Football:: Martyrs’ last-gasp winner could keep them in Premier Division

Apr 10 2008 by Our Correspondent, Merthyr Express

Merthyr Tydfil 5
Corby Town 4

THE football gods were certainly shining on Merthyr, as a goal six minutes into injury time snatched the win at the end of an incredible match, writes DAVID WILLIAMS.

If the Martyrs are to retain their place in the BGB Premier Division, and it looks all but secure after Jamie Rewbury’s dramatic winner, they will look at this amazing 90 minutes as the match which saved their season.

Eight second half goals, with a Corby equaliser in the 90th minute after an error by returning player/manager Garry Shephard, came totally out of the blue as the Martyrs went into the break with a single goal lead.

A defeat would have left the club deep in the relegation mire, now with four games left, their future looks safe but only just.

The Martyrs raced out of the blocks and took the lead after two minutes when Stiens waltzed passed two defenders and crossed for Marcus Griffiths to hammer home.

Corby, lying in the last of the four relegation places, threatened through Steve Diggin and the visitors enjoyed prolonged spells of pressure but the Martyrs’ defence held firm to half time.

On 56 minutes Merthyr doubled their lead when Matthew Harris hit a spectacular 20-yard effort into the top corner giving keeper Martin Davies no chance.

But two minutes later the visitors clawed a goal back when Diggin made up for two previous misses when he curled a free kick into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Then Corby drew level when Rob Hughes tapped home after some poor Merthyr defending.

On 73 minutes disaster struck for the Penydarren Park side when Martin Wormill was allowed a free header from a corner to send the visiting supporters into raptures.

However the Martyrs hit back five minutes later when Darren Davies was bundled over in the box and Mike Jones made no mistake from the spot, sending Davies the wrong way.

With two minutes left Merthyr appeared to have won it as Davies fumbled a Harris shot and Stiens pounced to make it 4-3.

Then Shephard, who had brought himself on for his first appearance since August after suffering knee ligament damage, watched in horror as a cross field pass fell to Wormill to fire home unopposed from 12 yards.

But in the 96th minute a Harris throw was met by Rewbury whose header nestled into the far corner to bring an end to a sensational match.