Metcalf stunner helps Rebels end torrid run

Rebels had lost their last five in all competitions and were suffering from a self-admitted confidence lull, but Metcalf’s stunning overhead showed no such thing as he set them on their way to their second league win of the season.

Rebels boss Chris White said: “The lads were superb. I went and watched them (Merstham) last Tuesday and knew what we had to do to beat them.

“The lads did what I wanted them to do and it got us the win. They’re a good side and we were missing a couple, with Alan (Mansfield) also failing a late fitness test, so we were up against it.

“The lads here are good players and it’s a thin line between winning and losing and we have been on just the wrong side of that and just had no luck.”

On 17 minutes Metcalf shone as he fired into the top corner with an overhead following a Chris O’Flaherty free kick which Glen Woodburn put back into the danger zone.

Merstham started the second half well, but failed to really test debutant goalkeeper JJ Banasco-Zaragoza and the stopper and defence, which included Nat Hubert making his first start, stood strong.

Scott Tipper went close with a free header with 20 minutes remaining, but Rebels extended their lead in the 77th-minute when the impressive Tom Lawley run saw his shot balloon over the goalkeeper for the second.

Substitute Matt Daniel then made the game safe on 88 minutes with a left-foot shot from the edge of the box.

White added: “Nat was excellent and will be a top players. He has had some interest from pro club’s but it hasn’t worked out, so I said to him to establish himself here and it will work out.”

Rebels are without a game on Saturday as scheduled opponents, Faversham have an FA Trophy game. They return to action at Woodside on Saturday, October 6, against Corinthian Casuals.

WORTHING: Banasco-Zaragoza; Metcalf, Woodburn, Hurley, Hubert; Lawley, Kirkwood, Gedling, O’Flaherty; Brotherton, Tipper. Subs: Piper, Daniel, Lewis, Sparks, Mansfield.