Merthyr Town triumph against stubborn Taffs Well
TAFFS WELL, WALES - 19th July 2024: Tom Handley of Merthyr Town scores his sides first goal. Taffs Well v Merthyr Town in the Nathaniel MG Cup at Rhiw Dda'r on the 19th July 2024. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Wildcard entrants Merthyr Town opened their competitive campaign with a 3-1 win against a stubborn Taffs Well in the Nathaniel MG Cup first round.
Defender Tom Handley gave Merthyr a first half lead before Vaughn Fowler levelled for the hosts early in the second half.
Isaac Richards struck just past the hour to regain the lead for The Martyrs before his looping header late on sealed the victory for his side.
Paul Michael’s side will now host JD Cymru South side Ammanford in the second round on Saturday 3rd of August.
It was a fast start from Merthyr as Lewys Twamley had two early effort at goal, but failed to test the keeper.
The early dominance continued for the away side as they looked to break down the stubborn Taffs Well defence.
Shaun Gardiner was called into action with 21 minutes on the clock to deny Ricardo Rees after the forward found himself bearing down on goal.
Despite their control of the football Merthyr were struggling to break down the stubborn home defence, leading to a flurry of long-range efforts that failed to break the deadlock.
The game looked destined to stay level heading into the break, however The Martyrs pressure finally paid off as defender Tom Handley burst into the box before firing home in the 43rd minute giving the visitors the half-time lead.
The Wellmen threatened to be dangerous on the break early in the second half winning a free-kick wide of the area. They made the most of their chance as skipper Vaughn Fowler scored the leveller after the ball dropped to his feet.
The game continued in the same pattern as Merthyr dominated the ball looking to regain the lead but Nathan Cotterall’s side continued to hold firm.
Despite their best efforts they were unable to keep the visitors out as young forward Isaac Richards pounced on a loose ball to restore The Martyrs lead in the 64th minute.
The away side continued to dominate the game and they ensured the result in the 85th minute thanks to a second from Richards as his looping header nestled in.
Taffs Well: Shaun Gardiner (GK), Vaughn Fowler (C), Cameron Gauci, Harry Treharne, Drew Caple, Jack Simpson, David Lyon (Christian Politi 70′), Benjamin Parry, Owain Edwards (Thomas Phillips 63′), Sam Johnson, Ryan Harris (Thomas Dean 70′)
Goals: Vaughn Fowler 50′
Merthyr Town: Jaimie Cogman (GK), Callum Ryan-Phillips, Tom Handley (Cole Jarvis 68′), Isaac Richards, Alex John, Ricardo Rees, Lewys Twamley, Noah Smerdon, Matthew Harris (C), Lee Lucas, Kieran Evan’s
Goals: Tom Handley 43′ Isaac Richards 64′ 85′
