As FA Cup qualifying starts this week, I thought I'd review a previous FA Cup visit to sunny Surrey. Mertsham had been promoted from the Combined Counties League the previous season and Thamesmead had themselves just been promoted from the Kent League. Both clubs had made a steady start to their début seasons in the Ryman League.
The clubhouse itself was located outside the ground and was spacious and had sky sports. The ground had a prefab stand of seating that is becoming increasingly common at grounds at this level.
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| The seating at Mertsham's Moatside ground and the changing rooms. |
There was covered terracing at both ends of the ground. One end was simple corrugated iron cover and the other end was a simple brick structures.
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| Terracing at one end of the ground. |
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| Goalmouth action in front of the covered terracing at the other end of the ground. |
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Mertsham dominated for most of the first half, but Thamesmead took the lead against the run of play. Mertsham continued their domination in the second half but it was late in the game before they go their deserved equaliser. As far as I can remember Mertsham won the replay, I'll have to double check that!
Trains to Mertsham depart London Victoria on a regular basis, the journey taking around half an hour. The ground is approximately 20 minute steady walk from the station. The town itself is a leafy Surrey commuter town. However, the town hit the headlines when residents sent up their vigilante gang. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1132128/Pictured-The-machete-wielding-vigilantes-patrolling-stockbroker-belt-village.html) Despite this the town is pleasent and you can walk the streets in confidence!
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