Winchester v Merthyr

A win tomorrow night is not a must for Merthyr Town but it will mathematically be a big boost if they are to seal the last play-offs spot. Three points and if Bracknell lose one of their two remaining games and The Martyrs will be there. Bracknell face a cracker at Chesham on Saturday. And a Winchester win for Merthyr will also be useful because Saturday's trip to AFC Totton could be even tougher.Furrther, slight hopefuls Walton and Hersham and Hungerford will then not be able to overcome Merthyr on points (even though I was always hopeless at Maths!).
Merthyr don't want to leave it to a nervy finish to the season with the last game at home to Harrow Borough, second from bottom at present.
Bracknell are then home to Hayes and Yeading.
Winchester will be a stern test anyway as they like playing attacking  football, at the risk of leakung goals at the back. Both sides will have had just two days to nurse any injuries or niggles. Merthyr seem to have the squad numerically at the moment, possibly Keiran Evans will still be ruled out.
Some of the stalwart Martyrs fans are set to travel tomorrow.

Incredible as it may seem, we still have a very slim chance of finishing 3rd!
If we win our three remaining games, AFC Totton lose their three & Salisbury lose their two, we'll pip Salisbury to third and be at home in the semi-final of the play-offs on Wednesday 24th April.
Unbelievable Jeff!

Sadly Merthyr Town are 2-0 down .

But

Lost 2-0

Winchester 2 Merthyr 0
Not altogether surprising but a night to forget, Cymru Sport reported. Dan Jones 25 mins and Sam Ashton, 45 mins, did the damage. Merthyr failed to muster a shot at goal in the first half. They exerted some pressure late in the game but it was too little too late. And Liam Angel was dismissed for a second yellow so I assume will miss the Harrow match!
The bumpy pitch suited the Hampshire side before a gate of fewer than 200! And Merthyr were unable to perform their style of flowing football
Realistically, Merthyr need to see Bracknell lose one of their games, most likely at Chesham, so The Martyrs can hold on to fifth place on goal difference.
Of course, two wins for Merthyr regardless of what Bracknell do will do the job. That might be hard, and it could go to the final game!
If Bracknell and Merthyr lose both games, Walton and Hersham and Hungerford could end with 64 points.

It all started badly before the game even kicked off, as we had to borrow Winchester’s blue away kit to play in, ‘as we accidentally left ours at PP.’ I thought those sort of days were well behind us? (Some may say, it’s an easy mistake to make.) Obviously not. I suggested we play two forwards as a more attacking policy, which was selected, but once again, Hill only lasted 50 minutes and another forward was lacking from the squad. Four centre backs were pencilled in and therefore, we had no ‘full backs’ to monitor their wing play. Again, an opposition manager did his homework on us and our way of play was easily thwarted and we were just living off scraps. Second best all over the pitch, on and off it. The 0-2 scoreline was the only thing that we should be grateful for tonight, as we couldn’t have complained if that was doubled. Another side that has taken maximum points against us. It will take a brave person to even place a £1 bet on Merthyr to end up in the play offs. You can’t say the warning signs haven’t been there….. It’s a pity the management didn’t do anything about them.

Couldn't have said it better myself,one style football caught out again and again.we need 2 strikers gethin needs a long rest .
So many things to pick apart but im too tired and off up the wooden hill.chow for now

A few miles left for me to travel, before bedtime. Doubt if I’ll drop off straightaway after that shambles. Goodnight all.

Winchester has announced they will be laying a new 3G pitch for the 2024/25 season.