National League North - Matchday 1
Attendance 1,778

Twamley 82’
Lewis 90+4’

A man of the match performance from Jaimie Cogman and late goals from Lewys Twamley & Morgan Lewis helped Merthyr grab 3 points as they started their National League North campaign at Penydarren Park.

Paul Michael named a familiar looking XI, although following the move of Kane Simpson, a re-jig up top had Sambu on the right, Ric on the left and Twamley playing in the false 9 role in the middle. Both sets of fans impeccably held a minute's silence before kick off, with the Penydarren faithful letting out a huge roar as they finally got to see the Martyrs kick off their NLN campaign.

In what was probably a bit of a shock to a number of fans following last season’s dominance, a very cagey first 15 minutes ensued, with Merthyr more than happy to sit back and let Southport have possession. Southport's main threat within the first 20 minutes continued to come through Murphy-Worrell down the right hand side, who at times seemed to have acres of space.

In the 21st minute Cogman pulled off a great point blank save, with Southport winning the loose ball on the left and Pickles shooting at Cogman, who will no doubt be disappointed in not scoring. This seemed to set the tone for the rest of the first half, with Merthyr being second best to the balls in the middle of the park, and Cogman pulling off two other fine saves to go into the break at 0 - 0. Southport should have been at least 2 - 0 up and there could have been no complaints from the Martyrs.

Paul Michael certainly got the lads fired up as they returned for the 2nd half, as Merthyr started with much more intensity and started to put the pressure on Southport. Handley went close on 48 minutes with a header from Lucas’ corner, but it was Cogman again called into action, saving point blank from Gnahoua after he cut inside Jarvis and drilled a low shot with his left foot. At this point it felt like it was only a matter of time before Southport broke the deadlock, with Gnahoua then getting in behind CRP and skying a 1 on 1 over the bar. In all honesty, it was harder to miss than to hit the target. Another let off.

On 63 minutes Merthyr made a double change, with Livermore and Smalley replacing K. Evans and Sambu. Smalley’s impact was almost instant, after receiving the ball on the right and driving towards the edge of the box, slotting the ball through to Ric, who flashed his shot just to the right of the post. It was from here that Merthyr started to really put the pressure on, which finally paid off on 82 minutes.

The Southport midfield were indecisive for a split second which allowed Jack Evans & Twamley to steal the ball back and run towards the rapidly back peddling CBs. A trademark jink and shifting the ball onto his left foot, Twamley struck a low shot which nestled into the keeper's left hand side. What a way to return after his brief spell at Yeovil. Merthyr 1 - 0.

The visitors (and away fans) were stunned and Merthyr made their final changes with John, Cox and Lewis coming on for Twamley, Rees & Lucas to see out the game. Any thoughts of letting Southport steal a point were all put to bed when Southport’s Tabone played a poor ball across the middle of the park, which John intercepted just inside of his own half. Not needing a second invitation, he ran with the ball and played a perfect pass onto the edge of the box for Lewis to shoot first time, which rifled past Renshaw. What a way to get your first goal for the club.

The final whistle blew and I’m sure the 1,700+ fans in attendance couldn’t believe the scoreline. 3 points in the bag and Paul Michael will definitely be the happier of the two managers.

Final Score Merthyr 2 - 0 Southport

Gavin Burns