If it was not for the fact that we were playing against 8 men, I probably would have fainted.  We scored first.   Ryan Polley's darting run down the wing left the defender standing.  He produced a good cross that Andy Bitmead Jnr headed in.  A good start for once. Merton put up a good fight and almost scored 5 minutes later but were stopped by Nigel with a great double save.  As two other players turned up we were treating this game like a walk in the park and should have finished this game off early doors.  Now against 10 we plugged away but couldn't find the net. Half time only 1-0 up and Merton seemed to be more up for this game than us!  

We started the second half by passing the ball quite well considering the bumps in the park pitch.  Michael Simpson worried their defence with some long throw ins that were more like corner kicks and Dan Lawler was bossing the game from the middle of the park with some outstanding tackles. With 25 minutes to go Andy Bitmead Jnr got on the end of a long goal kick and somehow managed to walk the ball in the net after scuffing at the ball a few times. (I think we counted 5 shots then he gave up and walked it in).  

The goals kept coming with Fatyaan scoring a tap in and Dan Lawler let one go on the volley from 35 yards to watch a blinded by the sun goalkeeper see the net ripple.  Andy completed his hat-trick with a great lob to make it 5-0.  He was subbed straight away to save his legs for next week by myself.  

A good cup performance and a good ref.  Thanks to all that took part. My only little moan of the match is for Ryan Polley who is guilty of not passing when team-mates are in a golden scoring position. You know what I'm talking about!  Blinded by the sun or not, PASS. 

Although Andy got a hat-trick it would be a sin to take man of the match away from Dan Lawler.  Great performance and a superb goal to boot. Splitting hairs between them!.