Mass panic created by the latest coronavirus variant lead to games being postponed across the United Kingdom. Teams across the football league, and non-league pyramids being brought to a halt under the rise of cases. A trip to Tiverton Town being the best option left. In this afternoon’s fixture Merthyr Town made the journey to Ladysmead. Going into this match the Martyrs have failed to win since October, whilst our host last won in November.
It was Merthyr Town who got the game underway but Tiverton had the first chance. Cross from Nelson finds Owen in the box, however he failed to convert a minute in. Getting forward again Nelson put pressure on the visitors back line. Challenge from the Welsh defender keeps him out. The martyrs first chance came seven minutes in, Alfie Pond quick to the yellows rescue. Interesting affair in the opening ten minutes. Tiverton just on top. Seventeen minutes in the host got a deserved lead, Gary Warren the scorer. Putting Tiverton ahead through a header from a corner. Doubling their lead on the twenty fifth minute Owens scores this time round. Finishing off a Nelson ball in front of an empty goal. Reacting well after that goal, Merthyr went up the other end. Sadly, nothing came of it. The last chance of the half came for the Welsh side. Seconds away from the break they forced many men up the field, home defences staying firm.
Going into the stop in play both teams played out a very interesting match so far. Merthyr started well, failing to score. Whilst Tiverton picked off on the counter attack. Great advert for non-league football. Two earnt goals separate the sides after forty-five minutes. Kicking off the second period our host almost handed Merthyr a goal. Mix up between Warren and Woodman on the forty seventh minute. Flying out of the gates the Martyrs had three good chances, yellows shot stopper earning his wages within five minutes of play resuming. Visitors should be back in this. Corey Sheppard’s disaster attempt followed. Horrific touch, disastrous shot on the fifty second minute. Really creating problems for Tiverton, Lewis Powell had chance after chance. Finally scoring seventy-six minutes in Eli Phipps gets the ball in the net. Finding the bottom corner, with his first touch of the game. Not long later Merthyr were level. Against all odds, fans celebrations better than you’ll ever see. This is what non-league is all about! After all his hard work, Lewis Powell puts the ball away. Eighty-three minutes in the score is level. A double red card was the final piece of action in a jam-packed tie. Corey Sheppard making his way off the pitch, with Chris joining him for the home team.
In conclusion Merthyr looked better in spells during the first half, however Tiverton were just in front. Second period saw the event turn massively. The martyrs came out all guns blazing, playing with a point to prove. Justifying their comeback. Lewis Powell’s finish erupting the atmosphere. Thank you to Tiverton Town Supporters for the warm welcome, and all the best for the rest of the season. Fantastic club from top to bottom. Not many better away days in this league…
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