Southern League Premier Division

Redditch United 1-1 Merthyr Town  

REDS slipped further off the play-off places after Merthyr snatched a late leveller when substitute Kyle Copp converted by scoring direct from an 89th minute free kick.

Merthyr had been much the better side during first half exchanges but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.

Reds goalkeeper Ethan Ross dived full stretch to turn a wicked Ian Traynor cross off the head of Kerry Morgan when the Welsh marksman looked set to score.

Former Bristol Rovers player Eliot Richards then rifled over a minute later as Merthyr made all the early running.

Merthyr goalkeeper Ollie Davies was finally called into action on 17 minutes when he saved bravely at the feet of Dior Angus after being put through on goal by Danny Jackman.

But it was Merthyr who continued to threaten the most and should have scored when Traynor fired over from in front of goal on 26 minutes.

Central defender Curtis McDonald then headed inches over from a Kerry Morgan free kick before Reds defender Orrin Pendley made a goal-saving interception to deny Richards just before the half hour mark.

Still the chances kept coming for Merthyr as Reds goal continued to lead a charmed life, Richards heading wide of the mark in front of goal from another teasing Traynor cross on 38 minutes.

Reds were more impressive after the break and Angus was kept at bay by a point-blank save from Davies after latching onto a pin-point cross from full back Nathan Fox.

Merthyr still continued to carve out the better chances but were rocked by Reds on 83 minutes when Kevin Da Veiga Monteiro stole in at the far post to slot home a defence splitting cross from Danico Johnson.

Merthyr replied with just a minute remaining when Copp's low raking free kick evaded everyone in a packed Reds goalmouth to finish up in the far corner of the net.

There was still time for Reds to snatch the points - and they nearly did when Andi Thanoj let fly with a late drive which cannoned against Merthyr's post before rebounding away to safety.