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Merton fielded a full-strength side but lost their 100% league record as the defence turned in a nightmare first-half performance in Esher.  After only 5 minutes Merton were a goal down when following a corner, a great cross was driven back in and allowed to reach the goal line where an attempted clearance by Jamie Streat only helped the ball on its way into the net.  Three minutes later Rangers increased their lead when another dangerous corner was not dealt with by the defence, and under pressure Jamie Streat headed the ball into his own net.  Surrey Rangers played with determination and passion, and Merton seemed unable to meet this challenge.  The Merton midfield lacked the steel to deal with a physical side, and consequently the Merton strikers were starved of service.  After 15 minutes it was all over when the hosts were gifted a third goal after a mistake by Adam Marie let in a forward for an easy finish.  Merton continued to struggle in midfield, although Jamie Streat was prominent and gave 100% effort.  Five minutes before the break Rangers scored again when another corner created mayhem in the Merton goalmouth.  The ball ran loose to an unmarked opponent on the edge of the area who had plenty of time to pick his spot and score with an excellent shot.

After the break a re-organised Merton were much more competitive, and they dominated the opening ten minutes.  Louis Barron-Pell and Lewis West moved into midfield, Daniel Johnson went up front, and Jack Malin and Billy Kelly went into defence.  Merton pressed forward inspired by Jamie Streat, and Craig Stanley tested the keeper with a ground shot.  The home defence conceded a penalty on 40 minutes for a blatant push, and Jamie Streat cracked the spot kick into the top corner of the net.  Merton were having a much better second half and scored again five minutes later when Craig Stanley was put through to score with a scuffed shot.  Rangers then went close with two long-range shots that brought two great saves out of Warren McCourt.  The game was now evenly matched, but Rangers completed the scoring five minutes from the end.  The referee harshly awarded a free-kick against Jonathan Kehoe on the Merton right flank.  The resulting free kick was beaten out by Warren McCourt, but a forward followed up to loop an header over the stranded keeper and into the unguarded net.

Reporter's man of the match: Jamie Streat.

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