Martyrs hold firm depsite Evans’ red

HONOURS were shared at Clayson Stadium where defences held firm.

Merthyr ended the match with ten men after skipper Ashley Evans was shown a second yellow card as stoppage time loomed.

Assistant manager Dean Clarke was also ordered to the stands after protesting too much to referee Colin Hubbard.

Merthyr posed the greater threat throughout. The lively Ian Traylor set up an early chance for Jarrod Wright, whose header flew over.

A Tom Meechan cross was then headed clear by Callum Rose, while Lee Lucas worked space then sent a powerful shot towards goal which Magpies keeper Kingsley Latham beat away.

Rose sent a 30-yard effort wide before Lucas drew a one-handed save from Latham at the other end.

Dorchester skipper Neil Martin hit a free-kick into the Merthyr wall on 35 minutes and after the break, Dorchester’s Antonio Diaz pumped over a cross which Josh Bailey nodded wide at the far post.

Lucas was unlucky to see a 25yard free-kick deflected just over the Dorchester crossbar, while Wright had a looping header cleared off the Magpies goal-line by Billy Lowes.

For all the Martyrs’ pressure, Dorchester nearly grabbed the win when Tom Blair went on a free run to goal but dragged his shot wide. STAR MAN: Lee Lucas (Merthyr) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★

DORCHESTER TOWN 0 MERTHYR TOWN 0