A great battling defensive performance secured a hard fought draw for Merthyr Town at Kidderminster Harriers – backed by 187 Martyrs who made the short hop up to Aggborough.
Paul Michael made three changes following the defeat against Chorley, with Jay Williams, Cawley Cox and the returning Will Spiers step into the starting XI for Matty Harris, Kiban Rai and Tom Handley.
The Harriers showed their early intent with pinpoint crosses from out wide and should have taken the lead in the 4th minute, when Reynolds whipped in a ball to Davis inside the 5 yard area but his attempt at a volley went back to where it came from. Reynolds and Kalambayi went close shortly afterwards and it felt like this was going to be a long day.
The Martyrs started to settle after this flurry of pressure, with Cox testing Dibble from the left before the Spiers was back to his attacking best, driving from his RB position straight through the middle and putting the defence on the back foot. The home side continued to look dangerous with pinpoint delivery out wide from both Walker and Devine, which meant Williams and Ryan-Phillips were under increasing pressure.
Merthyr’s first real chance came midway through the first half, with Twamley picking up a loose ball from the left hand side and driving to the edge of the area but was unable to beat Dibble. The game continued to open up with Maddox firing high and wide, before Walker beat Smerdon for pace to slide in a dangerous ball that was cut out by Ryan-Phillips.
The first real flashpoint came just before the break after Davis collided into Cogman whilst challenging for the ball. Cogman stayed down with what seemed like a shoulder injury, but was soon gingerly on his feet – with the away fans hopeful that it wasn’t serious.
As the half came to a close, Obi used his (massive) height advantage to beat Evans to the ball from a dangerous corner but was unable to keep his header down. A solid first half from the Martyrs who had created chances, but also defended solidly especially against the high ball.
Half Time: Merthyr 0 – 0 Kidderminster
It was Kidderminster who were straight out of the blocks as they continued to pound Cogman with ball after ball from out wide. Garrick had a golden chance to open the scoring on 53 minutes. The energetic Twamley picked up a loose ball in the middle of the park, before driving forward to then play through Garrick. Garrick’s quick touch allowed him to drive a low shot which was heading to the bottom right corner in front of the away fans, but Dibble was able to get a toe to the ball and deflect wide. I was already halfway down the terracing celebrating(!) – a great save.
Just after the hour mark the Harriers had the ball in the net direct from a corner but the referee had judged there to be a foul in the build up, much to Merthyr’s relief. With 25 minutes remaining Twamley was picked out by K. Evans, took the ball to the byline before cutting back inside Davis. His chip to the back post found Cox in space, but he was unable to get the contact needed much to his frustration and the ball went wide.
“We knew it was going to be hard coming here but we are very happy with a draw……this is a great club and I love playing for it“
Will Spiers (courtesy of Cymru Sport)
Kidderminster continued to push for the opener with Kalambayi again going close but pushed his shot wide of the post, before Davis almost won it in injury time but was unable to guide Kandola’s cross on target.
Full Time: Merthyr 0 – 0 Kidderminster
For a 0 – 0 draw it was a very entertaining game between two sides looking to consolidate their playoff position. A huge defensive display from the Martyrs which not only ends four defeats on the bounce, but will no doubt breathe some belief (if it was even needed) back into the squad. Cogman playing the best part of 60 minutes with a potential shoulder injury along with the return of Spiers at his attacking best were my personal highlights of a great away trip.
Another quick turnaround as Bedford visit Penydarren Park on Saturday.
Gavin Burns
