A week on from the disappointing news that the queen had had sadly passed away. Merthyr Town were back in action. Following a short suspension of all football matches within the United Kingdom, as a mark of respect to her majesty. Kicking off the calendar with a FA Cup fixture at home to Cirencester Town.
Starting this afternoon’s proceedings was a peppy host team. Who had the first chance, when Ricardo Rees made an immediate impact. Getting a shot away in the opening exchanges. Back-to-back chances came quickly. Initially going wide, before a second attempt earnt a corner. Making their way forward Merthyr made an advancement. Deflecting off the defenders, leaving a comfortable catch for the travelling team keeper. As he made his return to the ground. A former Martyrs shot stopper now featuring for Cirencester Town. Not long later, the visitors ventured forward. Creating their first chance of the game. Resulting in a corner, which rebounded back for another go at goal. Late pressure from the home side stopping the attack in the final moments. Breaking the deadlock, Ricardo Rees rounded off a good move, making space for a low shot. Sliding under the keeper. Slipping past the tightly marking last man. Growing in the game Cirencester came forward. Finding an open area, fantastic footwork failing to be followed up by a shot on target. Narrowly missing the post. Against the run of play, the Gloucestershire based side scored. Slotting home from inside the box. Cross from the right-hand side.
Getting the second half underway. An opportunity for the host, seeing a shot come off the side of a defender. Getting them an early corner. The following change couldn’t test the keeper. Launching a long ball, Merthyr managed to get into the box, but it was caught once more. Sitting very deep. Cirencester saw out most of the game. Neither team taking their attempts, of which there was not many. The closest to getting a goal bring a late Lewis Powell strike. Which went wide of the post, after he turned a defender. Setting up a replay in the upcoming week. Playing right into the visitors’ hands.
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