All Martyrs manager Gavin Williams wanted for Christmas was a dominant centre-forward – and his wish has been granted.
Ryan Prosser, Merthyr Town’s big, physical forward, is back and opposing teams must learn to #FearTheBeard again.
Merthyr lost 2-0 at home to Biggleswade Town, but the return of Prosser from the subs bench gave manager Gavin Williams genuine hope over the rest of this season.
The one position he felt needed strengthening was at the point of Merthyr’s attack. He has been asking Ian Traylor, Kerry Morgan and others to step in and they are quality forwards, but need physical presence to help them.
Prosser’s return is a massive plus for Merthyr. A back problem had ruled him out until now.
He had not played since late last season, but has been back in training.
He reached the 150 goals milestone last season and went on for Morgan midway through the second half against Biggleswade.\And the player who reached the 150 goals milestone last term, came on to replace Kerry Morgan midway through the second half.
The first period had seen the Martyrs well on top against a physical Bedfordshire side, but they lacked firepower and weren’t able to test goalkeeper Liam Gooch in 45 minutes despite the dominance and battling display.
Biggleswade hit back in the second half and defensive errors by Merthyr let in striker Liam Brooks to score after 72 and 77 minutes.
The first came after Morgan Penfold burst down the left flank and crossed for Brooks to beat goalkeeper Cameron Clarke.
Brooks then managed to go past Jarrad Wright and put the ball into the net.
Merthyr rallied with some good runs by winger Corey Jenkins, but the visitors defended well, and were lucky to scoop a Prosser effort off the line.
The win allowed Biggleswade, who drew at leaders King’s Lynn in their previous match, to jump above Merthyr.
Banbury are the visitors to Merthyr on Tuesday (7.45pm). They have won just twice at home this season, but six times on the road.
After a bumper gate last Saturday with people answering a rallying call to help the club the attendance against Biggleswade was 488.
That was still above the average this season and included some Cardiff City and Newport County fans. Merthyr have thanked everybody who has donated to help the club through financial problems.
Merthyr Town: Cameron Clarke, Scott Tancock, Kyle Patten, Jarrad Wright, Adam Davies, Matthew Harris, Jaye Bowen, Ashley Ev ans, Corey Jenkins, Kerry Morgan, Ian Traylor. Subs: Miles John, Ryan Prosser, M Hogbakken, Jacob Flower, Jones.