North Leigh 1

(Else 21)

Merthyr Tn 3

(Newall 62, Prosser 67, 88)

North Leigh let a first-half lead slip as Merthyr Town roared back to claim victory in their Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West clash at Eynsham Park.

The Millers opened brightly and there was an early scare for the visitors when keeper Giles Cutlan fumbled Stuart Hole’s centre before gathering it at the second attempt.

Hole then found Michael Hopkins, who took the ball round Cutlan only to see his effort blocked by a defender’s legs.

But North Leigh took a deserved lead on 21 minutes when Jon Else blocked an attempted clearance, and powered into the area before thumping home a shot from ten yards.

Hopkins had a free-kick well saved by Cutland, who also denied Brian Bowles before half-time.

North Leigh should have extended their lead after the break as first Conor McDonagh went close and then Bowles shot wide.

But Merthyr pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute when Ryan Prosser set up Jon Newall to drill a shot past an unsighted Sam Warrell from eight yards.

Five minutes later, Prosser hit a powerful shot past Warrell from close range to put Merthyr ahead.

North Leigh had a number of good chances to equalise, but were unable to take them.

And right at the death, they were hit on the break when Prosser tapped home his second goal from close range after an error by Warrell, who allowed the ball to run loose under a challenge from Merthyr substitute Gary Preen.

North Leigh: Warrell, Hole, Organ, Turk, Franklin, Caton, Else (Brooks 77), Bowles (Coyle 89), McDonagh, Sanders, Hopkins (Walcott 77). Sub not used: Mills, Westlake.

Attendance: 126.