Merthyr Town 0, Bishop’s Stortford 0
The Martyrs signed former Liverpool and England striker Stan Collymore and were still unable to score the goals they needed against Bishop’s Stortford.
Collymore was guest speaker at the Loadlok Community Stadium in midweek and said: “A fantastic night at Merthyr Town FC.
“An extraordinarily warm welcome, a cracking football club and lovely, genuine people! Diolch.”
Collymore, 46, wasn’t there for Merthyr’s goalless Southern League Premier Division draw, but how they could have done with his goalscoring ability of past seasons.
There was loads of effort and plenty of hunger to score goals, but manager Gavin Williams and his Merthyr team had to settle for a draw.
The Martyrs are, though, still unbeaten this season and after travelling to play Basingstoke Town on Tuesday they have back-to-back home fixtures against Royston Town (Saturday, September 23) and Tiverton Town (Tuesday, September 26).
Ian Traylor returned to the Merthyr squad after assertion a three match suspension and was among the substitutes.
Striker Stuart Fleetwood went close when he rounded a defender, but his shot was deflected over the bar.
The Martyrs were confident in possession and pushed their visitors back with Momodou Touray prominent in attack. He almost scored on the half hour.
Touray produced another big moment when he flicked the ball on for Kyle Cope, whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper’s legs.
Merthyr sent on Traylor, Kerry Morgan and Jaye Bowen as he pressed for a home win and the moves almost worked. Taylor’s stinging free-kick was saved by the Stortford keeper after 80 minutes.
Big defender Jarrad Wright went forward for a corner three minutes from time, but he headed over and the Martyrs had to settle for a draw.
Merthyr Town: O Davies, A Davies, S Tancock, J Wright, A Evans, C Pring, R Patten, K Copp, C Jenkins, S Fleetwood,M Touray. Subs: B Watkins, K Patten, J Bowen, K Morgan, I Traylor.
Merthyr Town have been drawn away against Taffs Well in the FAW Youth Cup. The tie will be played on Sunday, October 1.
