Teenager Lewis Webb stepped up for Merthyr Town and made a huge contribution to their 3-1 Southern League Premier win at Walton Casuals in Surrey.
The Martyrs were without injured goalkeeper Joe Perry for the away match and called up Webb from their development squad.
Perry’s hamstring injury, sustained during a 3-1 home defeat against Frome Town, will keep him out for two or three weeks and he will miss this Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup trip to Melksham Town.
Centre-half Jarrad Wright took over in goal when Perry was hurt, while manager Gavin Williams turned to Webb for the away match against Casuals.
The young ‘keeper did well throughout, made two crucial saves to keep the home team out when his team led 2-1 and can reflect with great satisfaction on his performance.
Williams has launched a search for another senior goalkeeper and has been in talks with several potential signings.
Merthyr’s goals were scored by Adam Davies (6 mins), Tom Meechan (73) and Ian Traylor (90) and they are joint top of Premier South, level on points with Weymouth and Tiverton.
“Merthyr Town are the best team we’ve played so far this season,” said Walton manager Anthony Gale. “Their trailing support conducted themselves really well.
“We wish Gavin Williams and his team the best of luck.”
Boat trip to @WaltonCasualsFC to watch the mighty Martyrs @MerthyrTownFC #UpTheTown pic.twitter.com/zXXUTpu4KV
— Nathan Evans (@NathanFlipEvans) September 1, 2018
Davies struck with Merthyr’s opening goal, while Isaac Sarpong replied just after the hour.
Meechan produced a solo run and fired against a post after 33 minutes and went close to making it 2-0 soon after when his shot flew just wide.
Sarpong headed in a cross from the right to make it 1-1, but the Martyrs kept pressing and Traylor had a shot saved.
Meechan headed against a post after 74 minutes before finding the net a minute later to put his team 2-1 ahead.
Webb made another big save with five minutes left and then, five minutes into injury time, Traylor ran clear of Walton’s defence and finished in clinical style.
Andy Campbell Evening : The friends of Merthyr Town FC are pleased to announce an evening with Cardiff City Legend Andy Campbell & Cardiff Comedian Leroy Britto at Merthyr Town FC.. Please contact @Richbmtfc for tickets to this event.. pic.twitter.com/c2OJRi72uz
— The Martyrs (@MerthyrTownFC) September 2, 2018
The next test for Merthyr is against Southern League First Division Melksham on Saturday, while their next home fixture is against Metropolitan Police at the MetCoaches Stadium on Saturday, September 15 (3pm).
Merthyr Town: Lewis Webb, Joe Hunt, Jarrad Wright, Kyle Patten, Kieran Lewis, Matthew Harris, Ashley Evans, Adam Davies, Kerry Morgan, Tom Meechan, Ian Traylor. Subs: Connor Young, Scott McDonnell, Craig Reddy, Gavin Williams, Lee Price.
Attendance: 198
Merthyr Town’s early results and fixtures 2018-19 (Southern League Premier unless stated)
August
Saturday 11 v Chesham United (away) Merthyr won 3-0
Tuesday 14 v Swindon Supermarine (home) 2-2
Saturday 18 v Gosport Borough Merthyr won 4-2
Saturday 25 v Farnborough (away) won 1-0
Monday 27 Frome Town (home) lost 1-3
September
Saturday 1 v Walton Casuals (away) won 3-1
Saturday 8 Emirates FA Cup first qualifying round v Melksham Town away
Saturday 15 Metropolitan Police (home)
Saturday 22: Emirates FA Cup second qualifying round
Saturday 29 Hartley Wintney (away)
