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Merton recorded an emphatic 6-0 victory in Cheam, as the Vultures were swept aside in a local derby marred by misconduct by home spectators. The hosts were a goal down inside the first minute when goal-machine Craig Stanley accelerated into open country and then rounded the keeper before netting. The visitors looked very strong and the Vultures came under seige as Merton came at them in rushes. Eddie Lyne, Craig Stanley and Jamie Streat all looked particularly dangerous, and the Vultures escaped when a Jamie Streat header was cleared off the line. Any Vulture counterattacks were soaked up by an impressive Merton defence in which Lewis West was outstanding throughout. Jack Malin looked very strong in the tackle, and there was some neat passing from Daniel Johnson. The second goal eventually came on 12 minutes when the hosts were unable to deal with a thrust down the middle, and Louis Barron-Pell was able to fire home from inside the area. Craig Stanley then had a goal disallowed for offside as the Vultures reeled under the constant pressure. The Vultures improved marginally and were able to force a few corners, but Warren McCourt was never really tested. The ball was soon back down the other end, and Craig Stanley had the ball in the net yet again, but the goal was disallowed for an earlier infingement. Thereafter the Vultures managed to hold Merton back and were able to mount several attacks, but the Merton defence held firm.

Less than a minute into the restart Merton scored their third goal. A deadly through ball from Daniel Johnson unleashed Craig Stanley, who was away and around the keeper, and with the ball in the net, before the Vultures could react. The Vultures pushed forward to try and salvage something, but were denied twice as first Warren McCourt saved well from a free-kick, and then Jonathan Kehoe made an outstanding clearance off the line. Merton then looked dangerous at all times, and after 37 minutes the Vultures keeper was unable to hold a high shot near the edge of his area, and Jack Malin was on hand to execute a good finish with a tricky shot into the unguarded net. Five minutes later a 'golden-vision' through ball from Daniel Johnson had Craig Stanley rapidly converging on the Vultures goal to seal his hat trick. A minute latter Craig Stanley hit the angle of the goal with a terrific long-range shot that several present thought went through the net. Merton were now in complete control and extended their lead nine minutes from time when Eddie Lyne fired home a very good shot through the disorganised home defence. There was still time for Craig Stanley to find the net yet again and so record a hat trick of disallowed goals, this time for offside. This was an outstanding team performance with every player a contender for man of the match.

Reporters man of the match: Lewis West

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