Kane Simpson strikes late to seal 2-0 win for Merthyr Town against Ammanford in Nathaniel MG Cup
Nathaniel MG Cup Trophy ahead of kick off. The New Saints v Swansea City u21in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final at Jenner Park on the 20th January 2024.
A late goal from substitute Kane Simpson helped seal a 2-0 win for Merthyr Town in the Nathaniel MG Cup second round against Ammanford.
A first half strike from Ricardo Rees followed by the stoppage time goal from Simpson saw them become the second wildcard side to reach the third round this season following Cardiff City’s 3-1 win against Pontypridd United on Friday night.
Speaking after the result manager Paul Michael said: “I think we played well for majority of the game, the boys are frustrated that we weren’t very clinical we’ve had upwards of 15 chances to score.
“On another day Ric gets a double hat-trick and he’s going to score plenty of goals for us this season.”
It was a fast start from the home side as star forward Ricardo Rees fired home a first time effort on his left foot to give them the lead in the 4th minute.
Despite the early pressure from The Martyrs the away side did look dangerous on the break. Tristan Jenkins hitting the side netting after a great solo run.
Ammanford put the home defence under pressure again soon after winning a free-kick on the edge of the area after goalkeeper Will Fuller collided with Jenkins leading to a yellow card.
Fuller pulled off a great diving save to deny Gruff Harrison’s side from the free-kick before a cross following the stop was headed on to the crossbar to the relief of the home crowd.
Keiran Evans looked dangerous on the ball for Merthyr and came close to doubling their lead in the 30th minute after a bursting run towards the edge of the area, but his effort was fired just wide of the post.
Rees should have had his second in the 39th minute as he found himself clear through on goal. The striker appeared to have too much time as he failed to round the keeper before his effort was blocked.
Despite chances for both sides they were only separated by one goal heading into the break.
The Martyrs started the second half looking to gain control of the ball. Rees come close again in the 53rd minute but wasn’t quite able to get the connection needed on a cross as it dropped just wide.
Paul Michael’s men continued to push for a second with Lewys Twamley showing some great footwork before curling an effort wide of the post.
Substitute Kane Simpson almost sealed the game for Merthyr in the 84th minute after beating an onrushing keeper to a through ball. His prodded effort slowly trickled towards goal before bouncing out off the post.
Simpson made sure of the victory for his side in the 90th minute after a great touch on the edge of the area to bring the ball out of the air before beating a defender and firing home.
Merthyr Town: Will Fuller (GK) (Jaimie Cogman 46′), Callum Ryan-Phillips, Thomas Handley, Liam Angel, Cole Jarvis, Frazer Thomas, Ricardo Rees, Lewys Twamley, Matthew Harris (C), Isaac Richards, Kieran Evans (Kane Simpson 66′)
Goals: Ricardo Rees 4′ Kane Simpson 90′
Yellow cards: Will Fuller 19′
Ammanford AFC: Josh Hutchings (GK), Nicholas Arnold, Ellis Williams, Callum Jones, Christopher Bell (Euros Griffiths 65′), Ceri Parry (Alexander Arnold 65′, Callum Thomas (Grufydd Newman 83′), Morgan Clarke (C), Callum Shirt (Jacob Protheroe 88′), Adam Morgan, Tristan Jenkins (Adam John 65′)
