AFTER weeks without a game, a very rusty Avishayes team found themselves lucky to be only 4-0 down at half-time.

Keeper William Allen, defenders Sam Reynolds, Danny Grabham and Dominic Lane fought a hard rearguard action helped by Jim Courtnell and Angelo Moreira as waves of Merriott attacks targeted the Avishayes goal.

A formation change and some reorganisation at half-time brought a much better performance and despite shipping another three goals the game was much more even.

Tom Rawles and Mark Bulgin fought hard for possession and Fraser Lewis, Neil Parkes and Owen Richardson began top get some chances.

Richardson just strayed off-side and his finish was ruled out, another Richardson cross just evaded Lewis and a Parkes shot found the goalkeeper.

At last Tim Pedlar’s through ball found Parkes in the clear and he produced the game's best finish from the edge of the area.