Merstham secured a last-minute victory over Punjab United in a closely contested Division One South East match at Sevenoaks on Saturday. The win marked an important boost for Merstham, who are still adapting to their temporary home ground in Kent and had been positioned at the bottom of the league table prior to the game.

The encounter featured limited clear scoring opportunities, with Merstham holding a slight advantage in possession and chances during the first half. Punjab United’s most significant opportunity arose in the second half when forward Harry Ottaway was denied by Merstham goalkeeper George Hill, who successfully kept the visitors at bay.

The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time. Merstham were awarded a free kick near the Punjab penalty area. Although the initial delivery was cleared by the visitors, the ball quickly returned inside the box, allowing Merstham’s Sinn’Kaye Christie to find space and deliver a decisive shot past Punjab’s keeper, Mitchell Beeney. The goal came moments before the final whistle, leaving Punjab no time to respond.

Christie’s late strike proved crucial in securing Merstham’s three points and lifting them off the foot of the table. The hosts will hope to build on this result as they continue to adjust to their temporary surroundings and aim to improve their position in the Division One South East standings.