Merley FC Secure 3-1 Victory Over Dorchester United At Home

Merley FC welcomed Dorchester United to their home ground on 22 November 2025, with kick-off at 2:00pm in a crucial league fixture. The hosts emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline after a competitive 90 minutes plus added time, securing three valuable points in front of their home supporters.

Merley FC set up in a classic 4-4-2 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking threat. Caelan Spooner took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, protected by a back four comprising Jonty Hughes at right back, Ryan Trevett and Sam Payne as central defenders, and Brandon Hay operating on the left side of defence. The midfield line featured Lewis Rose on the right wing, Jack Mantle on the left, with Ciaran Tuley and Callum Gilbert occupying the central midfield roles. Up front, Merley deployed Matt Rowe on the right and Octavian Sandu on the left as their striking partnership. This setup was designed to provide width from the midfield flanks while maintaining a strong defensive core and two forwards to press the opposition defence.

No substitutes were named for this fixture, meaning Merley FC relied on their starting eleven throughout the match.

The first half unfolded with Merley’s midfield quartet beginning to assert control as the game progressed. Jack Mantle, operating on the left wing, was particularly influential, driving forward with pace and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. The home side’s defensive line remained disciplined, with Ryan Trevett and Sam Payne effectively neutralising Dorchester United’s attacking threats.

The first half saw Merley dominate possession and control of the game. The half ended with Lewis Rose slotting home the first goal for the home side.

The second half saw Merley FC raise their intensity and begin to dominate possession on an ever degrading pitch due to the continued rain. Their wide midfielders, Rose, Mantle and Brandon stretched the Dorchester defence, creating space for the forwards, linking up with the midfield to carve out chances.

Merley continued to press for a second goal. Their defensive unit remained solid, thwarting Dorchester’s attempts to equalise.

Dorchester United managed to pull one back, testing Caelan Spooner with a goal line scramble, The hosts responded swiftly through the dominating midfield due or Gilbert and Tuley restoring their two-goal advantage with a clinical finish from one of their forwards.

In the closing stages, Merley FC sealed the victory with a third goal, confirming their dominance and ensuring all three points stayed at home. The team’s organisation and tactical discipline were evident throughout, with every player contributing to the win.

Lewis Rose was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance on the right wing, consistently threatening the opposition defence and providing key passes that unlocked Dorchester United’s backline.

Overall, Merley FC’s 4-4-2 formation and collective effort proved decisive in overcoming Dorchester United 3-1 in this league encounter, marking an important step forward in their campaign.