Merthyr Town earned a point on their travels, but luck continues to go against them.
Goalkeeper Cameron Clarke, a 21-year-old former Cardiff City player, was injured when hosts King’s Langley equalised after 81 minutes and was taken to hospital.
That is a massive blow for Merthyr, who are at home against Basingstoke Town on Tuesday evening.
Manager Gavin Williams will assess how Clarke is and work to find a replacement in time for that home match.
The Martyrs were good value for their 2-2 draw at King’s Langley and now turn to that clash with Hampshire c;ub Basingstoke, who are just below the Martyrs in the EvoStik Southern League table.
That clash is a ‘Pay What You Want’ fixture for supporters.
Hosts King’s Langley had first team coach Steve Conroy in charge of their team for the visit of Merthyr.
Manager Paul Hobbs left the club by mutual consent after a 7-2 defeat against Frome Town which left Langley fourth from bottom.
The Martyrs went ahead twice with Jaye Bowen and Ashley Evans, but King’s Lamgley fought back each time.
Bowen netted after 35 minutes, firing home with a beautifully struck shot and Merthyr led 1-0 at half-time.
Ryan Prosser had also gone close with a header, but his effort flew over.
Wing-back Corey Jenkins almost netted a second when he headed over from an Ian Traylor free-kick and the home aside were hanging on at that stage.
Langley equalised on the hour, but Ashley Evans put Merthyr ahead again when he finishes a superb passing move to score after 77 minutes.
Then came the challenge which led to a goal and left goalkeeper Clarke injured.
That’s a tough blow for the Martyrs, who are fighting a brave battle against the financial crisis overshadowing their future.
Now they turn to Tuesday night’s home fixture against Basingstoke.
Merthyr Town: Cameron Clarke, Corey Jenkins (Miles John 67), Jarrad Wright, Matthew Harris, Adam Davies, Kerry Morgan, Jaye Bowen, Ashley Evans, Craig Reddy, Ryan Prosser, Ian Traylor. Subs not used: Jacob Flower, Harrison Lewis, Liam Martin.
A meeting of volunteers will be held on Tuesday, December 19 before the home match against Basingstoke Town. It will be in Webley’s Bar at the Loadlok Community Stadium (7pm).
Anybody interested contact Julian Axhorn on (07956 553370).
Merthyr Town remaining fixtures in December:
Tuesday 19 v Basingstoke Town (home)
Saturday 23 v King’s Lynn Town (home)
Boxing Day, Tuesday 26 v Hereford (home, 1pm kick-off).
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.
