| 24th October 2026 National League North – Matchday 13, Penydarren Park Attendance 972 |
| Merthyr 1 – 3 Morecambe |
| Jarvis 58′ | Lewis 37′ |
| O’Kane 73′ | |
| Buckley 90+3 |
Merthyr Town extended their winless streak to seven after a disappointing 3 – 1 loss to Morecambe in appalling conditions at Penydarren Park.
As Storm Boelo rolled into South Wales, visions of South Shields last year were in the back of minds. Same weather, same result? If only……
It was a fast and furious first 10 minutes from both sides as they looked to break the deadlock early in what was the first ever league fixture between the two teams. The most intriguing battle was on the right as Spiers and Curley were constantly at it, with Spiers coming out on top in the early exchanges.
The first chance went to the Shrimps after Daly picked up the loose ball on the edge of the box but couldn’t keep his shot down. A few minutes later, an aggressive press from the Martyrs was skillfully played through, starting across the backline with Curley pinging a diagonal ball from left to right to the advancing Newby. Coxe on the overlap was able to cut back to Daly – who again couldn’t keep his shot down. What a goal that would have been.
As the game wore on Merthyr started to have some sustained pressure, despite a lack of threat on goal. Boney tipped Pearson’s freekick over the bar, before Jarvis was denied by some great defending from Hogan and Spiers cross come shot rattled the post.
The visitors continued to probe and were inches away from taking the lead but a last ditch Margetson header off the line kept the score level. Moments later the goal finally came. Following some great link up play on the left, the ball was slotted into Lewis on the right, who despite being forced wide by Smerdon, was able to shift the ball to his right foot and slot past Cogman. A deserved goal. Merthyr 0 -1 Morecambe.
The response from the Martyrs was almost instant as Spiers whipped in a delightful ball to Jarvis, who stuck his foot out but it went over from about 5 yards. A glorious chance. Pearson had another great shot tipped over from outside the box but it was not meant to be as half time approached.
A decent half of football and on reflection, we probably didn’t deserve to be 1 – 0 down. However, a lot of improvement would be needed after the break to get back into the game.
Half Time: Merthyr 1 – 3 Morecambe
Merthyr came firing out of the blocks and looked intent on using the wind in their favour. Despite this, Cogman was called into action first to stop a fierce Coxe strike from outside the box. The battle between Spiers and Curley continued and the equaliser came down the right hand side on 58 minutes. Spiers picked up the ball and knocked it around Curley and had him for pace. Caught out, he pulled Spiers down for the freekick and a yellow card for his troubles. A superb delivery was met by Jarvis to stab past Boney from close range. Game on. Merthyr 1 -1 Morecambe.
Merthyr’s press, passing and intent was so much better as the momentum was with the home side. Jarvis set up Pearson after a great challenge, forcing Boney into a low save to his right – it felt like a goal was coming at any second. Unfortunately, the momentum started to ebb towards the Shrimpers as Cain sliced his shot wide before Hogan’s great header crashed against the post. The torrential rain and howling wind was now playing a huge factor in the game, to the point where goal kicks were being held up in the air and you could see the water holding up the ball as it was being passed.
The next goal was crucial and it was the visitors who made it count. A poor freekick was given on the left, allowing a dangerous ball to be played into the Merthyr box. The ball spilled out to the right, with Coxe putting the ball back into the centre of the area – O’Kane (making his debut) was on hand to slot it past Cogan and wheel off in celebration. Merthyr 1 – 2 Morecambe.
It was at this point that the Martyrs started to resort to long balls over the top, with very little success. You could start to feel the desperation but with 10 minutes left, it was hoped we could at least get a draw. Pearson smashed his shot against the crossbar from outside the box following a short corner, before Matondo was picked out in yards of space. Despite the time he had to compose himself, his shot went high over the bar and you felt like that was it.
As Merthyr continued to push forward, they were caught out with Buckley slotting home Morecambe’s third of the day. Gutted. Merthyr 1 – 3 Morecambe.
Full Time: Merthyr 1 – 3 Morecambe
An improved performance and I personally thought a number of the lads played very well, particularly Spiers, Humphries, Margetson and Pearson. We are just looking a bit blunt up top and this is something that we need to fix ASAP.
UP THE TOWN
Gavin Burns
