Former Wales under-21 international Eliot Richards struck gold for Merthyr Town in their betVictor Southern League home match against promotion-chasing Taunton Town.
Former Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town and Tampa Bay Rowdies player Richards struck a hat-trick in Merthyr’s 4-2 win in front of more than 300 spectators at the MetCoaches Stadium.
The 28-year-old, from New Tredegar in the Rhymney Valley, led the Martyrs to an outstanding Premier South victory.
Defeat is a blow to Taunton hopes of going up this season and manager Rob Dray said: “Merthyr Town thoroughly deserved their win.
“Gavin [Williams] has talked about Merthyr needing two wins to ensure they avoid relegation, but they are miles away from that now.
https://twitter.com/TauntonTownFC/status/1227571205730971648?s=20
“It’s at places like the MetCoaches Stadium on a cold night that you measure yourself. We needed a positive result, but we weren’t great.
“The excuse culture is not for me. We can’t defend like that. Defensively we were soft.”
Merthyr Town are nine points ahead of the relegation places and came from behind to beat Taunton.
Oliver Chamberlain went ahead after two minutes, but Merthyr powered into a 4-1 lead thanks to goals from Richards (14, 33, 60) and Ian Traylor (49).
Chamberlain pulled a goal back with 11 minutes left, but Merthyr were excellent value for a valuable victory.
Gethyn Hill set up Richards for Merthyr’s first goal and he smashed home the chance.
Some sad news reaching us at the club today with the passing of former club Director and Treasurer John Eastment. John was an integral part of the Southern League for over 30 years and held numerous positions within the league. RIP Mr Eastment ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/YQOlZRaKPU
— The Martyrs (@MerthyrTownFC) February 10, 2020
Just after the half hour Richards found space around 20 yards out and curled his shot into the left corner!.
Richards completed his treble on the hour, turning home Ian Traylor’s effort to clinch the points for Merthyr.
Merthyr Town: Alex Harris, Dan Summerfield, Adam Davies (capt), Ismail Yakubu, Jarrad Wright, Ben Swallow, Lee Lucas, Eliot Richards, Gethyn Hill, Jamie Veale, Ian Traylor. Subs: Gavin Williams, Lewis Binns, Corey Jenkins
Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Jamie Short, Ross Staley, Ben Adelsbury, Nick Grimes, Shane White (Matt Wright 46), Ollie Chamberlain, Ryan Brett, Dan Sullivan, Harry Kite, Luke Spokes (Dan Demkiv 52). Subs not used: Jamie Price, Callum Watts, Lewis Hall
Attendance: 304
Former Cardiff City youth player James Waite scored a hat-trick for Weston-super-Mare in their 5-0 win against Wimborne Town. Samuel Hendy and Ryan Jones were Weston’s other scorers.
https://twitter.com/TauntonTownFC/status/1227569010562273280?s=20
Merthyr Town remaining fixtures
February
Saturday 15 Merthyr Town v Dorchester Town
Saturday 22 Blackfield and Langley v Merthyr Town
Tuesday 25 Wimborne Town v Merthyr Town
Saturday 29 Merthyr Town v Beaconsfield Town
March
Saturday 7 Salisbury v Merthyr Town
Saturday 14 Taunton v Merthyr Town
Saturday 21 Merthyr Town v Truro City
Saturday 28 Hayes and Yeading v Merthyr Town
April
Saturday 4 Merthyr Town v Poole Town
Saturday 11 Merthyr Town v Tiverton Town
Monday 13 Yate Town v Merthyr Town
Saturday 18 Hartley Wintney v Merthyr Town
Saturday 25 Merthyr Town v Hendon