Merthyr football 70 years ago

Youngatheart Wed Jan 27, 2021 8:33 am

Within six days in late January 1951, Merthyr Tydfil scored six goals twice, scored their 100^th goal of the season and went 9 points ahead at the top of the Southern League. First they had revenge against Llanelli, who had knocked them out of the FA Cup in the autumn, and then 5 days later went on to beat Yeovil Town.

In the 6-2 victory at Stebonheath, Merthyr were able to show the football public their full range of skills, but in the second half the game deteriorated to include a “display of fisticuffs which would not have disgraced an Eddie Thomas sparring partner”. Three Merthyr players had their name taken and Llanelli captain Jock Stein was sent off for a foul on Merthyr goalkeeper Graham Davies.
On the same day Troedyrhiw beat Llanelli 3-1 at the Willows and Merthyr drew 2-2 with Cardiff City at Penydarren Park in front of 1110 fans, both in the Welsh League.

The following Thursday at Penydarren Park, in front of 2,400 fans, Yeovil Town paid the price when their goalkeeper had to leave the field injured after 17 minutes, to be replaced by inside left Ray Wright. Merthyr went on to win 6-0, with Bill Jarman scoring Merthyr 100^th goal of the season.

At the bottom of the Merthyr borough Treharris AFC were in the news, when residents of St Mary St, near the ground threatened to claim damages from the club because of the danger to windows in their houses being smashed by balls coming out of the ground, which had also hit prams with babies.