Havant and Waterlooville 2, Merthyr Town 1
Merthyr Town will be back on the green, green grass of home for their next two fixtures after going out go the Emirates FA Cup.
The Martyrs went down 2-1 against National League Havant and now focus on back-to-back Southern League fixtures at Loadlok Community Stadium.
They will welcome Royston Town to their Merthyr and the plush 3G playing surface on Saturday (September 23), while Tiverton Town make the trip four days later.
Merthyr would have welcomed the prize money offered by a longer FA Cup run, but that’s over now and manager Gavin Williams turns to league matters.
He was delighted to have defender Curtis McDonald back in his squad for the cup tie at Havant. McDonald was among the substitutes and didn’t go on, but having the former Cardiff City player fit is a boost to the squad.
The Martyrs started superbly at Havant and went ahead after only two minutes when Ian Traylor and Mo Touray combined. Traylor played a pass out wide to Touray, who beat defender Rory Williams and crossed.
He is one of the smallest players on the pitch, but Traylor scored with a close range header past goalkeeper Ryan Young.
Merthyr almost extended their lead after 13 minutes following a flowing passing move involving Cameron Pring, Eliot Richards and Jaye Bowen.
The final pass in the build-up saw Bowen pick out Touray, who turned and fired over from 10 yards.
The hosts battled to get back into the game and after 19 mins a quick move saw the ball played to Jason Prior, who dummied and shot straight at Oliver Davies.
The Martyrs went in half-time leading 1-0 in front, but they could not hold on.
Prior equalised from close in after 53 minutes and at that stage Havant took a hold on the game and started to show their experience making substitutions at key points.
Their nerves were eased by Prior’s goal and substitute James Hayter came straight off the bench to head home. The goal came from a corner and Hayter was unmarked when he finished from only six yards.
Merthyr battled to get back into the game and had two late chances to force a replay.
On 90 minutes Scott Tancock poked the ball wide from four yards after Havant fail to clear an Eliot Richards free-kick and then captain Ashley Evans headed a Cameron Pring cross across goal.
Stuart Fleetwood stretched to touch divert the ball goalwards, but it flew wide.
Williams was pleased with an improved team performance after below par displays against Bishops Stortford and Basingstoke matches, but disappointed with the manner both goals were conceded as the Martyrs bowed out to National League South opponents away from home for a second successive season.
Merthyr: Oliver Davies, Adam Davies, Cameron Pring, Ashley Evans (capt), Jarrad Wright, Scott Tancock, Jaye Bowen (Stuart Fleetwood 57), Kyle Patten, Mo Touray (Robbie Patten 70), Eliot Richard, Ian Traylor (Corey Jenkins 70). Subs unused: Ben Watkins, Curtis McDonald, Kerry Morgan.
Referee: Lloyd Wood.