Non League Paper
On a bank holiday Friday where the weather was anything but good, Sholing did all they could but Merthyr were at their best to claim a 3-0 win that all but secures the title.
Sholing started the aggressors and forced the Merthyr keeper, Jaimie Cogman, to come out early to cut off Michael Folivi, who was looking to round off a great team move.
Throughout the game, the travelling fans were in full voice and made the stand behind the goal that their men were attacking their own.
As the ten minute mark approached, Cogman had every right to have some words with his defenders, as they reacted slow to many Sholing crosses.
On 12 minutes, Cole Jarvis gave the visitors the lead, striking just below the bar. Even if the crowd couldn’t see what happened, the Merthyr fans’ reaction behind the goal would’ve revealed the outcome.
In the aftermath, the Boatmen were not intimidated, they quickly stabilised and began challenging once more.
The Martyr’s lead was doubled on 35 minutes, Tom Handley being first to react to a corner and headed home.
The hosts started the second half in the same way they started the first and it was Folivi once more, using his trademark footwork to send several defenders to the floor.
However, also like in the first half, it was the visitors who had the first cracks at goal, the best chance came from the foot of Cole Jarvis, who aimed to get his second.
In spite of the constant threats, the Boatmen were rock solid, determined to not let a third in, leaving their number one, Pat Nash, with little to do.
As the clock ticked over to 70 minutes, there were no clear-cut chances for either side and the midfield was where the action was.
That was until the 83rd minute, when Kane Simpson got the third, turning in to Nash’s near left post, which settled matters.
Sholing did their best, but Merthyr were on their A game to gain the victory but a draw from Totton means the Martyrs’ must wait another week to claim the title.
James Mclean Sports 
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