Only days after their FA Cup exist Merthyr Town were back on the road. This time travelling to London, taking on the league’s new boys. Hanwell Town. Tuesday evenings event being delayed for fifteen minutes due to traffic during the visitor’s trip. After Just stop oil prevented people entering the M25 motorway.
Starting this evening’s affair was Hanwell Town. Having two chances in the opening exchanges, testing the travelling teams shot stopper soon after play had begun. Bringing the backline to work with a sharp awakening. Reacting well. Merthyr managed to make an attack of their own. Dragging the effort wide, inches away from breaking the deadlock. Maintaining their dominance. The host had a flurry of fired shots. Unable to reach the back of the net. Jaime Cogman doing a brilliant job, stepping in for the injured Will Fuller. Working well on a counters attack. Ricardo Rees ran riot down the wing, whipping a cross into the box. Before a second shot was needed to see it out. Getting into the final third again, the visitors ventured forward, finding space to smack a shot. Slicing into a strong block made by the Geordies defender. Weaving his way into the area. Ricardo Rees opened up free room to roam. Sliding the ball into the back of the net, having rounded the centre half. Seeing out the first half.
Getting the second period underway. The home side had a shot. Smashing an effort into the side netting, to the guest relief. Up the other end Matthew Harris soon had Merthyr’s first chance of the half. Seeing his shot fly over, and end up outside of the stadium. Deserving to double their lead. The martyrs made a darting run, dashing a shot low into the keeper, who cleared the ball. Playing a pass high up the pitch. A string of shots came for the Geordies, as they gained ground on the game, coming close to getting a goal. If not for a robust back line by Merthyr. Jamie Cogman keeping a clean sheet whilst the tie went on. Growing in confidence, Hanwell had more and more attempts. Each prevented by a different player. Sparking an unacceptable reaction from the side-line. Where the host manager was hurling abuse at the officials. Taking their tally up, the guest got a second goal. This time through Thomas. When he used his speed to slide away from defenders. Dawning on the keeper, as he calmly slid his shot away. Creating an impressive atmosphere by the visiting supporters. Located behind the goal.
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