Two goals in four minutes put Sevenoaks Town through to the Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round and a home tie against Isthmian League Premier Division side Kingstonian.
This Preliminary Round replay produced an entertaining tie in front of a near 400 midweek crowd at The Bourne Stadium.
Dami Olorunnisomo had Oaks first chance of the night after only two minutes, foiled by visiting keeper Joe Ringer who was to prove Merstham’s Man of the Match – standing between them and a heavier defeat.
Daniel Hector stabbed wide, then Ryan Gondoh’s strike was deflected for a corner the opening 20 minutes.
Oaks new signing opened things up to the for Yahya Bamba to put Oaks in front score 11 minutes before half-time.
Olorunnisomo made it 2-0 soon afterwards getting in on the end of Bradley Wilson’s free-kick to earn Oaks good base to build from – as they headed to the dressing room at the break.
They started the second half at pace on the Lesley Duru, close to his second goal of the tie, seeing his effort bounce off a defender for a corner.
Gondoh’s effort was blocked by Ringer – Freddie Parker putting the rebound wide.
He also kept out Dan Hector, Gondoh, Manny Mensah and Olorunnisomo in a fine second half display.
Merstham missed several chances themselves – Charlie Alexiou having the best of them, stabbing wide of the far post following a deep cross from the left.
Oaks substitute Omari Hibbert headed over the bar from Wilson’s free-kick as the clock ticked down.
Sevenoaks will now face a home tie against Isthmian Premier Division side Kingstonian on Saturday 3rd September.
Sevenoaks Town: Tyler McCarthy, Dami Ollorunnisomo, Lesley Duru, Emmanuel Mensah, Matthew Weaire, Corey Holder, Ryan Gondoh (Omarr Lawson 62 mins), Bradley Wilson, Freddie Parker (Omari Hibbert (67 mins), Daniel Hector (Sam Johnson (72 mins.
The Sevenoaks Town FC Man of the Match, sponsored by Sevenoaks Sport & Wellbeing was Dami Olorunnisomo, pictured below with Editor Steve Rowley.
