Super sub Alex opens the Gate

ALEX ADDAI’S first-half double, and his key involvement in a third goal, sent Merstham on the way to a convincing victory over a well-beaten Wingate.

Addai started the afternoon on the substitutes bench. However, his introduction after 25 minutes for the injured Ibrahim Fofana proved to be the catalyst for the rampant home side.

And the ex-Kingstonian winger’s immediate and significant contribution turned him into a super-sub by halftime.

He almost scored within minutes but was foiled by the legs of Gate keeper Shane Gore.

However, Addai was not to be denied. A fine ball by Ryan Hall released Simon Cooper on the right flank. He squared the ball for Addai to side foot home after 33 minutes.

Then, in first half added time, Addai scored a superb solo effort, picking the ball up wide of the left, beating his man and then opening his body to slot past Gore from a tight angle.

After the break the Moatsiders continued to dominate possession.

And on the hour mark, they increased their advantage and effectively put the game beyond the reach of the visitors.

Another slide-rule pass from the impressive Hall released Addai who was hacked down from behind just as he was flying into the penalty box.

Hall made no mistake from the spot to make it 3-0.

Wingate & Finchley pulled one back when Afolabi Obafemi beat Moatsiders keeper Chris Haigh after 73 minutes.

But the Moatsiders had the final word just six minutes later.

Another sub and former Kingstonian winger Youseff Bamba hammered home a fourth goal from a tight angle. STAR MAN: Ryan Hall (Merstham) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★