Win at last as Martyrs hope for better times
FROME ............................... 1 MERTHYR TOWN ............. 2
THIS is hopefully a positive sign that 2018 will be a brighter year for the cash-strapped Martyrs as they chalked up their first win since October 24th.
Playing the first half into a strong wind and up the slope, Merthyr more than matched their hosts with their intricate football making light of the bobbly pitch.
Frome’s Jon Davies forced a strong save from Oliver Davies on eight minutes while Ian Traylor went on a mazy run at the other end but after a challenge from Frome’s Ben Witney, Merthyr appeals for a penalty were waved away.
On 37 minutes, Merthyr fell behind following a mistake from goalkeeper Davies.
A long ball pumped forward was chased by Frome’s Jon Davies but it was Merthyr’s Oliver Davies who should have cleared but completely missed his kick.
Frome’s Davies took full advantage and Merthyr also lost striker Ryan Prosser to injury at halftime, manager Gavin Williams replacing him.
After soaking up some sustained pressure from the home side at the restart which included home striker Ryan Bath blazing over from six yards, Merthyr began to exert themselves upon the game.
A super crossfield ball from Ashley Evans on 65 minutes found Kerry Morgan wide on the left and his cross found Traylor, who finished from eight yards.
There was better to come for the vociferous away fans as ten minutes from time Williams lifted a ball over the top to Traylor and despite cries of offside he lobbed home goalkeeper Kyle Phillips to find the net.
In injury time a major scuffle in the Merthyr penalty box saw Merthyr’s Craig Reddy and Frome’s Sam Teale shown straight red cards but Merthyr held out to collect a crucial three points.