BROMSGROVE ROVERS 1 MERTHYR TYDFIL 1
Title chasing Bromsgrove Rovers have kept their unbeaten record intact - but only just.
Newly promoted Merthyr Tydfil came frighteningly close to snatching the points from this pulsating Beazer Homes League Premier Division clash.
A bumper Bank Holiday crowd packed into the Victoria Ground and were treated to anafternoon's entertainment that could easily match the Black Hole at Alton Towers.
The game started badly for Rovers, who are still searching for their first home league win. They played the first half an hour like they played the last five minutes against Ashford Town last week - the defence was in a sorry state and the Welshmen continually surged forward.
The visitors persistent pressure paid off after 14 minutes. David Webley's superb header from a Cerri Williams free kick left Attwood stranded.
Merthyr weren't content to sit on their slender lead and were looking to go further ahead - Beattie, Williams and Giles all came too close for comfort.
Rovers' despair and frustration was evident throughout the match - Rosegreen, Webb and Cooper were all booked. For the opposition, Green and Jones had their names taken.
After 34 minutes, the lads were back on level terms - not a great goal, but a vital one. Hanks began the move, back in his own half, and was on hand to scramble the ball home - at the second attempt.
The first half ended with the highpoint of the match - Attwood pulled off a breathtaking save to deny a fierce Webley volley from ten yards.
The second session continued at an equally frantic and nervous pace - Hanks and Rosegreen, each battling to score the most goals this season, were working some fine moves.
Man-of-the-match Attwood came into his element with a string of magnificent saves - including one with his legs from the dangerous Williams.
Manager Pat Lynch was equally full of praise for the keeper. Pat said "He's having a tremondous season and kept us out of a lot of trouble"
Bromsgrove Rovers : Attwood, Conniff, Cooper, O'Connell, Jones, Lowell (Ford 77 mins), Webb, Trusswell, Hanks, Rosegreen, Whittingham (Parmenter 70 mins).
Merthyr Tydfil : Wager, Tong, Jones, Mullen, Brignull, Rogers, French, Webley, Green, Beattie, Williams.
Substitutes : Emmanuel, Giles.
Referee : Mr. S. W. Bayliss (West Bromwich)
Assistants : Mr. D. Jones & Mr. A. Jones
Attendance : 744 |