Traylor is the hero for 10-man Martyrs

IT was sixth versus fifth in the Southern League Premier Division as Merthyr at last returned to Penydarren Park for a home game exactly one month after the last.

And Merthyr produced a remarkable performance to turn out resounding winners with Ian Traylor grabbing a hat-trick.

But what made the result and display all the more astonishing was the fact that Merthyr had been reduced to 10 men after just 11 minutes, goalkeeper Joe Perry receiving a red card for handling outside the box.

To make matters worse, the home side did not have a reserve goalkeeper on the bench, so young Joe Hunt had to take over the gloves.

Four minutes later, Tiverton’s Levi Landricombe smashed a shot against the crossbar which he went on to find on three separate occasions.

However, on 23 minutes, Ryan Prosser swept home a Keiron Lewis free-kick to give Merthyr the lead.

And, just four minutes later, Lee Lucas struck a super second from all of 25 yards.

Traylor got in on the action a minute before the break, rolling the ball home after tying defender Callum Hall and goalkeeper Liam Armstrong in knots.

Traylor almost got a second after 50 minutes only to see his effort blocked by fellow Martyr Prosser.

Two minutes later, Landricombe eventually escaped the clutches of the woodwork to pull a goal back.

Any hopes the visitors had were extinguished five minutes later as Traylor curled home a delightful shot from the edge of the box.

And, 15 minutes from time, Merthyr went nap as Traylor yet again curled a shot past Armstrong.

Merthyr are home again on Saturday, Wimborne visiting Penydarren Park (3pm).