Words: Ewan Murray, Image: David Airey
THE ten men of Chorley succumbed to a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Merthyr Town on Saturday afternoon.
A brace by The Martyrs’ talisman Ricardo Rees helped the visitors profit from Adam Blakeman’s red card in the 38th minute.
Merthyr controlled the vast majority of the possession during the first half when the sides were level and made their pressure count once Chorley went down to ten just before half time, a long ball in behind by Will Spiers was met by Rees who slotted it past Matt Urwin from a tight angle.
Their second came from the penalty spot, after a header towards Urwin was short by Mark Ellis and the keeper brought down Rees whilst going for the ball, the striker stepped up and tucked his effort away in the 72nd minute
On a day where there were not many opportunities for the Magpies, the best chances of the game for Andy Preece’s side both came courtesy of two great Craig Hewitt crosses.
The first, just before half time, swung in from the left-hand side by Hewitt and it was met by the head of Ellis, unfortunately, though it looped just over the crossbar.
The second was in the 75th minute, when Hewitt this time from the right-hand side had his cross met by the head of Scott Wilson, however his header was saved and held down low by Jamie Cogman.
Merthyr though controlled large portions of the game and but for a few missed chances and a couple of smart Urwin saves they could have found themselves scoring more than just the two they came away with.
The Magpies will now look towards next weekend’s away trip to Peterborough Sports, hoping to get back to winning ways.
