Merthyr 1 Poole 1

Southern Premier League

23 January 2016

With storm clouds on the horizon promising rain but with bright sunlight gleaming off the artificial surface, the Merthyr coach in bright green boots created quite a stir amongst the home fans before the match.

I should say straight away that this was a great game to watch, with Merthyr going for it from the off and McLaggon and Reffell showing outstanding touches and speed up front to give the Poole defence real difficulties. Although Roberts had a shot over the bar, it was Merthyr who looked more likely to score coming close several times, and when Walker headed away from a free kick it bounced off Reffell into the net with Hutchings stranded. After Whiskin picked up a yellow, Spetch should have scored with a free header in the box but headed straight at the keeper. From that moment it seemed that he was determined to make up for the miss appearing in the box or on the edge at every possible opportunity (more later). Wort did good work powering into the box and taking the ball round the keeper only to see his shot from an acute angle kicked off the line by a defender. Spetch hit the post from a similar angle with a cross shot just before half time.

In the second half Poole set about putting pressure on the Merthyr defence which played superbly as a unit with Baggridge having an outstanding game. The introduction of Connell and Gillespie and rain had the desired effect eventually as Merthyr could no longer hold out. Connell placed a great ball across the area but Gillispie had not advanced far enough to reach it. Then a Burbidge corner was punched straight to Spetch who placed his header carefully over the keeper into the net to the delight of the several Poole fans who had made the trip. After the goal Merthyr regained the upper hand as Poole seemed to stand off having spent an enormous amount of energy to get the equaliser but the game remained open and either team looked capable of scoring. Neither did as the referee called time on an entertaining match.

Star Player
Luke Burbidge: Back to his best on the wing created lots of opportunities in the second half and hit the bar with a great shot. Created the pressure that led to the equaliser.


Verdict
Merthyr remain in 16th place having lost 13 games but are another team that seemingly raise their game when they play the leaders. This was one they were determined not to lose and defended well. Forward Kayne McLaggon who started his career at Southampton looks very able to play at a higher level and new striking partner Keyon Reffell has a superb first touch. Together they look like they could make things happen for Merthyr.

Poole started slowly and Merthyr deservedly took the lead. Once they had got over that they had plenty of possession but never gave up and forced the equaliser near the end. The game was very open and end to end at times so there was plenty to interest both sets of spectators. Poole's lead is cut to 2 points with difficult games to come but who said it would be easy?