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Merton turned in a creditable performance to grind out a good result against Staines Lammas, and so maintain third place in the league.  Merton opened well and the visitors were soon penned inside their own half.  Craig Stanley beat the keeper in a one-on-one but his clever flick lacked power and a defender managed to clear the ball off the line when Louis Barron-Pell failed to react quickly.  In any event Merton were a goal up after three minutes when Eddie Lyne put Craig Stanley away for a trademark finish.  Staines eventually responded but the found the Merton defence in dominant mood with Jonathan Kehoe et al repelling all boarders.  A corner was eventually forced by Staines and the result was terrific header that flashed inches wide of the target.  Merton then went close with a couple of efforts from Craig Stanley and Daniel Johnson, but further opportunities were in short supply.  George King and Eddie Lyne caused plenty of problems down the flanks with their clever footwork, but it was not until the 23rd minute that Merton increased their lead.  The ever-dangerous Craig Stanley outpaced a couple of defenders and beat the keeper with a scrappy goal-bound shot that was diverted firmly into the net by a defender.

The hosts pressed at the start of the second half with Jamie Streat and the powerhouse Lewis West very prominent in midfield.  Eddie Lyne and George King continued to mesmerise defenders with their quick feet, but unfortunately the final ball always found defenders rather than Craig Stanley and Daniel Johnson.  It has to be said that Staines improved greatly this half, competing very well in midfield, and proving very difficult to break down.  The half was largely a midfield tussle, but Staines made very little impact on the Merton defence, with Jack Malin and Spud Bradley solid on the flanks, and Jonathan Kehoe and Adam Marie controlling the centre. With two minutes left on the clock, Craig Stanley received the ball on the edge of the box, bamboozled a defender and then rounded the keeper at speed to bag his 21st goal of the season.  There were good performances throughout the team, but super-striker Craig Stanley shaded Lewis West and George King as man of the match.

Reporter's man of the match: Craig Stanley

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