Merthyr Town suffered in their Southern League Challenge Cup tie against Slimbridge AFC at Thornhill Park, Gloucestershire.
Manager Gavin Williams selected himself for a rare appearance in midfield and he rested a number of first team players to ensure they are ready for Saturday’s Premier clash with Staines Town away.
Jarred Wright was Martyrs’ captain, while highly-rated teenager Lewis Webb was in goal.
It was an evening which didn’t go well for Merthyr, who were trailing 2-0 by half-time and lost 5-1.
Jamie Martin and Yeshaya Lomotey scored their goals and Merthyr were in trouble.
Former Shortwood United midfield player Martin netted again after 72 minutes and ex-Orient youth player Lomotey, now studying at Hartpury College, scored his second with 89 minutes gone.
Max Harper-Emerson was the other Slimbridge scorer after 57 minutes, while Ryan Prosser returned to net Merthyr’s consolation goal with 81 minutes gone.
Merthyr suffered a heavy defeat, but Williams is focused on ensuring his team stays in contention for a play-offs spot at least.
He has players with minor injuries who will benefit from the night off from the cup tie against Slimbridge and young players who will reap the rewards of experience.
Now Williams and his Martyrs’ coaches are focused on this Saturday’s Southern Premier match at Staines Town.
Slimbridge: Lewis Adams, Jaden Maddock, Max Harper-Emerson, Korey Print (capt), Christian Turner, Josh Beadle (Finlay Byrnes 68), Liam Smith, Will Hawes, Jamie Martin (Ben Hands 72), Yeshaya Lomotey, Joe Wilton. Subs not used: Ewen Dunbar, Sam Mendes.
Merthyr Town: Lewis Webb, Lee Price, Joe Hunt, Craig Reddy, Jarred Wright (capt), Cole Jarvis, Jay Bowen, Lee Lucas, Ryan Prosser, Ian Traylor. Subs: Connor Hanford, Jordan Fofana, Brad Milward, Reuben Mackay.
Attendance: 72.
LEAGUE TABLE: EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH 2018-19
| Club | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | -Pts | Pts | |
 |
Weymouth | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 26 | 11 | 15 | – | 20 |
 |
Taunton Town | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 21 | 11 | 10 | – | 17 |
 |
Tiverton Town | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 20 | 10 | 10 | – | 17 |
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Hendon | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 16 | 9 | 7 | – | 17 |
 |
Hartley Wintney | 10 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 22 | 17 | 5 | – | 17 |
 |
Merthyr Town | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 11 | 6 | – | 15 |
 |
Basingstoke Town | 9 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 17 | 16 | 1 | – | 14 |
 |
Poole Town | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 17 | 10 | 7 | – | 13 |
 |
Farnborough | 9 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 16 | 18 | -2 | – | 13 |
 |
Harrow Borough | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 22 | 18 | 4 | – | 12 |
 |
Salisbury | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 13 | 4 | – | 12 |
 |
Metropolitan Police | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 15 | 15 | 0 | – | 12 |
 |
Gosport Borough | 9 | 4 | – | 5 | 17 | 20 | -3 | – | 12 |
 |
Walton Casuals | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 22 | -6 | – | 11 |
 |
Dorchester Town | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 20 | -8 | – | 11 |
 |
Beaconsfield Town | 8 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 11 | 12 | -1 | – | 10 |
 |
Frome Town | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 13 | 17 | -4 | – | 10 |
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Kings Langley | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 14 | 17 | -3 | – | 8 |
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Staines Town | 9 | 2 | – | 7 | 12 | 23 | -11 | – | 6 |
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Swindon Supermarine | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 13 | -3 | – | 5 |
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Wimborne Town | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 20 | -9 | – | 4 |
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Chesham United | 9 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 22 | -19 | – | 4 |