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Merton claimed all three points by romping to a convincing win over Hampton in Beddington Park.  In the absence of a regular goalkeeper, Jack Malin deputised in goal, but Merton's superiority was such that he needed to make only one serious save.  A strong start saw Eddie Lyne deflect a Craig Stanley shot onto the Hampton post.  Merton looked very fluent going forward and after six minutes Craig Stanley opened the scoring with a scuffed shot that went through some defenders on route to the Hampton net.  Merton continued to look dangerous at all times, but Hampton enjoyed a lot of possession and played some good passing football.  However, the Merton back four were in impressive form this week, and Hampton could not find a way through to trouble the Merton keeper. After 22 minutes Jamie Streat increased Merton's lead with a very well-placed shot through a crowded penalty area. Hampton then went close with a strong shot that flew past the post, and then had the ball in the net but the goal was disallowed for offside. As half-time beckoned Hampton were put back on the rack and Jamie Streat eventually scored with an unstoppable long range shot into the bottom far corner of the net.

On resuming Hampton started well enough as Jack Malin had to come quickly off his line to clear the ball, and next Hampton nearly scored with a shot that flew inches over the bar. However, two minutes into the restart, Hampton's hopes of a respectable scoreline evaporated when Daniel Johnson fired in the fourth with a superb finish after the Hampton defence was shredded by a good move. Merton continued to dominate as their midfield carved out a large number chances. These, however, went begging due to scuffed and/or sliced shots in or around the penalty area. Merton were in complete control and Jamie Streat capped another impressive performance by completing his hat-trick by scoring with an accurate ground shot. Hampton rallied somewhat but sound defending by Lewis West et al restricted the visitors largely to hopeful long range efforts. Hampton then somehow survived an almighty goalmouth scramble, but soon conceded a sixth goal. Four minutes from time Craig Stanley ran onto a searching through ball and held off a very strong challenge before making no mistake with a good finish.

Reporter's man of the match: Jamie Streat

Team: Jack Malin; Adam Marie, Jonathan Kehoe, Lewis West, Spud Bradley; George King, Jamie Streat, Daniel Johnson, Eddie Lyne; Craig Stanley, Louis Barron-Pell. Sub: Billy Kelly.