Waders let two goal lead slip against Merthyr

The Waders had taken a two goal lead against Merthyr Town and had bossed much of the first hour of the game. But they couldn’t find a killer third goal and the Southern League Premier play-off hopefuls ran away with the points.

Despite heavy rain over the previous couple of days the Biggleswade pitch was playable and the Waders made the early running.

They enjoyed an early break on eight minutes when Merthyr keeper Ollie Davies dived at Rhys Hoeness’ feet to collect a back header. After consulting with his linesman the referee awarded a penalty and Hoeness slotted the spot kick into the corner.

Things got even better for the home side on 35 minutes. Hoeness pcked up a long ball down the left, cut in and fired the ball past the keeper and in at the far post.

It silenced Merthyr’s healthy travelling contingent but they had something to cheer when Kayne McLaggon levelled just before the break. Ian Brown made a smart save from his initial shot, but McLaggon was on hand to smash the ball in to make it 2-1 at the interval.

Biggleswade continued to press in the second period. Connor Vincent had a couple of opportunities while the visiting defence were constantly stretched with balls through the middle.

But Merthyr slowly took control. Curtis McDonald hit the post, and with 20 minutes remaining they were back on level terms. as Jarrad Wright headed powerfully home.

The Waders still had chances, one goalbound effort blocked, but soon after McLaggon had the easiest of headers close in from a corner to put Merthyr in front for the first time.

with the game entering the final minutes Ian Traylor curled a left-footer high in the net. Then Corey Jenkins had time and space to sidefoot home the fifth in injury time to complete Biggleswade’s misery.

This weekend the Waders make the short trip to Dunstable Town in a Bedfordshire derby.

>> Former Biggleswade Town striker Inih Effiong scored his first goal for his new side Barrow in their 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night. He scored the equaliser just two minutes after coming on as a substitute in the second half of their National League fixture. Barrow sit two points off the play-offs.