MERTHYR TOWN 3

BRIDPORT 3

A LAST-MINUTE leveller from substitute Sam Charles saw Bridport become the first team this season to take points off high-flying Merthyr at Penydarren Park.

The odds looked stacked against the Bees ahead of this Toolstation Western Premier clash, following four successive defeats, but Trevor Senior’s men rose to the challenge and came from behind twice in the second half to claim a deserved draw.

Jamie Morgan and Tom Richardson combined to set up the opener for Dan Wise on 10 minutes but Merthyr were soon back level when Marcus Griffiths got on the end of a fine cross at the far post.

The same player then put the Martyrs ahead just prior to the break but the Bees came out in the second half and scored another through a wonderful strike from Morgan, whose stunning shot on the turn from the edge of the box even brought applause from the home fans.

Visiting keeper Sam Filkins was a mere spectator for much of the second period but with seven minutes left he was beaten for a third time by substitute Joe Leahy, which looked like it would be the winner.

However, with seconds left, Shane Evans forced a corner, which saw Filkins run forward and head the ball down to Charles, who turned an effort into the net from close range to pull off the most dramatic of endings.

Senior said: “The boys were awesome. We have been playing well for a while and getting beaten but this time we were rewarded for our efforts.

“Merthyr had won five out of five at home prior to that so to go there and grab a point is a fantastic achievement.

“We went there at the end of last season and got a draw but there was no doubt that this was even better.”

He went on to add: “We got off to a good start and went ahead, and then after that we had to weather a bit of pressure.

“We actually defended really well but they produced some fine crosses on the day and at half-time we found ourselves 2-1 down but still very much in it.

“We knew the next goal was vital and on the hour Jamie produced a fantastic strike from the edge of the box to level things up again.

“Merthyr said it was one of the best goals they had seen there for a long time and to be honest that strike alone was worth a point in itself.

“With 15 minutes remaining, we then changed things around a bit to try and keep what we had but then they went ahead again with just seven minutes remaining.

“At that stage I thought ‘here we go again’ but then in the final minute Shane chased down a lost cause and forced a corner for us.

“Sam went up for it and managed to knock the ball down and there was Sam to put it away.

“It was an incredible finish and the scenes were fantastic. It was exactly what the boys deserved.”

Bees: Filkins, Condliffe, Clarke, Evans, Lock, Hayter, J Charles (Watts 55), Wise (Symes 68), Richardson, Legg, Morgan (S Charles 68). Sub not used: Senior.