Hopeful Hayes!

Merthyr Town made the trip to West London on Tuesday night to take on Hayes and Yeading United. A side who was unbeaten in the Southern league this season, twenty-one points above their guest. Winning ten and drawing two of their previous twelve outings. The Martyrs performed significantly better against fellow London outfit Harrow Borough on Saturday. Only going down by a one goal margin come full time, which was vastly improved from their trips to Gosport and Salisbury.

Kicking off this evening’s affair was Hayes as they got in behind the Martyrs defence. New addition Toby Raison making a late ditch tackle to deny a cross, and keep the visitors in the game. Only nine minutes in. An early change for the Welsh side saw Morgan Clarke come on for Connor Davies. Leaving Merthyr town down to two available subs, from two available players. Paper thin squad in West London. Hayes had the ball in the goal on the nineteenth minute, but it was ruled offside. To the relief of the travelling support. However, it did not take long for it to find the goal net for a second time. Counting this time round. Pass played up the field gave the Reds plenty time to make a choice, finished with ease. Getting close again Jaimie Cogman made a brilliant save in the visitor’s net. Tipping the ball over the bar thirty-five minutes in. four minutes later Hayes got a second, whipped in from wide. Before the break Dylan Jones came close for the Martyrs. Twisting and turning to open up space for a shot, just wide of the goal.

Half time saw Merthyr have a chance to address the poor display in the opening fourth five minutes. After being much improved against Harrow the visitors resorted to old ways. Free falling can only lead to one thing, and that’s what everyone is trying to avoid. Cannot carry on playing this long without creating chances. Sixty-three minutes in the host were awarded a penalty, a soft one at that. Saved by Jaimie Cogman from the spot. Corey Sheppard had Merthyr’s only chance of note in the second period, blazing it wide of the goal. Summarising everything fans have been shown today. Another goal came for Hayes in the eighty-eight minutes. Tired Merthyr lacked concentration, handing their opponents a simple opportunity. Converted without second thought.

In conclusion Merthyr Town showed why they are where they are in the league. Understandably, Hayes and yeading are a brilliant side. But that was not acceptable. Especially after the progress made on the weekend. With a break ahead it is vital the club discuss plans for the season. Things can’t afford to get any worse, or a disaster beyond belief is coming. New signings are desperately needed.