Merthyr Town 1-2 Poole Town – Match Report
Ezio Touray’s winner secured the three points in a 2-1 win in South Wales as Merthyr Town suffer their first defeat at Penydarren Park this season.
Joe Lea and Pat Suraci made one change from the 1-0 win over Marlow as Harry Thomas came in for Jamar Smith.
The match got underway on a cloudy afternoon in Wales with the Dolphins going into the game as certain underdogs.
The first corner fell the way of Poole but was well dealt with by the host’s defence.
As the first half progressed, it was the Martyrs who pushed on in search of an opener.
Merthyr eventually opened the scoring on the 29th minute as Callum Ryan-Phillips leapt highest from the corner to head home.
Despite the Merthyr goal, Poole fought back and looked dangerous when going forward.
Poole drew the scores level after 37 minutes as a Kris Campbell corner floated to the back stick and deflected off a Merthyr body; the ball barely passing the goal line but the goal was given and the scores were level.
The Dolphins finished the first 45 on top and looked the more likely to take the lead in front of the 2,000 people inside Penydarren Park.
The half came to a close with both sides even at one apiece but a promising first half from Poole against the side that are top of the division.
The second half continued in a similar fashion with Merthyr dominating the ball but Poole certainly looking more dangerous on the front foot.
Good work from Selim Saied down the left-hand side created a promising chance for Poole as Touray waited for a tap in but good defending denied him.
A double change on the 64th minute from Lea and Suraci’s team with Harvey Slade and Christos Batzelis being introduced.
After continuous pressure, Poole eventually found the back of the net to make it 2-1 through Touray on the 70thminute.
Harvey Slade was played through down the right-hand side, he found Touray in the centre and Poole’s number ten convincingly slotted past the Merthyr shot-stopper to put the Dolphins infront.
Charlie Stevens was introduced moments after the goal for Charlie Davis as Poole looked to hold onto the three points.
Five additional minutes were awarded as Merthyr’s unbeaten home record looked set to be ended at the hands of the Dolphins.
In the dying stages, things boiled over and the referee produced two red cards including substitute Ashton being shown his marching orders.
The full-time whistle was blown, and Poole had earnt a fantastic three points in South Wales as they climb up the league table in search of safety.
Poole Town are back at The BlackGold Stadium on Friday as they host Swindon Supermarine.