Gerenia v Mercury (24/06)
Gerenia v Mercury (24/06)
*played 24 June*
Mercury travelled to Gerenia in this World Cup warm-up friendly with both sides looking to build up some form ahead of the World Cup.
Mercury started the stronger, and almost took the lead early on with Wilmont Fizeau-Blake twisting and turning his man, before sliding the ball to Joe Foxon, but the striker could only guide his effort wide of the target. Gerenia grew into the game, and took the lead just before the half-hour mark as Frencesco Valencia's cross in was met by the head of Fabris Balbîn, who powered the ball past the goalkeeper. They could have doubled their advantage moments later, had Zelmar Toscano's lob after the keeper came out off his line was cleared on the line by Paul McEwan.
Mercury regrouped at the break, and came out all guns blazing in the second half, with Foxon hitting the bar within seconds of the restart. However, Mercury's attacking moves left them open at the back, and when keeper Režan Arkuse collected a weak floated cross, he smashed the ball down the field to Balbîn on the halfway line, who was able to run at the single defender back, beating him for pace, rounding the keeper who had forced him wide, before sliding the ball across for Toscano to make it two. However Mercury were eventually rewarded for their attractive football, with Foxon finding Jack Partridge in space, who was able to slot the ball beyond the goalkeeper. However, the Mercurians just couldn't find that all important equaliser, as Gerenia took away a very encouraging win away from this game.
Gerenia 2-1 Mercury
29' Fabris Balbîn
57' Zelmar Toscano
67' Jack Partridge