Merthyr Town 1, King’s Lynn 1

Ian Traylor scored Merthyr Town’s goal in an exciting Southern League Premier Division match at Penydarren Park.

Both teams had chances to score more goals, but the clash ended all square and the Martyrs extended their unbeaten home record.

They edged a point closer to the leading clubs and maintained their challenge for promotion in fourth place.

Manager Gavin Williams and his Merthyr team now play Banbury United at home on Saturday (3pm), while they entertain Redditch United next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Williams was disappointed his team failed to claw out the win against a spirited King’s Lynn team, but the Martyrs remain in a good position to challenge for the play-offs at least.

Yorkshireman Lee Stevenson, a former Mansfield Town and Stockport County striker, fired Lynn ahead from a free-kick after 36 minutes and the visitors from Norfolk were ecstatic.

More than 400 spectators were at Penydarren Park on a cold night and they didn’t have to wait long for an equaliser with Traylor heading in on 37 minutes.

Kyle McLaggon went close for Merthyr when quick feet took him past three defenders before he went sprawling. That could have been a penalty, but the referee said no.

Eliot Richards brought a smart save from the Lynn goalkeeper after a neat Ryan Prosser back heel, while Stevenson went close to scoring a second for the away team when he hit a post.

Scott Barrow’s shot was blocked after good work by McLaggon, while substitute Kyle Copp’s fierce shot dipped just over the bar.

King’s Lynn produced a solid away performance and overall were good value for their point.

Merthyr Town: O Davies; S Barrow, C McDonald, A Evans, S Tancock, A Davies, E Richards (K Copp), K Reffell, K McLaggon, R Prosser (C Jenkins), I Traylor. Subs not used: K Patten, G Williams, B Watkins.