NEWPORT VETERANS 2 MERTHYR VETERANS . 2

MERTHYR Over-50s went to Newport needing a win to finish second behind Barry Town.

The squad was hit by injuries, however, and they had only one substitute, secretary Jeff Dudley. Richard Jeremiah returned after injury to play in the heart of the defence and the versatile Paul Jones reverted to a midfield role. Ian Williams replaced the unavailable Terry Collins in goal.

The game started in dramatic fashion without a Merthyr player touching the ball. Chris Cleaver was penalised for pushing and former Merthyr player Mike Morrissey drove home the penalty. Merthyr were not deterred and moved the ball about confidently on the firm astro-turf.

Mark Price set up Gerry Hatch who stretched Newport keeper Jason Kennedy who then produced a fine diving save to keep out a drive by Alan Seddon. Newport were not in the game such was Merthyr’s dominatiion. A cross by Ross Wakeley sped across the face of the goal without a Merthyr player getting into the sixyard box.

Chances continued to be created and wasted. Cleaver went close with a header from a corner and then Stephen Thoms drove just over the bar.

Another fine save from Kennedy denied Keith Williams. Merthyr were then awarded a penalty but to their dismay Thoms’ side-footed shot was blocked by the outstretched leg of the keeeper. The first half ended with Williams not having a shot to save in the Merthyr goal but Merthyr were a goal down when they should have had the game sewn up.

The second half started with Newport attacking down the left, forcing Cleaver to concede a corner. This was met by a firm header by Steve Pickering into the arms of the keeper.

Merthyr replied with Thoms shooting just wide and Seddion being pulled up for offside with a clear sight of goal.

A goal had to come but it came in a fortunate way when Carl Lewis’ longrange drive was deflected over the head of Kennedy. Merthyr attacked strongly when a loose pass was intercepted by Morrisey who raced from inside his own half only to fire just wide.

Merthyr should have taken the lead when Hatch passed to Keith Williams two yards from the goal but the ball bounced awkwardly and ended with Williams blazing over the bar. Williams made amends when a move between Lewis and Thoms ended with him netting at the far post.

The drama was not over as in the last minute Merthyr conceded a corner which was headed into his own net by Jeremiah who had given a commanding display in the heart of the defence.

Merthyr couldn’t believe that a game they had totally dominated was taken away from them by a first-minute penalty and a last-minute own goal.