Football: Martyrs lacking in killer instinct

Oct 11 2007 by David Williams, Merthyr Express

Merthyr Tydfil 1 Banbury United 1

THE Martyrs were left frustrated by the Oxfordshire outfit as they had to settle for a draw.

Aiming to bounce back from the defeat at BGB Premier division leaders Brackley, Garry Shephard’s side got off to a flyer.

Mike Jones forced a misplaced pass in the visiting defence to race clear and score with precision and ease from the edge of the area.

Five minutes later the Martyrs should have increased their lead when Craig Steins seized on another misplaced pass in the defence, only to blaze high and wide with only the keeper to beat.

The Martyrs continued to play with a high tempo and almost increased their lead when a far-post free kick found Jamie Rewbury unmarked, but his cross-cum-shot drifted wide of the upright.

The visitors started the second half hoping for an improvement and duly equalised on 52 minutes when Murray Nicholls ghosted in at the far post to drill past Ashley Morris.

The Martyrs had plenty of possession but lacked the killer pass to unlock a strong visiting defence.

Dean Clarke drilled a shot wide and Steins had an effort well saved by Banbury goalkeeper Andy Wheeler.

Merthyr went in search of a late winner and a succession of corners late in the game almost resulted in a winner, but it wasn’t to be.

The club now face Paulton Rovers in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday at home.