MERTHYR TOWN ......... 1 SLOUGH TOWN ............. 1

THE Martyrs halted Southern League leaders Slough’s run of nine wins on the bounce before the biggest gate of the day – 628.

Slough conceded their first goal in six matches as Merthyr gave the visitors a tough battle.

“I think it was a fair result but I think we shaded the second half,” said Merthyr chairman Meurig Price.

Merthyr manager Gavin Williams recognised it was a well-earned point although, of course, he would like to win every match but his players gave their all against a strong opposition.

Neil Baker, Slough joint boss, said: “It was a pretty even game between two good sides and I thought a draw was a fair result.”

He added that it might have been a different game if Slough had got a second goal.

Slough served notice early on, forcing a number of corners. Ian Traylor went on a Merthyr run, forcing Guy Hollis to concede a flag-kick. Keyon Reffell and Kayne McLaggon threatened from the corner but Slough survived.

Elliot Scotcher committed two errors and the first led to a Slough goal on 21 minutes. A free kick was awarded and James Dobson smashed in a goal from nearly 25 yards with keeper Glyn Garner getting only a touch.

Garner did well to save following Scotcher being beaten for the ball in his second lapse.

But on 31 minutes, Scotcher, the former Ipswich apprentice, turned hero. His free kick from the left was superbly met at the far post by Crawley loanee Josh Yorwerth and he headed past goalkeeper Mark Scott.

At the Merthyr back, Curtis McDonald stood out, frustrating the visitors.

In the second half, Merthyr probably had the better possession but found it hard to create many clearcut chances.

The same could be said for Slough as far as opportunities were concerned. Corey Jenkins used his pace when he came on as a Merthyr substitute and he went close with one effort.

Traylor had a chance too after a run by Keyon Reffell but he was unable to take advantage with only Scott to beat. It was often a battle in midfield with Martyrs captain Ashley Evans, as ever, determined. He did get a booking for one hard encounter.

Ryan Prosser came on as a substitute too but as time wore on, a draw seemed the likely outcome.