Merton Rovers will regard this narrow Surrey Cup exit as a missed opportunity to once again defeat higher division opposition, as they failed to capitalise away to 10-man Wandle AFC at Dover House Playing Fields, writes Edmond Buckley.

High winds and driving rain made free-flowing football redundant in this third Round tie, with the elements rather than the skill of the players ruling the day.

Despite this, it was Merton who started brightest, with strike partners Paul Tuckey and Mark Ford linking up well to create the first chance. Winger Tienne Marola released Tuckey down the left hand side, who skipped past the stationary Wandle right back to find Ford on the edge of the box with pinpoint accuracy.

Playmaker forward Ford turned away from his marker with a typically flamboyant deft touch, allowing him to fire in a shot that that tested the Wandle keeper. Playing with the wind, Merton continued to press with midfielders James Davies and Bobby Smudger' Smith both going close soon after.

Wandle's main threat really only stemmed from set pieces. Successive corners were well delivered by their number eleven but Merton defenders Veron Antonio and Paul Mitchell proved equal to, before a rasping 25-yard free-kick was skilfully tipped over by keeper Steve Lance.

It was Merton creating the more concrete early chances though, with their pressure telling when James Davies was unceremoniously brought down when clear through on goal in the 29th minute. The referee had no option but to show a red card to the Wandle centre back, a decision fiercely contested but ratified by the pitchside Surrey F.A. representative. Mark Ford curled the resulting free kick just wide, but it was Merton now with the upper hand, taking the lead four minutes before half time. Veron Antonio attacked a near-post corner with a firm header that was deflected home by a Wandle defender. 1-0 at half time, though it may and arguably, should have been more for Merton.

There was no let up in the weather at half time and ultimately, it was this factor that proved to be the eleventh man in the second half for Wandle AFC. Merton's high tempo game deserted them after the interval and Wandle edged the scrappy midfield battle that was the story of the second period. Midway through, a cross-come-shot from a Ronaldinho-esque (circa WC 2002) 40-yard free kick gusted in to the Merton goal via a combination of the hand of goalkeeper Lance and the crossbar, levelling the game. Then only minutes later, Wandle took the lead via similar good fortune.

A hopeful long ball bounced fortunately for the pacy Wandle forward who steered the ball past Steve Lance with aplomb in what proved to be the winner, ensuring Wandle's passage to the fourth round of the Surrey Cup.

Merton showed grit and determination to battle back and carve out what opportunities they could in the final 10 minutes, with Bobby Smith and then midfielder Warren Curl crossing for Paul Tuckey who was unlucky to see a last-minute effort shade the post after taking on two Wandle defenders.

However, it was Wandle AFC - top of the Kingston and District Division 2 - that progressed against Division 5 high flyers Merton Rovers, who were left to rue their missed opportunities in the first half, which they dominated.