Merthyr Town suffered in Harrow after being hit by a series of problems, losing the match at Earlsmead 3-0.
Manager Gavin Williams had to include himself in the starting line-up, while youth team player Ed Hewitson was in goal.
Ryan Prosser, Craig McDonnell and goalkeeper Joe Perry were unavailable, while injuries ruled out Adam Davies (knee), Corey Jenkins (knee) injuries, Joe Hunt (ankle), Jarrad Wright (torn calf), Owain Jones (hamstring) and Kieran Lewis (hamstring).
Back-up goalkeeper Josh Gould was recalled from his loan by Swansea City.
Kerry Morgan and Ian Traylor also have knocks, but played, while Ashley Evans returned to the squad after suspension.
The experienced Craig Reddy has returned from to the Martyrs from Taffs Well.
“To have so many players unavailable at the same time is tough, but what can you do?” said manager Gavin Williams.
“We don’t have the finances to bring anybody in and we can’t dual register players like other clubs in the Southern League which puts us at a disadvantage compared to other teams we compete against.
“It’s a chance for some of our younger players to show what they can do and that they can compete at this level. They’ve all done well when they’ve come in, and hopefully it will be the same again on Saturday”
Merthyr were only able to name two substitutes for the EvoStik Southern League Premier clash.
Williams and his Martyrs battled with spirit and character, keeping the score at 0-0 for an hour.
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Frank Keita broke the deadlock on 60 minutes, while Dylan Kearney (75) and Shoay Ismajli (87) completed Harrow’s scoring.
Merthyr had their chances when the score was 0-0 and Williams went close with a shot from 25 yards, while Lee Lucas was narrowly off target from inside the penalty area.
Williams played Reddy through, but his shot from 10 yards was blocked.
Matthew Harris went for goal from a long way out and Harrow were relieved when the shot failed to find the target.
Ryan Moss had a couple of good efforts for Harrow in a closely fought match and the home team hit a post before breaking the deadlock with 30 minutes left.
Harrow Borough: Halfed Al-Droubi, Joshua Andrew, Ryan Haugh, Jordan Ireland, Shaun Preddie, Frank Keita, Dylan Kearney (Excellence Muhemba 77), Mark McLeod (Shoay Ismaijli 84), Ryan Moss, Michael Bryan (Ahmed Elsahib 84), Lewis Cole. Sub not used: Lee Pearce.
Merthyr town: Lewis Webb, Matthew Harris, Kyle Patten, Connor Young, Ashley Evans, Ian Traylor, Craig Reddy, Kerry Morgan, Lee Lucas, Tom Meechan, Gavin Williams. Subs: Reuben Mackay, Cavan Williams.
Merthyr Town’s remaining fixtures in December
December
Tuesday 18 v Weymouth (home)
Saturday 22 v Chesham United (home)
Wednesday 26 v Frome Town (away)
Saturday 29 v Swindon Supermarine (away)
Merthyr Town are offering half season tickets valid January 1.
The cost has been based on the nine home games for season 2018-19 from New Year’s Day, but should Weymouth be involved in a replay of their FA Trophy game our home fixture due on Tuesday, December 18 will not go ahead.
That would mean the half season ticket would cover 10 matches.
The price of half season tickets are:
Adult (including Ownership) £110
Adult (existing Owner) £90
Senior (including Ownership) £90
Senior (existing Owner) £70
Student £45
Junior (u16) £5
Please contact Phil Mack via email on [email protected]
