A Field day for Martyrs

Mar 2 2008 by Staff Reporter, Wales On Sunday

Mangotsfield 0-2 Merthyr

THE Martyrs gained what could be a crucial away victory at fellow strugglers Mangotsfield, a goal in each half earning Merthyr a deserved three points.

Starting brightly, the visitors went close after only three minutes when Gareth Warton’s header went just wide of the far post.

He was again only inches away from a corner on 15 minutes, his header beating home goalkeeper Josh Clapham but then hitting the woodwork.

A break-through arrived on the half-hour mark, Darren Davies’ free kick flicked on by Dale Griffiths for his name-sake Marcus to volley in from eight yards.

Michael Jones replaced Marcus Griffiths on the hour and it was the rangy striker who got the crucial second goal ten minutes from time. Davies was tripped in the box by former Martyr Gary Thorne and Jones confidently converted the resulting penalty.

Both Matthew Harris and Darren Griffiths had chances to extend Merthyr’s advantage in the closing stages, Harris striking the woodwork from ten yards and Griffiths poking the ball just wide with only Clapham to beat.