| Hereford 3 – 0 Merthyr Town |
| Hudson 13′ | |
| Lane 24′ | |
| Preston 34′ |
It was derby day blues for the Martyrs as they were hammered by a Hereford team fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table.
Over 650 Merthyr Town fans made the short trip to Edgar Street with expectations of 3 points in the spring sunshine following the 2 – 2 draw in late December – oh how wrong they were.
A few surprise selections when the teamsheet was released, with Cox dropping to the bench despite scoring against Oxford on Friday, Handley back in the starting lineup but into midfield and Garrick back up top.
For the first few minutes Merthyr looked pretty comfortable and carved out a couple of chances. Garrick had a glorious chance to put the Martyrs ahead after Twamley was able to nick the ball through to him on the right. As Garrick bared down onto goal, he had two choices. Try and slot past the onrushing Richardson and covering Preston, or square the ball to Handley who was in acres of space on the left for a tap in. He decided to shoot which was blocked – a chance that went begging.
Handley was making himself busy in his new midfield position and fired over the bar from distance a few minutes later. It was from here that Hereford came into the game and didn’t look back. Howkins was unable to get his header on target before Daly went close, cutting in from his left wing. The deadlock was broken on 13 minutes after a long freekick was put into Merthyr’s area. Preston beat both Merthyr defenders to win the header, with the ball falling to Munday. He was able to get a touch into Hudson’s path, who slotted it past Cogman into the bottom left corner. A disaster of a start. Hereford 1 – 0 Merthyr.
You could see the confidence instantly sap from the visitors after conceding the goal. Wilcox’s 30 yard drive was superbly tipped over by Cogman, before the Martyrs conceded with another set piece. Sonha put in a dangerous corner which was headed desperately from the line but deflected to Lane to joyfully smash home from all of 5 yards. A disaster. Hereford 2 – 0 Merthyr.
“Apologies to the supporters as they followed us in big numbers today, it was fantastic to see so many here and we didn’t show up on the pitch……..No cutting edge, we didn’t really look like scoring and that’s a big issue for us at the moment“
Paul Michael, Merthyr Town Manager
Merthyr huffed and puffed but were unable to cause Hereford any issues or win second balls. The Bulls scored their third on 34 minutes after Preston was again(!) able to win his header, which rebounded off Ryan-Phillips and fell back to his feet, allowing him to drive his shot past Cogman from the edge of the box. Merthyr players and fans were shellshocked and it was going to be a long afternoon. Hereford 3 – 0 Merthyr.
Hereford could and probably should have made it 4 before halftime after Merthyr again gave possession up in the middle of the park. Tustin was played in on the right side and his stinging shot was saved low by Cogman’s right hand. The halftime whistle went and some fans headed to the exit.
Half Time: Hereford 3 – 0 Merthyr
The expected changes at halftime didn’t materialise much to the surprise of the away fans. Merthyr continued to struggle to win any second balls and at times were being played around by a team who looked like they wanted it so much more. Cox came onto the pitch and offered the presence up top which was missing in the first half. Lucas missed a golden chance on 57 minutes after bursting into the box but was unable to beat Richardson with his left foot. Lane was continuing to make himself a nuisance up top, pressing and harassing Harris and Ryan-Phillips at any opportunity.
Hereford had another superb chance after J. Evans lost possession in midfield which allowed the impressive Daly to round Handley on the left. The squared ball was met by Lane who’s shot was saved at point blank range by Cogman – we could have easily been 5 – 0 down at this point.
The rest of the half was all Hereford as the Martyrs struggled to string more than two passes together. Cox was unable to beat Richardson in injury time but it was all too little too late as the final whistle went.
Full Time: Hereford 3 – 0 Merthyr
To the players credit they came over to clap the visibly disappointed and angry fans – emotions are high at the moment and a response is certainly needed against Macclesfield. We as fans don’t expect to win every game, but to be outworked and outplayed in that manner was very disappointing – with only Cogman, Handley, Spiers and Cox coming out with any credit (personal opinion).
All in all a rubbish BH Monday. Roll on Saturday.
Up The Town.
Gavin Burns
