Merthyr Town FC were rocked by injuries at their MetCoaches Stadium home and slipped to their first Southern League Premier defeat of the season.
The Martyrs lost 3-1 and suffered after only 14 minutes when goalkeeper Joe Perry suffered an ankle injury. It was clear the problem was bad enough to force Perry off the pitch when he threw his gloves across the penalty area in frustration.
The loss of Perry was a massive blow for Merthyr, who did not have a substitute goalkeeper on the bench.
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Manager Gavin Williams sent on young defender Connor Young with centre-back Jarrad Wright taking over in goal.
Merthyr were already without captain Ashley Evans, while striker Tom Meechan and winger Corey Jenkins were both hurt during the first half They were able to carry on after treatment, although Jenkins went off soon after half-time with Scott McConnell taking over.
The match was goalless for well over an hour and Merthyr were close to going ahead when Ian Traylor forced young goalkeeper James Carey, signed on loan from Bristol City, into an outstanding save.
Frome Town then took control with two quick goals which left Merthyr facing a tough battle.
Joe Hunt pulled a goal back, scoring his first for the Martyrs when he headed home after 79 minutes, but Frome scored their third with two minutes left.
Ollie Knowles, from a free-kick, plus Harry Baker (2) led Frome to victory, although Merthyr Town dominated possession and passed the ball fluently for long periods.
There was a minutes applause after 48 minutes in memory of Penydarren Park turnstile operator Mark Twydale.
He died on Saturday aged 48 and a pre-match club statement said: “Our thoughts are with his son Jack and all the family and we’d appreciate you joining with us in a minute’s applause on 48 minutes in today’s game.”
Merthyr Town: Joe Perry, Joe Hunt, Jarrad Wright, Kyle Patten, Kieran Lewis, Matthew Harris, Kerry Morgan, Adam Davies, Corey Jenkins, Tom Meechan, Ian Traylor. Subs: Connor Young, Miles John, Lee Price, Craig Reddy, Scott McDonnell,
Frome Town: James Carey, Krissy Miller, Ricky Scott (capt), Ollie Knowles, Sam Teale, Connor Roberts, Kriss Scott, Alex Monk, Harry Baker, Kane Simpson, Dan Demkiv. Subs: Ben Griffiths, Seb Tylek, Matt Harris, Liam Evans, Rick Davies.
