot across Beach in the Met goal and into the far corner for an equaliser.

The second half continued with the same pattern of fast open play and little between the sides. Then on 62 minutes Alex Body picked up a clearance, still in his own half , set off on a driving run at the centre of the Southall defence before playing the ball out to the left for substitute Jamal Sharpe to continue the run centre the ball where Body finished magnificently with a header to put Met in front. Both sides had further chances to add to the score but saves from both keepers and a notable clearance by Laurence Ernest following a shot parried by Beach ensured the Met had both a needy but deserved win.