Martyrs finishing with a flourish against Hitchin

Apr 21 2008 by Anthony Woolford, South Wales Echo

MERTHYR returned from Hertfordshire with a deserved victory in a game that proved that great old adage that you have to take your chances to win games.

It was undoubtedly Merthyr who gave the home side a lesson in finishing on the day, Craig Stiens leading the way with two goals and Shane Dawe grabbing the third.

Paul Barnes had cancelled out Stiens’ 26th-minute opener just four minutes later before Dawe restored Merthyr’s advantage direct from a free-kick two minutes before the break.

It wasn’t until the 73rd minute that Stiens wrapped up the victory for Merthyr after Barnes had struck the Martyrs woodwork twice and forced a super save from Merthyr ’keeper Ashley Morris.

That just leaves the visit of Kings Lynn to Merthyr next weekend.

However, that will be anything but an end of season stroll as Kings Lynn will pick up the Premier Division title if they overcome Garry Shephard’s side, who will be looking to avenge a 5-1 defeat in Norfolk back in December.

And, for Shephard, a large turn out from the Merthyr fans is essential if his young side are to cause an upset.

“Kings Lynn are likely to bring hundreds of fans down for this as they regularly get 1,500 at home,” said Shephard. “It would be nice if we could match them.”