Merthyr’s playoff hopes on a knife edge after loss to Scarborough

Scarborough Athletic 2 – 1 Merthyr Town

Weledji 68′	Cox 3′
Allan 78′

Merthyr Towns second half woes continued after losing to the Seadogs despite being in a winning position at Bridlington, to drop out of the playoff positions and leave their fate out of their hands with one game remaining.

Cawley Cox put Merthyr ahead in the first half before two goals in the space of 10 minutes from the ‘homeside’ turned the game on its head to claim all three points.

Following Merthyr’s great road win at Marine midweek, Paul Michael named an unchanged lineup for the battle of 5th vs 6th taking place at Scarborough’s temporary home this season at Bridlington FC. A sunny but breezy day welcomed the Martyrs who were backed by 90 fans on the 520 mile round trip.

As the teams were starting to feel each other out Merthyr took the lead. Ryan-Phillips put forward a long ball which was picked up by Rai in the middle of the park, who played Twamley into space on the right. As he came to the edge of the box, he stepped inside and his cross was headed by Brown which looped up to the waiting Cox. He composed himself before meeting it on the volley to fire past Whitely with a great finish. Scarborough 0 – 1 Merthyr.

The Seadogs carved their first chance on 10 minutes after a whipped in cross fell to Green, who’s lay off allowed Colville to fire inches past Cogman’s left post, when moments later Walker couldn’t keep his shot down from a corner.

The pitch was the worst I have seen in a very long time which meant it was impossible to make a simple 4 yard pass without it bobbling and bouncing all over the shop. This made it tricky for Merthyr to play their brand of football, whereas Scarborough were keen to get the ball long into the box as they did at PP earlier in the season.

Lucas had a golden opportunity to make it 2 – 0 after picking up Twamley’s cross on the edge of the area, and despite pulling it onto his right foot he was unable to get his shot on target. As the half wore on the wind started to become a factor as it pulled the high balls in all directions. Maddox was growing into the game, particularly disrupting the Seadogs midfield. Cox and Waldron both had efforts saved as the half came to a close and the inevitable question was asked – can we hold on in the second half?

The breeze off the coast picked up significantly in the second half, albeit in Merthyr’s favour which we hoped would be to our advantage. Scarborough started the strongest and continued to look to pick out their captain Thornton at the back post with every cross. Rai shot wide before the homeside got the equaliser on 68 minutes through right back Weledji.

A long ball from Whitely allowed Coalville and Walker to exchange passes on the left. Despite the press from Handley, Walker was able to feint on his left before shifting to his right to cross. Coalville was on hand to flick his header on to Weledji who reacted first to slot home from 5 yards. Scarborough 1 – 1 Merthyr.

Despite the continued effort from the visitors, you could slowly feel the tide turning. Merthyr were continually unable to clear their lines properly, with the Seadogs picking up every second ball which was starting to take its toll. 

Scarborough took the lead on 78 minutes, again down the right hand side. After picking up a cleared ball, Brown drove to the by line before his cross was blocked by Handley. The rebound fell to Walker on the sideline which Handley pressed – a feint on his right before turning onto his left allowed him to drill a dangerous ball across the box to the waiting Allan to tap home from 2 yards at the back post. Sickening. Scarborough 2 – 1 Merthyr. 

To Merthyr’s credit they continued to look for the equaliser and that opportunity fell to Garrick with a 1 on 1 in the final minutes, however Whitely produced a great stop down to his right to keep the game at 2 – 1. Twamley hobbled off with a knee injury (which we hope won’t rule him out of next week) before Allan could and probably should have got a second after he was set clear – que Cogman to the rescue (again) before the referee blew for full time.

A gut wrenching defeat for the Martyrs who knew that a win would more or less have consolidated the playoffs. A solid effort from the lads but that is now 11 games where we have been in the lead and unable to hold on (so I am reliably told).

Whilst this has dropped us to 8th, a win against Fylde on the last day of the season coupled with results going our way mean we MAY end up back into the playoffs. If not then so be it – lets enjoy the last game of the season and whatever will be will be. 

UP THE TOWN

Gavin Burns