Martyrs wary of Banbury ahead of Cambridge clash

MANAGER Gavin Williams was hoping this week that striker Ryan Prosser would be fit for Saturday when Merthyr Town try to revive their Evo-Stik Southern League play-off hopes at home to relegation candidates Cambridge City (3pm).

After the Martyrs were well beaten away to leaders Chippenham Town last weekend and Banbury won 4-0 at Chesham, the battle could go to the wire – with six matches left.

Banbury took their points tally to 73 with them being in sixth spot, only behind Merthyr on goal difference.

Banbury boss Mike Ford, formerly with Cardiff City, said: “We are after Merthyr. We have got the bit between our teeth. it’s in a really good position to be breathing down the necks of Merthyr, Hitchin and Slough.”

And player Luke Carnell commented: “I think Merthyr know now that we are after them.” He said that Banbury had closed the gap after it had been eight points a few weeks ago.

Merthyr’s Williams said: “Prosser has had this niggling back injury for two or three weeks and it has been frustrating.

“I hope he may be fit for Saturday.”

Merthyr will seek revenge too for a 2-0 defeat at Cambridge when they had a weakened side while City’s new manager had brought in six new players.

In the climax to the season (three home and three away games), Williams hopes to arrange cover for goalkeeper Oliver Davies, the former Swansea City and Kilmarnock (on loan) shot-stopper.

With Scott Barrow and Keyon Reffell both suspended for the Cheltenham clash, the squad was stretched, with only three on the bench. Barrow is due to return to the squad this Saturday.

But the boss ruled out bringing back Ben Watkins, who is on loan at Abergavenny, saying the player would prefer to be playing than be on the bench.

He also feels that noone is ready at present from the development squad to be drafted into the first team and added there is no need to always have five subs as only three can be used.

He expressed concern about discipline among players, making the point in a meeting with them last Thursday. “Two recent red cards have cost us four points,” he said.

Williams thanked the board for providing the finance when he has approached them on signing new players.

He said that if Merthyr were to be promoted – this season or later – he didn’t think the travelling in the Vanarama National League Division One would be much more of a problem for players, there being trips around London area whereas now they have trips to such places as Cambridge.

Wales coach Kit Symons took part in a question and answer session at the club’s owners’ meeting but there were only a disappointng 20 people present, including board officials.

CHIPPENHAM TOWN .. 3 MERTHYR TOWN ......... 1

THE Martyrs ended up well beaten at Hardenhuish as Chippenham went a step further in their promotion bid.

Merthyr played uphill in the opening half but couldn’t take advantage of playing down after the break. They went down 2-0, hit back in a frantic spell but conceded a second spot-kick to disappoint the approximate 200 visitng fans, who included some from Queens Park, Scotland, on their annual Merthyr trip.

Merthyr feared league top marksman Andy Sandell, the former Newport County skipper, but after injury he was on the bench.

The Bluebirds started stronglly, pushing balls across the field and feeding the flanks.

A good free kick was floated across from Jack Compton but McLaggon and Corey Jenkins both failed to connect in the air.

Merthyr pushed forward but Kayne McLaggon was given a rough time, consantly being clattered to the ground. And when Jenkins was fouled, Dan Bowman had his name taken.

After 29 minutes Chipenham keeper Darren Chitty, who was limping and had been doubtful, went off to be replaced by James Rae, who is on dual registration with Toolstation Western League outfit Chippenham Park.

But Merthyr were unable to test Rae despite having some spells of pressure. Chippenham didn’t look like a leading side and were reduced to booting the ball about rather than playing constructive football. Their defence incuded Neath-born Rhys Baggridge, who moved to Chippenham from Merthyr in December.

Merthyr had made the best of the first-half chances while at the other end, the visiting defence worked hard to keep their rivals at bay.

There were hopes for Merthyr after the interval.

They began determinedly, being quicker to the tackle and passing better but again they were thwarted by tough tackling, McLaggon again and Ian Traylor frequently being brought down.

Three minutes into the second period, Dave Pratt, who has forged a good partnership up front with Sandell, got the first goal after Davies could only push out a shot and Pratt tucked it away.

Chipenham suddenly began serving up some neat play, making it hectic for the Merthyr back four. Jake Andrews made it 2-0 from a penalty and it looked bleak for Merthyr who were really the underdogs before the game.

But they rallied well, breaking down the left to put pressure on and pulled a goal back through Compton who seemed to have the last touch after a shot from substitute Jaye Bowen.

However, their chances were doused again as they conceded another spot-kick as Jarrad Wright fouled Pratt and Andrews again made no mistake as his side rode out the late stages for a deserved win. Andrews is on loan from Bristol City and while with Guernsey also on loan netted eight goals in as many games.

Merthyr have taken just eight points from their last seven games and a Merthyr director said: “The last six games are now crucial.”