Merthyr Tydfil 0 King's Lynn 0
21st April 2007
THE Linnets and Merthyr shared their second goalless draw of the season - but the point was enough for Lynn to definitely book their place in the play-offs.Unfortunately, the main talking point of the match was the state of the Merthyr pitch, which- has come in for major criticism over the last few weeks.
The pitch proved to be a great leveller during the 90 minutes and Linnets boss Keith Webb said: "I'd heard a few rumours about the pitch beforehand, but I couldn't believe it when we arrived.
"I don't think I've seen a worse pitch in all my years of being involved with football. It was absolutely horrendous in the goalmouths."
On the point, Webb said: "I have to give my players praise for their attitude and application. We have had to work hard on a very, very difficult surface.
"At times in the first half it was a case of us putting Merthyr under pressure by playing a percentage game, which is something we're not used to.
"On Friday I would have been delighted to think that we would bring home a point, but even more so now after having to contend with the pitch."
The Linnets boss made two changes from the side that accounted for Tiverton at The Walks.
Steve Melton replaced Sam Gaughran in midfield, while Matt Nolan was selected ahead of Danny Bloomfield up front.
Neither keeper was really troubled during the 90 minutes. Lynn, who have now only scored one goal in their last six away games, had the better of the opening exchanges.
Lynn's best chance came on the hour-mark when Nolan was inches wide with his header, while at the other end appeals for a late Merthyr penalty were turned down by the referee.
Merthyr: Morris, Collins (Thomas 75), Davies (Clark 83), Phillips, Warton, Rewberry, Smothers, Holloway, Bird, Steins, Lima. Subs not used: Diamond, Bowley.
Lynn: Howie, West, Blois, Hammond, Crane, Camm, Frew (Gould 52), Melton, J. Defty (Bloomfield 73), Nolan, C. Defty (Fisk 70). Subs not used: Marshall.
Referee: Steve Rushton (Stoke). Attendance: 303.