McKillop's goal secures Moatsiders' spot in Isthmian South East play-offs

A GOAL from Seanan McKillop eight minutes from time gave Merstham a 2-2 draw against Sevenoaks Town on Easter Monday - and the point they needed to make sure of their place in the Isthmian League South East play-offs.

- By KAYLEE SECKINGTON

The stalemate at the Moatside comes after Jamie Decruz’s men beat Erith Town 3-0 away on Saturday with Korrey Henry bagging a hat-trick.

Playing twice in three days is never easy, and the game wasn't helped by a hard and bumpy pitch.

Boss Decruz rotated his squad. With Rob Tolfrey, Matt Drage and Charlie Greenwood all injured, Lee Lewis and Bradley Wilson also got a rest. Billy Oram and Finlay Johnson started in their place.

Merstham began brightly and in the third minute, Olu Lawal cut inside and fired narrowly wide. But the playing conditions quickly took their toll and much of the half was instantly forgettable.

Merstham did go in front in the 24th minute when Harry Murphy's cross eluded everyone at the near post and Henry was on hand to tap the ball home.

That goal seemed to wake both sides up and suddenly there were opportunities at both ends. Oaks right-back Kevin Diomande went on a surging run through the Moatsiders defence but fired wide.

Ryan Healy tested Town keeper Jordan Perrin with a low drive from the edge of the box and moments later Billy Oram dragged an effort wide.

Three minutes before the break, a curling 25 yarder from Sevenoaks’ Joshua Wisson, beat Sam Allen but smacked against the angle of post and bar.

Merstham's lead only lasted ten minutes into the second half.

Warren Mfala restored parity with a simple tap in after a low cross from the right.

Three minutes later Sevenoaks took the lead. A well-hit free-kick from Tom Hanfrey looped over the head of Allen and suddenly Merstham's relatively comfortable afternoon looked anything but.

But the Moatsiders couldn't create any clear-cut chances, although Dean Gunner's header hit the post with 15 minutes left.