| Merthyr Town 1 – 4 AFC Telford |
| Jarvis 73′ | Allen-Hadley 19′, 77′ |
| Dyer 45+5′ | |
| Walker 55′ |
A controversial red card for Lee Lucas saw 10-man Merthyr fall to a heavy defeat at the hands of Telford on a dismal night at Penydarren Park.
Just like the return fixture earlier in the season where Merthyr came away with a 4 – 2 victory, it was a dark and soggy Tuesday night with the rain hammering down when the teams entered the field. The Martyrs were looking to complete the double over the Bucks and get back on track following Saturday’s disappointing 1-0 loss at Southport.
Kieran Evans went close early on after one of his trademark runs allowed him to take on three defenders before his shot was well saved by Gracey. This was the theme of the opening 10 minutes as the Martyrs continued to put on the pressure with Kieran Evans and Twamley’s quick feet causing all kinds of issues for the opposition. Telford were also looking dangerous and their high press was certainly making Merthyr increase the tempo of play.
The opening goal came on 19 minutes after Telford were awarded a free kick just inside Merthyr’s half. A long diagonal ball was put to the edge of the box, with Dyer able to get higher than his man and head across into the path of Allen-Hadley, who was able to slot it past Cogman. Merthyr 0 – 1 Telford.
The Martyrs almost responded instantly after good hold up play by Jarvis allowed Twamley space to test Gracey, before Lucas fired over from the edge of the box. Both teams continued to get the ball down and play, however Merthyr were just unable to find the final ball to capitalise when in the area. The game was starting to grow more and more niggly which the referee was allowing, with a number of inconsistencies on decisions to both sides.
Dyer and Hadley were causing the home side problems and it was Walker who was unlucky not to make it 2 – 0 after good play through the middle of the park allowed him to strike from 25 yards out, which struck the post. The Bucks continuing press meant the Martyrs were under increasing pressure to play the ball quickly from the back which was causing a number of turnovers. However, when Merthyr were through the initial press and into the middle of the park, chances were coming and it felt like only a matter of time before there was an equaliser.
Handley went close before Lucas had a golden opportunity after being put through on goal, but dragged his shot wide of the post. The first real flashpoint came in injury time of the first half. Lucas was fouled from behind by Armson, which the referee gave to the away side(!). Whilst both players were on the floor, the usual grabbing of the ball back ensued before both players came together with words. It was at this point that as the referee started to come over, Armson went to the ground holding his face despite what looked like minimal (if any) contact. Cue the man in the middle pulling out a straight red to give Lucas his marching orders. Lee Lucas red card.
To make matters even worse, the visitors instantly made it 2 – 0 through Dyer, who picked up a long diagonal ball on the right, stepped inside Smerdon and was able to slot in a left footed finish through bodies and past Cogman. A mass confrontation in the tunnel at half time summed up the first 45 minutes as the referee had lost total control. Merthyr 0 – 2 Telford.
Half time: Merthyr 0 – 2 AFC Telford
Two changes to begin the second half with Cox and John coming on for Xavier-Jones and the injured K.Evans respectively. As expected, Telford had the majority of possession early doors and were continuing to concentrate on entry down the left wing through Dyer. Armson put a free header over at the back post before Walker had his shot well saved by Cogman. Minutes later Walker got his goal after Leshabela was able to slot in Meddows, who crossed to Walker to fire high past Cogman. A real blow and one that had been coming. Merthyr 0 – 3 AFC Telford.
Despite playing with 10 men, Merthyr were flooding forward at any opportunity as they searched for an opener, with Cawley Cox putting real pressure on Gracey and the backline whilst in possession. Telford continued their (successful) tactics of shirt pulling, breaking up and slowing play which was not picked up by Neil Pratt, much to the frustration of players and supporters.
“I was really proud of the effort in the second half, we were going after them and we wanted to try and come back into the game….credit to Telford they are a very good team and they showed it tonight“
Paul Michael (manager) – courtesy of Cymru Sport
Jarvis went close after being played in by Cox but was unable to get his shot over the advancing Gracey. Jarvis got his goal on 73 minutes after a great ball out to Twaley on the left was crossed to Cox at the back post, which was cleared for a corner. The resulting corner caused a scramble with the ball falling to Jarvis to blast home from 3 yards. Merthyr 1 – 3 AFC Telford.
This sparked life into the Martyrs as they suddenly looked dangerous on the counter and were starting to win the second and third balls. This was rapidly extinguished as Telford grabbed their fourth through Allen-Hadley (his second of the night) which was the final nail in the coffin. Merthyr 1 – 4 AFC Telford.
Bourne and Caswell came on late in the game and were close to combining for a goal straight away and impressed with their short cameos. To sum up a tough night and the game, Lawal was booked for diving in the box in the dying moments.
Full Time: Merthyr 1 – 4 AFC Telford
A tough one to take – the game started well with two very good sides looking to play football. The sending off and inconsistencies from the referee were a big factor, but there can be no complaints that Telford were the better team on the night and were good money for their victory. Thoughts now turn to the long away trip to Darlington as we look to get back on track.
Gavin Burns
Attendance 1,019
Line Up:
Merthyr: Cogman(GK), Handley, Williams, Ryan-Phillips, Smerdon, Lucas, J.Evans(c), K.Evans (John 46′), Twamley (Bourne 90′), Xavier-Jones (Cox 46′), Jarvis (Caswell 90′). Subs: A.Harris, John, M.Harris, Cox, Bourne, Morgan, Caswell
Telford: Gracey (GK), Dyer, Cranston (Hilton 83′), Piggott, Cawthorne, Fletcher (c), Leshabela, Walker (Lawal 79′), Meddows (Williams 67′), Armson (Fridye-Harper 83′), Allen-Hadley (Dinanga 79′). Subs: Fridye-Harper, Lawal, Solademi, Ikpakwu, Hilton, Dinanga, Williams
