TONBRIDGE ANGELS kept another clean sheet and Tashi-Jay Kwayie came on to break the deadlock and continue the revival on the field as financial problems mounted off it.
After four defeats out of five in the Bostik League Premier, Tonbridge had been boosted by the win over Staines and also a 2-1 victory at Whiteleafe in a midweek friendly.
Their best chance of the first half came from a well-constructed move, Joe Turner slipping the ball through to Sam Bantick.
He found himself through on goal from the right but his effort was brilliantly blocked by Merstham keeper Ashlee Jones.
The hosts upped their game after the break and the Tonbridge defence had to work hard as Charlie Penney went close for a third time.
But Tonbridge started to turn things around after the hour-mark with some sustained pressure on the Merstham goal.
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when Alex Akrofi chased down what looked like a lost cause, slipped the ball through to the unmarked Kwayie and he placed the ball smartly to the right of Jones.
Merstham kept exerting pressure but with Craig Stone protecting the back line superbly all through the game it proved a frustrating afternoon for the hosts.
Manager Steve McKimm said: “I thought everyone did well today and followed their instructions against a good side in Merstham, who pushed us all the way.
“It reminded me of the home game against them when there was only the one goal in it, which of course went to them on that occasion.”
Angels host Metropolitan Police at Longmead on Saturday (February 24, kick-off 3pm).
