Merthyr Town fought out a fiercely competitive goalless draw against rivals Hereford FC at the Loadlok Community Stadium.
More than 2,600 spectators were at Merthyr, an attendance which is a massive boost for a club battling against major financial problems.
More than 1,000 fans made the trip from Hereford and there was an outstanding atmosphere around the stadium.
The Bulls went into the match unbeaten away in the Southern League this season, but they were hanging on at the end.
Merthyr Town and Hereford FC teams go out at the Loadlok Community Stadium.Only a magnificent double save by Hereford goalkeeper Martin Horsfell after 89 minutes rescued his team.
Ian Traylor’s effort was blocked by Horsfell, who was quick to react when the ball ran loose and saved again.
The Martyrs were without several players, while Hereford’s match day squad, included ex-Merthyr men Keyon Reffell, Ryan Green, Eliot Richards, Garyn Preen and Cameron Pring.
Ryan Prosser fired just wide from a long range effort after 39 minutes, while Reffell dragged a shot wide after dispossessing Jarrad Wright.
Great scenes at Merthyr Town today.Prosser went close again when he glanced a Traylor cross over the bar, while Hereford had a penalty claim turned down when John Mills went down under pressure from Wright.
Merthyr Town: Oliver Davies, Scott Tancock, Matthew Harris, Jarrad Wright, Adam Davies, Jaye Bowen (Lewis), Craig Reddy, Ashley Evans, Corey Jenkins, Ryan Prosser, Ian Traylor. Subs not used: Miles John, Liam Martin, Connor Hanford, Jacob Flower.
Hereford FC: Martin Horsell, Jimmy Oates, Ryan Green, Jack Deaman, Cameron Pring, Elliot Richards, Richards (Lance Smith Smith), Billy Murphy, Keyon Reffell, Jamie Bird (Garyn Preen), John Mills, Pablo Haysham. Subs not used: Harris, Dara O’Shea, Dan Preston.
Attendance: 2,612.
Early fixtures in January:
Monday, January 1 v Frome Town (away)
Saturday, January 6 v Dunstable Town (home)
Normal admission : Adult £10; Concessions £8 (Over 65’s, Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport County season ticket holders); Merthyr RFC season ticket holders £5; Under 16 £1.
The Martyrs have half season tickets now on sale. They are priced at (£87.50 for adults, £75 seniors).
A half season ticket entitles fans to a match ticket to the Hereford match.
