Trophy torment for Martyrs

Oct 22 2007 Western Mail

Chippenham 3-0 Merthyr

THIS was a convincing defeat for Merthyr Tydfil, who now go into next weekend’s FA Cup showdown against Oxford United with confidence at a low.

Having weathered a blustery opening 10 minutes from Chippenham in this FA Trophy tie, it was the Martyrs who took charge for the majority of the first 45 minutes.

But their failure to take chances and the loss of central defender Gareth Wharton on 28 minutes following a clash of heads, changed the course of the game.

In the space of two minutes just before the break the game was turned on its head as Jake Reid scored twice and Merthyr never recovered.

Aaron Cornwall found the net with a well-executed header midway through the second half to finally put paid to Merthyr hopes, who, once again, enjoyed plenty of possession and created many opportunities.

However, they rarely looked like taking one despite Chippenham goalkeeper Chris Snoddy looking unsteady on several occasions.