Merthyr Town crashed out of the Buildbase FA Trophy, slipping to a bitterly disappointing 2-0 defeat against Lewes.
Player-manager Gavin Williams included himself among the substiututes and went on during the second half along with Ryan Prosser and Corey Jenkins.
But Sussex hosts Lewes had the edge and won thanks to first half goals from James Hammond and Luke Blewden.
“It was a tough match against a big, string, well organised Merthyr Town team,” said Lewes manager Darren Freeman.
“But we felt our win was deserved.”
http://https://youtu.be/ubPtOle8Mo8
Despite torrential rain overnight, the pitch was immaculate. Lewes defenders were certainly the busier in the opening periods and Merthyr earned a succession of free-kicks around the Lewes penalty area.
The Martyrs failed to make the most of their chances and Lewes showed them the way when Hammond struck from a set piece after 13 minutes, curling his effort around a wall with Merthyr goalkeeper Joe Perry unsighted and the ball flew into the corner.
Within 90 seconds Merthyr had their best chance when Jarrad Wright’s header was saved at the second attempt by goalie Lewis Carey with Owain Jones looking to pounce.
The Rooks made it 2-0 after 40 minutes a marauding run from Lawson was stopped on the edge of the area. The ball ran loose and Luke Blewden smashed the loose ball goalwards.
Perry could only parry Blewden’s effort into the air and could only watch as the ball bounced slowly over the line.
The Martyrs started the second half with a new determination and dominated early possession.
Lewes ‘keeper Carey made a couple of smart saves from Jones and Matthew Harris, while in the dying minutes Merthyr had a big shout for a penalty when Jones was bundled over.
Nothing was given and Lewes go forward to the next round.
http://https://youtu.be/2LW59np0dgw
Merthyr are home against Poole Town in an EvoStik Southern League match on Tuesday, while Lewes host Haringey Borough in Bostik League Premier Division match at the Dripping Pan Stadium on Saturday.
Merthyr Town: Perry, McConnell, Wright, Young, Davies, Harries, Lewis, Lucas, Jones, Meechan, Traylor
Lewes: Carey, Brinkhurst, Wilder, Dome-Bemwim, Chappell, Freeman, Blewden (Gifford 89), Hammond, Smith (Elliott 79), Conlon (Reed 56). Lawson. Subs not used: Day, Appau
Merthyr Town: Joe Perry, Connor Young, Jarrad Wright, Matthew Harris, Craig McDonnell, Adam Davies, Kieran Lewis, Lee Lucas (Gavin Williams 46), Owain Jones, Tom Meechan (Corey Jenkins 72), Ian Traylor (Ryan Prtosser 72). Subs: Kyle Patten, Hunt.
Attendance: 475
Merthyr Town remaining fixtures in November
Tuesday 13 Merthyr Town v Poole Town (7.45pm)
Saturday 17 Basingstoke Town v Merthyr Town (3pm)
Tuesday 20 Merthyr Town v Tiverton Town (7.45pm)
Saturday 24 Merthyr Town v Weymouth (3pm)