Football: Merthyr pull last minute goal to make a point

Nov 28 2007 by Our Correspondent, Rhymney Valley Express

Rugby Town 3 Merthyr Tydfil 3

A LAST-MINUTE goal by skipper Andrew Thomas rescued a point for Merthyr.

The Martyrs made the trip to Rugby, who were playing their 1,000th game in the Southern League and looking to bounce back from heavy defeats at the hands of Yate Town and Swindon Supermarine.

Merthyr fell behind after eight minutes when static defending allowed Akin Aladetoun to roll the ball into an empty net from 12 yards.

The Martyrs continued to press and they equalised when Dale Griffiths was brought down in the area and Jamie Rewbury dispatched the spot kick with ease. The second half started with Merthyr attacking and Steins somehow managed to hook over the bar when it looked easier to score. As the game entered its closing stages the home side grew in confidence and took the lead on 78 minutes when an Aladetoun shot was brilliantly saved by Ryan Griffiths, only for the loose ball to rebound back to the striker who netted.

The Martyrs levelled almost instantly on 81 minutes when Matthew Harris found space on the edge of the area and his sublime chip from 18 yards left Rugby keeper Margetson stranded.

Just minutes later, the home side regained the lead. Keeper Griffiths brought down Aladetoun who stepped up for what would have been his hat trick but for a brilliant save from Griffiths. But for the third time the loose ball fell to a Rugby player, and this time Stefan Morley slammed home from close range.

With time running out, the Martyrs went on the search for a dramatic equaliser and in stoppage time a long ball was superbly volleyed home by Thomas from the edge of the area to send the large travelling support into raptures.

Merthyr’s Under-18s kept up their 100 per cent start to the season in the league with an 11th straight win. Adam Cushen’s brace and a Dale Evans free kick gave them a 3-1 win over Cascade to keep them three points in front of Grange Albion at the top of the table.

The Under-19s beat Afan Lido 4-0 with goals courtesy of Chris Penny (2), Kalim Ali and substitute Lloyd Martin.