| Merthyr Town 2 – 2 Hereford |
| Rees 27′ | Hudson 58′ |
| Jarvis 76′ | Howlins 90+4′ |
An injury time equaliser denied Merthyr a derby win against old rivals Hereford in front of a sell out crowd of 3,997 at Penydarren Park.
Derby day. Under the Lights. Sell out crowd. You couldn’t ask for anything better on a cold December evening as the Martyrs entered the pitch under the expectant (and slightly nervous) home crowd.
It was a quick start from the home side who were on the front foot from the off, putting pressure on a Bulls side in poor form. Merthyr’s high tempo was causing numerous issues for the visitors who were sloppy in possession, allowing the martyrs to play through their non existent press with ease.
The first flashpoint came on 14 minutes when the ball overran Lucas in midfield, which he stretched to keep possession and caught a Hereford player late. Que fans holding their breath and players surrounding the referee – with Lucas (luckily) getting a yellow card for his troubles.
Merthyr continued with their positive patient play, easily recycling possession against a very passive Hereford side who were happy to sit 10 men behind the ball and look to break on the counter.
The first real chance went to the home side on 20 minutes when Twamley whipped in a shot from the left of the box, with Richardson tipping over the bar with a fantastic save. The Martyrs were making it like a training game and must have been at 90%+ possession, with the majority of success coming down the right through Spiers & Jarvis.
It was that man again Ricardo Rees who got the first goal of the game on 27 minutes. Handley put a long diagonal ball across to Jarvis on the right, who won his header against the left back. The ball looped up to Howkins whose cushioned header back to Richardson was weak, allowing Rees to nip in and slot past the stranded Hereford keeper. A gift for the home side. 1 – 0 Merthyr.
A few minutes later Jack Evans was found free at the back post, but his shot was at the feet of Richardson. Merthyr looked like they could score every time they attacked, with Handley again making Richardson produce a stunning save to keep out his curling drive.
“We’re disappointed but on reflection, we have just edged it but we can’t argue really”
Andrew ‘Smudge’ Smith (Assistant Manager)
“It was a very good game of football and shows what National League North is about with two contrasting styles and hopefully we can keep the crowds as the boys deserve it”
The first moment to note from the Bulls was on 40 minutes when a long goal kick found its way to Hamilton, who was able to skip inside Spiers but Cogman was able to get down low to make an easy save. A clever free kick routine caught out the home side which resulted in Hamilton hitting the inside of the right post, with the ball fortunately rebounding back to Cogman. An entertaining first half with Merthyr being by far the stronger team.
Half time Merthyr 1 – 0 Hereford
The second half started as the first ended, with Merthyr stroking the ball around with ease (at times it was too easy). Handley went close, after sustained pressure from the midfield allowed him to drive in a low shot from 30 yards which beat Richardson, but hit the base of his right post. He again called the Bulls keeper into action moments later after playing a 1-2 with Cox but his shot was tipped over.
The impressive Spiers was continuing to torment Hudson, putting in dangerous balls at every opportunity. Despite the continued dominance, Hereford equalised against the run of play. An out-swinging corner from the left was not dealt with, with the ball landing at Hudson who drilled his shot through a crowd of players. Cogman got his hand to it but was unable to keep it from squirming to his left. 1 – 1.
The introduction of Osborne on the left wing changed the away side’s attacking intent and they suddenly had Merthyr on the back foot, almost making it 2 – 1 minutes later but Williams was unable to beat Cogman with his volley.
The game had certainly opened up and was now end to end, with the Martyrs starting to look a bit nervous in possession and were losing second balls in midfield. Rees and Spiers went close again but it was Jarvis who restored the home side’s lead on 76 minutes. After recycling possession from the right, Rees crossed from the left to Jarvis who was entering the edge of the area. His powerful header nestled into the net to an unbelievable roar from the capacity crowd . 2 – 1 Merthyr.
Hereford at this point were flooding forward at any opportunity – pinning Merthyr back into their box but the martyrs were then able to break with numbers as soon as they picked up the ball. Cogman’s inaccurate pass almost gifted the away side an equaliser before Rees was let loose down the right, with his cut back met by Lucas who blazed over the bar.
The Bulls sustained pressure paid off in the 94th minute when a cross from the right was put into the box, with Cogman coming off his line to deal with the danger but was unable to get a touch on the ball. Howkins got his head above the Merthyr backline to make contact and it nestled into the bottom corner to the joy of the travelling fans. 2 – 2.
An enjoyable game but one that Merthyr will think got away from them, particularly with the possession and chances created.
My man of the match – Will Spiers. His best game in a Merthyr shirt, looked dangerous in attack and solid in defence, especially against Osborne in the second half – no wonder he was gassed at the end. Honourable mention to Mr Versatile, Cole Jarvis 👊
Full Time Merthyr 2 – 2 Hereford
Gavin Burns
