6-GOAL THRILLER FITS THE BILL FOR 1000th GAME CELEBRATION

Players from Rugby's 1st and 1000th Southern League game unite to watch the baloon release

Rugby Town and Merthyr Tydfil served up a six-goal thriller at Butlin Road in Valley's 1000th Southern League game with the Martyrs coming from behind three times.

The game looked to be won after Akin Aladetoun had seen Stephan Morley convert the rebound to his saved penalty with just three minutes remaining.

However, Merthyr had one more trick up their sleeve as captain Thomas vollied home expertly in stoppage time to earn a deserved point for the visitors.

Rugby started well and took an early lead when David Stone stole in behind the Merthyr defence and after his shot was parried, Aladetoun was on hand to roll the ball into the empty net.

Merthyr got back into the game with twenty minutes gone when Morley's clumsy challenge in the area earned Merthyr a penalty which was easily converted by Rubery.

Merthyr had the better of the first half after this and started the second half quite well with a string of good chances going begging.

Rugby stuck at their task and took the lead with thirteen minutes remaining wen David Staff's surge and cross from the left hand side found Aladetoun, whose rasping volley was brilliantly saved before the striker helped himself to his second of the game from the rebound.

Merthyr were level four minutes later when a cross-cum-shot by Harris caught out Martyn Margarson in the swirling wind and curled into the top corner.

Full report to follow.

Valley Lineup: Margarson 7, Stringfellow 7, Morley 6, Herbert 6, Gordon 7, Breward 6, Musgrove 5, Bolt 6, ALADETOUN 7*, Stone 6, Staff 7.
Subs Not Used: Kabongo, Harris, Edge.
Bookings: None.
Sent Off: None.

Report by RTFC Online.