JOHN CHARLES GETS POINT WITH DISPUTED GOAL
Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Merthyr Tydfil 1
The legendry John Charles brought his Merthyr team to the Victoria Ground and went away with a point from an entertaining game.
One notable absentee from the Rovers team was Alan Craddock, who, because of an injured ankle, was on the subs bench. He was called into action in the 75th. minute but could make no impression on the sturdy Welsh defence.
The game was an even contest and although the goalscoring stopped halfway through the first period, the result could have gone either way. Rovers looked to be well on the way to their third successive win when Yates put them ahead after only seven minutes. Wright sent Dyer away down the right flank and the winger put over a perfectly flighted cross, which was cleverly backheaded by Yates past the 16 year old Bowen in the visitors goal. Merthyr did not intend to be behind for long, and in the 23rd. minute were back on terms; Charles, the former Welsh international did the trick.
Carruthers was penalised on the edge of the area and from the resulting Charles slammed a shot against the bar and the ball bounced down over the line. For arguing with the referee's decision Carruthers was booked.
Only five minutes after the interval Bromsgrove had a great chance to snatch the lead, but Ball, with a clear shot at goal, was not quick enough, and the young keeper in the Welsh goal smothered his effort and the chance was lost. Merthyr always looked dangerous and although they came under some heavy pressure towards the end of the game, when Craddock was introduced for Stafford, they had created some dangerous raids which, but for Hooper, would have resulted in goals. The danger man was Sullivan, and he could have had a hat-trick but was denied on each occasion by the courage and agility of Hooper.
At the whistle a draw proved to be the fairest result.
Bromsgrove Rovers :- Hooper, Carruhers, Tombs, Stafford (Craddock 75 mins.), Ball, Wood, Dyer, Davies, Yates, Wright, Forrest.
Merthyr Tydfil :- Bowen, Smith, Wakeman, D. Jones, Rosser, Ingram, Sullivan, Young, Bryant, Charles, B. Jones.
Substitute :- Evans
Referee :- Mr. D. Westwood (Malvern)
Attendance :- 408 |