Clevedon Town 3 Merthyr Tydfil 3
Clevedon welcomed Merthyr Tydfil to the Hand Stadium in what has to be regarded as a local derby for the Martyrs. An entertaining and competitively fought game with a crowd atmosphere to match, saw no less than six goals scored as both sides eventually shared the points in a three-all draw.
Manager Phil Bater made a number of changes to his injury hit side with Kyle Bassett and Mike Symons returning to the starting line-up. Notably trainer Andy Eisentrager came to the fore and doubled Town’s substitutes by accompanying Matt Prosser on the bench.
Clevedon started brightly and immediately tested the visitors defence with some threateningly long throw-ins from Kris Leek and some dangerous runs on the right from Kyle Bassett which resulted in efforts from Mitchell Page and Kris Leek, however, it was the visitors who took a 16th minute lead against the run of play, when Steven Williams picked up the ball on the left and, after cutting into the box convincingly beat home keeper Danny Greaves with a well taken goal much to the delight of the visiting supporters.
Clevedon pushed forward in search of an equaliser and were rewarded in the 26th minute when Mike Symons beat the visitors offside-trap… a great run and cross found Kyle Bassett who tapped home from 6 yards. The Martyrs were on the back-foot as the Seasiders pushed forward with Scott Hendy coming close on the half hour with a glancing header. The Seasiders persistence paid-off in the 39th minute, when Kevin Davies superb run and measured cross on the left wing allowed Bassett to head home his and Clevedon’s second goal of the match to put the home side in front. However, a lax of concentration in the home defence on the stroke of half time allowed Merthyr to equalise when a long throw-in by Matthew Harris found its way to Marcus Griffiths who tapped in from 2 yards. There was hardly time for the match to resume as Somerset referee Mr Tim Lawrence blew for half-time and both sides went in level.
The Martyrs made a double substitution for the start of the second half with Darren Davies and Dean Clarke replacing Lee Hartshorn and Matthew Glassey, and it was the visitors who grew in confidence as they pushed forward with Davies and Skipper Andrew Thomas coming close with some good attempts on goal. Clevedon eventually got into their stride and nearly took the lead in the 53rd minute when Bassett’s cross found Mike Symons whose goal-bound touch was well saved by visiting keeper Ryan Griffiths, minutes later Scott Hendy beat Griffiths with a looping header but saw his attempt cleared of the line.
Both sides knew the game was there for the taking as the match became more-and-more competitive. Clevedon pushed forward with Mitchell Page just wide of the mark after a great cross from Josh Brigham, however, it was the Martyrs who retook the lead in 72nd minute, when Matthew Harris broke away and slotted the ball past the advancing Danny Greaves in the home goal. With 15 minutes remaining Clevedon switched defender Scott Hendy into an attacking role as they went in search of a late equaliser, and the move paid off in the 85th minute when Kris Leeks long throw found Josh Bringham whose flicked header allowed Scott Hendy to head home and make it three all. With little time remaining, either side were unable to mount another serious offence on goal and the game ended all square.
A draw was probably a fair result… Merthyr created few chances but capitalised with some well taken goals, Clevedon showed some determined sprit after going behind twice to fight back and score yet another late equaliser to maintain their eleven match unbeaten run.
The Seasiders are back in action next Tuesday when they travel to Swindon Supermarine for the quarter final of the Errea Cup.
Gallery
Team Sheet
| No: | Name: | Sub: | Goal: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greaves | ||
| 2 | Brigham | ||
| 3 | Trought | ||
| 4 | Leek | ||
| 5 | Hendy | 1 | |
| 6 | Scott (Capt) | ||
| 7 | Bassett | 2 | |
| 8 | Davies | ||
| 9 | Page | ||
| 10 | Symons | ||
| 11 | Haines | ||
| 12 | Prosser | 10 | |
| 14 | Eisentrager | ||
| 15 | - | ||
| 16 | - | ||
| 17 | - | ||
| Own Goal | - |
Match Details
| Date: | 09/02/08 |
|---|---|
| Competition: | British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division |
| Opponents: | Merthyr Tydfil |
| Venue: | The Hand Stadium Davis Lane Clevedon North Somerset BS21 6TG |
| Half Time: | 2 - 2 |
| Full Time: | 3 - 3 |
| Attendance: | 245 |
| Match Report: | Steve Webb |
| Photographs: | Tony Merrett |
| Match Sponsor: | - |
| Match Ball Sponsor: | - |
| Notes: |
Downloads
| Appearances & Goal Scorers | Word Document |
|---|---|
| Team Sheet Matrix | Excel Document |
