| Merthyr Town 1 – 1 Kings Lynn Town |
| Margetson 29′ | Thomas 70′ |
It was a point apiece for the Martyrs and the Linnets after Ben Margetson’s second goal of the season had put the home side in control.
With Kane Simpson unavailable and Iwan John’s short term loan to Bristol Manor, Merthyr went into this game without a recognised striker. It was a welcome return for Cole Jarvis following his loan from Newport County and a first taste of PP for Japhet Matondo (albeit from the bench).
An impeccable minute’s silence was held prior to kick off for the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster.
It was an unusually slow start from the home side as they struggled to get a foothold in the game. Kings Lynn had a great chance early on after a Ryan Tunnicliffe corner found Michael Clunan on the edge of the box. With time to pick his spot, his curling effort went just over the top left. A let off.
The Linnet’s dominated the first 25 minutes with a tame Maddox effort the only real action from the Martyrs. Nwabueze was causing all kinds of problems on the left and Kings Lynn should have taken the lead after his cross to the back post was met by Ubaezuono – his header crashing back off Cogman’s right post.
This spurred Merthyr into life and sustained possession allowed the deadlock to be broken. Good work from Watts and Spiers in the right had Hall-Johnson scrambling to put it out for a corner. Watts’ whipped in ball was met by the impressive Margetson, his bullet header was way too powerful and went straight past Hollingshead. Merthyr 1 – 0 Kings Lynn.
Pearson should have made it two in quick succession, after Cole Jarvis stole possession from Warne and played in Pearson who was all alone in the box. Hollingshead was quick to react and push his shot wide – a huge let off.
Kings Lynn would have been disappointed at half time to be behind – whilst Merthyr could count themselves lucky to be going in ahead.
The Martyrs started the second half strong, with Maddox going close early on but a last ditch tackle from Doherty kept the game at 1 – 0. Shortly after Pearson put his shot inches past Hollingshead’s right post – could we get a second?
The answer to that was a resounding no as Kings Lynn started to get back into the game. An injury meant Margetson had to be replaced which unsettled the back line almost immediately. A ball whipped in from the left caused a game of ping pong, and with Merthyr unable to clear their lines, the impressive Nwabueze snuck in for the ball before he was clumsily taken down. Penalty.
Cogman produced an outstanding save to his right before also saving the rebound. A let off for the home side and should have shifted the momentum back to Merthyr. Unfortunately it did the complete opposite with the Martyrs sat back and the Linnets continuing to push for a goal.
It took all of a minute for the equaliser after Jack Evans was caught out on the edge of the box, with Tunnicliffe’s shot from distance parried into the path of Thomas to slot in from 5 yards. Merthyr 1 – 1 Kings Lynn.
The final 10 minutes was one way traffic as the visitors pushed for the winner. Hamilton had two glorious chances, including deep into injury time but Merthyr just about held on to a point.
Up The Town
Gavin Burns
@BankingMartyrs
