Chippenham Town 3, Merthyr Town 1
Merthyr Town are in need of a strong finish to their Southern League season if they are to qualify for the play-offs.
Premier Division leaders Chippenham extended their unbeaten run to 20 matches thanks to goals from Jake Andrews (2) and David Pratt.
All the goals came in the second half with two penalties handing Chippenham victory.
Jack Compton replied for the Martyrs in front of almost 750 spectators, but Merthyr were unable to avoid defeat.
Manager Gavin Williams and his team are still fifth and occupying the final play-off spot, but Banbury United won 4-0 away at Chesham United and moved on to the same pints as Merthyr.
Next Saturday Merthyr are at home against Cambridge City, while Banbury travel to play Stratford Town.
Chippenham had former Merthyr defender Rhys Baggridge operating in midfield to offer extra stability at the back, aiming to restrict attacking options for their visitors.
Merthyr played against the slope and wind in the first half and went into the second period with the score 0-0.
The Bluebirds of Chippenham went ahead after 48 minutes when Merthyr failed to clear a cross from the right and David Pratt fired home.
Andrews, on loan from Bristol City, scored from a penalty after 73 minutes to make it 2-0, although Jack Compton pulled one back for Merthyr six minutes from the end.
Ian Traylor hit the bar as the Martyrs worked to produce an equaliser, but a second penalty for Chippenham effectively ended their hopes. The 19-year-old Andrews scored from the spot after 91 minutes.
Merthyr will welcome back Scott Barrow and player-manager Williams after they completed suspensions, while Keyon Reffell still has two games of his ban to go.
Ryan Prosser is also ruled out because of a back injury.
Merthyr Town: O Davies, Wright, Tancock, McDonald, A Davies, Evans (capt), Patten, Traylor, Jenkins, McLaggon, Compton. Subs: Bowen, Richards, Copp.
Merthyr Town’s remaining fixtures this season
March
Saturday 25 v Cambridge City (home, 3pm)
April
Saturday 1 v Kings Stanley (away, 3pm)
Saturday 8 v St Neots Town (away, 3pm)
Saturday 15 v St Ives Town (3pm)
Monday 17 v Redditch United (away, 3pm)
Saturday 22 v Hayes and Yeading (home, 3pm)
Entry prices to Merthyr Town matches at Penydarren Park: Adults £10; Senior Citizens (65 and over) plus Cardiff City/Swansea City season ticket holders £8; Students (16-18 years of age) £7; Under 16 £1; Under 6 free.
