Merley FC Secure 2-0 Victory Over Bournemouth Electric A

Merley FC welcomed Bournemouth Electric A to Merley FC Mens on 20 September 2025 for a 3:00pm kick-off in a league fixture that ended in a 2-0 triumph for the home side. The match lasted the standard 90 minutes plus added time, with Merley FC asserting control throughout to claim all three points.

Merley FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Jonty Hughes in goal to marshal the defence. The back four consisted of Ryan Trevett at right back, central defenders Jason Thorne and Caelan Spooner, and Brandon Hay operating on the left flank. In midfield, Ciaran Tuley and Callum Gilbert formed a double pivot tasked with both shielding the defence and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, the attacking trio featured Jack Mantle on the right wing, Lewis Rose centrally as the attacking midfielder, and Ryan Vaughan on the left wing. Leading the line was striker Octavian Sandu, expected to be the focal point of Merley’s offensive efforts. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

The first half saw Merley FC impose their rhythm, with the midfield duo Tuley and Gilbert working tirelessly to disrupt Bournemouth Electric A’s play and recycle possession efficiently. The wide attacking midfielders Mantle and Vaughan provided width and pace, while Rose looked to link midfield and attack with incisive passes. Sandu remained a constant threat up front, holding the ball up and looking for openings.

The second half brought a change in tempo as Merley FC began to sit deeper and allow Bournemouth Electric to play.

Throughout the match, Merley’s shape and discipline were evident, with the full-back Hay balancing his defensive duties with support for the attack. Central defenders Thorne and Spooner were commanding in the air and on the ground, ensuring Bournemouth Electric A’s forwards found little space. The midfield pairing’s work rate allowed Merley to control possession and dictate play for large parts of the first half.

In attack, the creative trio of Mantle, Rose, and Vaughan combined effectively to supply Sandu, whose movement and finishing proved decisive. The home side’s ability to maintain structure while pressing forward was key to their success.

Ultimately, Merley FC’s 2-0 win was a testament to their tactical discipline and clinical execution in the final third. Bournemouth Electric A were unable to break down a well-organised defence and struggled to create meaningful chances. The victory keeps Merley FC in strong stead within the league as they look ahead to their next fixture.