The second instalment in the Farnborough footballing week was a trip to the Rushmoor Community stadium. This time round Merthyr Town were the visitors, having previously visited with Harrow Borough earlier in the season. Who were beaten by this afternoon’s host in the build-up of this game. Narrowly coming out on top, on a cold evening in West London. Before this match the Martyrs lost to Hayes. With an improved first half signs of promise began to show for the travelling fans, however the second period returned to normality. Dominated in all areas of the pitch.
In the initial exchanges of this afternoon’s affair both teams were very close. Neither having a chance of note, leaving the game open for all involved. Merthyr Town fans dominating in the stands though. New Martyrs signing Keyon Refell broke the deadlock fourteen minutes in. Taking in the pass smartly, before slotting it home. Coming close again Kerry Morgan saw his effort go just over the bar. The host finally had their first attempt at goal twenty-five minutes in, but they hit the post. Making a fantastic save Jaimie Cogman parried an incredible effort from the home side. Doubling their lead, Merthyr had a second forty-two minutes in. Similar to the first goal. Hutson leaving the keeper stunned, as the ball rolled under him. Electric scenes in the stands. Best fans in non-league.
Shockingly good half from the visitors. Making the most of their chances, Merthyr town are leading. Against a team top of the table. Well and truly in control. Farnborough pulled one back fifty-four minutes in, Michael Fernandes striking the ball well. Keeping the Welsh side in the game Owen Evans made a wonderful block. Off the line, as close as it gets. Somehow Farnborough managed to equalise eighty-four minutes in. against the run of play, and unfortunately for Merthyr. Did not deserve that in the slightest. Thanks to this, the host looked to have a second burst of energy. Pressing the Merthyr back line late on. However, chances were being made at both ends. Corners and crosses alike handed the guest opportunities to score, but shirt pulling in the box made it difficult. Not to mention the diving which continued from Farnborough. With full time up the referee added seven minutes of injury time. Blatantly to push Farnborough to a win, nothing having justified that long. As expected, the home team got their goal. How convenient for them. A simple effort slotted away; town defenders tried their very best. Always hard playing against fourteen men.
In conclusion the result did not go Merthyr’s way. Despite efforts, the help of the southern league aided Farnborough again. Leaving them top of the league. Now with a gap building. Moreover, the overall afternoon was ruined by off field matters. On the stroke of the final whistle a handful of home supporters came looking for trouble. Football hooliganism is back, and big time.
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