TAUNTON'S much-depleted line up were more than a match for Merthyr Town on a 3G pitch on Tuesday but a penalty just before half time proved the decisive moment in their FA Trophy replay, writes Martin Dongworth.

As if being down to the bare bones was not enough an early injury to midfielder Josh Wadham meant a further reorganisation with youngster Lewis Waldy replacing him.

In a first half of few chances Town striker Shane Kingston finished off a good move just three minutes before the break but his shot went over the bar.

At the other end Owen Irish handled a shot by Ian Traylor and Irish’s brother Lloyd just failed to restore the family honour diving full length but was unable to prevent Ryan Prosser’s spot kick hitting the back of the net In fact Merthyr could have had a second straight after but Ryan Newman’s free kick hit the wall and rebounded to safety.

Taunton continued to attack when possible and another good move ended with Jamie Price firing over 7 minutes after the break. Merthyr’s best move of the match came after 64 minutes but Traylor’s shot did not trouble Irish.

Taunton had more good chances – Aidan Chainey was denied by a dubious offside flag after 70 minutes and Owen Irish’s cross was headed wide by skipper Steve Kingdon, who was returning after a 5 match injury absence, five minutes later. Another good chance came in injury time but Ben Kirk’s delightful lob went just over the bar and it was the home side who went through to a home tie with Cirencester Town a week on Saturday.

The match was preceded by a minutes’s silence in memory of those lives lost in the Aberfan disaster 48 years ago to the day. Attendance: 213 Taunton: Lloyd Irish, Jamie Price, Ben Carter, Owen Irish, Ben Mammola, Ben Kirk, Aidan Chainey, Brett Trowbridge, Shane Kingston (Tom Hopkins 77) , Steve Kingdon (captain), Josh Wadham (Lewis Waldy 14, Joseph Dockings 77).

Merthyr: Tom Bradley, Dan Summerfield, Adam Davies, Kris Leek (Guillermo Bauza 73), Jamie Rewbury, Ryan Green (captain), Ryan Newman, Gavin Williams, Kayne McLaggon, Ryan Prosser, Ian Traylor (Kerry Morgan 67). Unused subs: Steve Williams, Matthew Harris, Corey Jenkins.

Referee: Simon Shaw (Bristol).

Assistants: Jon Bryant (Aberdare), Leigh Jones (Quakers Yard).