Merthyr Town 2, Weymouth 2
Merthyr Town need to hold their nerve to clinch a Southern League play-off slot.
They earned a home point against Weymouth despite having Keyon Reffell sent off seven minutes after half-time.
The Martyrs produced a committed performance at Penydarren Park, but will be disappointed at failing to secure all three points.
They are fifth in the table, occupying the final play-off slot, and are six points in front of closest rivals Banbury United.
Manager Gavin Williams takes his team to play Premier Division leaders Chippenham Town away next Saturday and they badly need to earn some reward from that tough trip.
Merthyr went close after only two minutes against Weymouth when Reffell smashed in a shot which hit the bar and rebounded back into play.
They went ahead when Ashley Evans connected with a beautifully struck half volley and the ball flew high into Weymouth’s net after 17 minutes.
At half-time the Martyrs were 1-0 in a fast and furious match with Reffell and Adam Davies producing some good moments.
After the loss of midfield playmaker Reffell, Merthyr sent on Ian Traylor, Corey Jenkins and Kyle Copp from the subs bench, replacing Jack Compton, Kayne McLaggon and Eliot Richards.
Former Cardiff City striker Stuart Fleetwood levelled things for Weymouth after 73 minutes, lobbing goalkeeper Oliver Davies, but Merthyr regained the lead from a penalty after Jenkins was brought down.
Copp took the spot-kick and gave his team a 2-1 lead on 77 minutes.
It was Dean Evans who headed Weymouth’s second goal after 81 minutes. He finished a flowing move with a clinical finish.
There were more than 600 spectators at the game and a strong contingent of Weymouth fans made the atmosphere lively.
Merthyr Town: O Davies, S Tancock, C McDonald, J Wright, A Davies, K Reffell, A Evans, K Patten, J Compton (I Taylor), K McLaggon (C Jenkins), E Richards (K Copp). Sub not used: J Bowen.
Attendance: 611.
