Merthyr Veterans out of the cup despite spirited show

MERTHYR were superior in a rousing second half but they left themselves with too much to do, after trailing 2-0, to make progress in The Wales Veterans League Over 50s Cup.

The pitch at Aberfan was playable but became harder once the sun disappeared. The game was played in a competitive but sporting manner for this first round clash.

Newport’s long balls through helped them exploit openings on the left flank, and they began well, Mike Morrison forging ahead and setting up Stephen Pickering to beat goalkeeper Terry Collins for the first goal on two minutes.

Good work by Collins and the defence kept the Gwent side out. Then a good ball into the box by Merthyr’s Carl Lewis was well headed away.

Merthyr made the openings but failed to convert chances, and they went down 2-0 on 29 minutes. A centre from the left saw Mike Morrison finish well inside the box.

Lewis sent an effort just wide for Merthyr who put pressure on the visiting defence and keeper Phil Williams but they couldn’t claw a goal back before the break.

A rallying call at the interval spurred Merthyr on from the opening of the second half. Lewis soon set up Mark Price whose shot went close.

With Newport pushed back, Paul Jones also got in a Merthyr shot which was not far off the target.

A goal had to come. Les Thomas forced a save from Williams but the ‘keeper could only push the ball out and Ian Williams snapped up the chance to hit the back of the net 14 minutes into the second period.

Unfortunately, barely two minutes later, Morrison cut through on the right and sent the ball across Collins to find the net. Merthyr were not dismayed, pushed the ball about confidently and caused Newport trouble in the box. Williams conceded a corner from his namesake Ian Williams., Then Lewis earned a flag-kick with a worthy effort, the kick from Price being cleared.

Defender Richard Jeremiah, a former Troedyrhiw player in the Welsh League, also got in on the act by having a crack at the Newport goal.

Newport made some attacking breaks but it was mainly Merthyr. However, their sterling comeback didn’t prove enough.

Congratulations to Ian Cooper, the latest Merthyr player to receive a Wales Veterans cap.

On Sunday Merthyr Over 45s are away to Albion Rovers in the league at Newport.