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A makeshift Merton side crashed to defeat in this vital promotion tussle. Hook were clearly the better side, but this was not surprising considering Merton had a goalkeeper playing in midfield and all three strikers were missing. Nevertheless, Merton turned in a truly dreadful performance with several key players vanishing without trace on the vast pitch. Merton actually dominated the first ten minutes, but failed to test the keeper because they lacked any physical presence up front. Nicholas Holley created two good chances for George King but he was easily muscled off the ball, and then two chances fell to Warren McCourt but he reacted too slowly and Hook escaped without much trouble. Nicholas Holley continued to impress, but he had little support as the rest of the midfield struggled on the vast pitch. Hook eventually came into the game and were gifted a soft goal on 15 minutes. A long ball over the top unleashed the quick Hook forward, but the Merton keeper was far too slow off his line, and the Hook striker netted at the second attempt after his initial shot was blocked by the keeper. After this Hook grew in confidence, but they failed to create any real scoring situations despite forcing several corners. The Merton defence held firm, but with the exception of Spud Bradley the rest of defence seemed incapable of making a decent clearance and repeatedly gave away possession. Meanwhile Merton died a death as an attacking force.

The second half opened with the hosts dominating possession, but they were unable to create anything. Merton always seemed second to the ball, and still gave away possession either by aimless distribution or dwelling on the ball. After 35 minutes Hook finally created a good opportunity, but a forward shot narrowly wide from a good position. Jamie Streat then headed a shot off the line with the keeper nowhere. The second Hook goal arrived on 40 minutes when after a free kick, an unmarked forward headed home unchallenged from just outside the goal area. After this purple patch, the game degenerated into a dour midfield battle with Merton always coming off second best. Nicholas Holley remained our best player, but seemed to fade as the half progressed due to insufficient support. The Merton defence held firm with Billy Kelly and Spud Bradley breaking up several attacks down the flanks, and Adam Marie and Jonathan Kehoe struggling somewhat in the centre. Seven minutes from time Billy Kelly was felled by an ugly challenge, and play was held up for several minutes. Merton finally made a fight of it in the last few minutes, and George King and Nicholas Holley both had half chances. The game finished, however, with Merton reserves pointless and promotion looking unlikely.

Reporter's man of the match: Nicholas Holley.

Team: Sam Durban; Billy Kelly, Adam Marie, Lewis West, Spud Bradley; Warren McCourt, Jonathan Kehoe, Jamie Streat, Nicholas Holley; George King, Daniel Johnson.