Evans’ late effort delivers victory

MERTHYR deservedly came away with all three points but that hardly told the story of this game which saw a host of opportunities go begging in what proved to be a tense and tight thriller.

The home side started brightly and Ian Traylor had a trio of early chances which he was unable to convert, largely down to Royston goalkeeper Joe Welch who was at his majestic best to keep him out.

On 13 minutes Josh Oyinsan had a great chance to put the visitors ahead but put his header wide from close range.

Both Traylor and Fleetwood found themselves through on goal but were again unable to capitalise.

And after squandering so many chances, the inevitable happened on 34 minutes when a Royston long throw was headed on by Adam Murray and Scott Bridges slid in at the far post to convert.

Merthyr responded immediately and again Welch saved from both Fleetwood and then Traylor.

However, from the second save Traylor retrieved the ball and found Ashley Evans with a cross who headed in the equaliser from six yards.

The pattern continued at the restart, Fleetwood again denied by Welch and Traylor hitting the woodwork with a rasping drive.

At the other end, a Bridges lob came back off the crossbar before he was bundled over in the box on 64 minutes and Royston were awarded a penalty.

Bridges’ spot-kick was saved by Oliver Davies and, spurred on by this, Merthyr went back on the attack to take all three points.

Mo Touray somehow missed for Merthyr from four yards.

But he was able to make up for it on 83 minutes when he slid a pass in to Evans who advanced before slipping the ball beyond Welch for the match winner.