25th November 2025
National League North - Matchday 19
Attendance 1,218

Merthyr Town 4 Vs Leamington FC 1

It was a case of seventh heaven for Paul, Smudge & Craig as they saw their Merthyr side secure their seventh league win on the bounce with a clinical performance against Leamington on a bitterly cold night at Penydarren Park.

“It was fantastic to see in freezing conditions 1200 behind us out there, the atmosphere was really good from the start and we are making such fantastic progress on and off the pitch, I just want that to continue” was the verdict from the gaffer following his call on the weekend for the fans to pack the park.

One change with Alex John slotting in for Lucas as the Martyrs went in search of their seventh(!) consecutive league win against a Leamington side who propped up the table and with confidence high, it felt like this was certainly achievable.

Merthyr continued where they left off against Alfreton by dominating possession in the early stages of the game, particularly with quick slick passing through the midfield which the visitors were struggling to contain. The first real chance came early on with Handley crossing the ball across to Rees, whose shot was straight at Brearey. Handley was unlucky shortly after when he struck the crossbar whilst Jarvis was covering every blade of ‘grass’ across the middle to keep Leamington pinned back.

The opening goal came on 20 minutes when Twamley whipped in a corner to Smerdon, who looped his header towards the back post. The retreating Brearey was unable to keep the ball from clipping the post and crossing the line. A deserved goal for the Martyrs continued pressure. Handley again went close just after but his shot fizzed across the face of the goal - he seems to be a real attacking threat this season.

When the ‘Brakes’ were in possession, they were looking to counter attack at speed and were unlucky to not equalise when Crowther’s powerful shot was saved low by Cogman, with his follow up header unable to be put on target. Cox was put through on goal moments later and attempted to lob Brearer who was caught in between two minds of rushing out or staying put, but was unable to get it on target.

Merthyr continued to play the ball down the flanks, with dangerous crosses whipped in from Handley & Smerdon causing Streete and Burton no end of issues. Meredith could have equalised before the break, as a crossfield ball was inches from being cut out but the leaping Smerdon, but Cogman produced a great save down to his left. Thompson also went close but Cogman was having none of it.

A great first half performance from the lads and no idea how the match was only 1 - 0. It felt that if an early second goal went in, a hatful could be scored just like against Alfreton.

The second half started like the first, with Cox hitting the woodwork, before Twamley went close after great link up play from Jarvis & Jack Evans but put his shot inches wide of the right post. Smerdon doubled the Martyrs lead and got his second of the night on 55 minutes after another great delivery from Handley, with the ball going over Rees and to Smerdon who was tracking in at the back post to slot past Brearey. This capped off a great performance from Noah, who had been causing the visitors problems all evening.

The visitors main attacking threat was continuing to come through the pacy Thompson, however the second goal seemed to kill any momentum they were trying to build. Their press completely dropped off which allowed Merthyr to casually play the ball around and wait for an opening. Brearey was struggling under the high balls and commanding his area which allowed Merthyr to look like they would score at every visit into the box.

Spiers made a welcome return from the bench and his impact was almost instant by picking up the ball and slotting in Rees who had been given acres of room between the CBs. His touch took him through onto goal and he tried to dink it over Brearey who stood tall, with the ball deflecting high to the keepers left. Rees followed in and headed into an open net - his second header of the season and a hammer blow to the visitors.

From here on it felt like a training match at times with the amount of time and space on the ball, the Brakes allowing the Martyrs to pick balls out as and when they chose. Rees got his second of the night when the impressive Jarvis played the ball across the box to Rees who ghosted in behind Streete to tap in from about 3 yards. His second of the night and number 23 for the season. Smalley & Twamley both had chances to make it five but were unable to hit the target.

To Leamington's credit, they continued to work and Thompson (who was their best player on the night) scored in injury time. Picking up the ball in the middle of the park, he drove to the right and used his pace to get around Ryan-Phillips to finish past the static Cogman (who was no doubt almost frozen to death!). A great goal and deserved for his performance.

One of the highlights was seeing Jarvis sprint 40 yards in injury time to win the ball back despite being 3 goals to the good. This and the performance from all of the lads shows how much they are enjoying their football but also play for the full 90 minutes - it could have been easy for them to slack off at the end of the game.

Seven wins in a row. Seven! Could we make it eight at Buxton?

UTT

Gavin Burns