A NEVER less than entertaining game saw Wealdstone once again beaten, this time by high-flying Merthyr, at Chestnut Avenue on Saturday.

The old clich "a game of two halves" was made for a game featuring such contrasting action as this.

Such was the Merthyr domination of the first half that it is fair to say this was the most one-sided 45 minutes seen at Chestnut Avenue this season. Wealdstone had little answer to the speed and movement of the visitors and the succession of deep crosses coming into the six yard box.

Occasional long range efforts from Graeme Montgomery and a low cross from the same player that Dean Papali, on another day would have got on the end of, were all Stones had to show for a first half's effort.

It was looking as if Wealdstone would reach the interval all square and could re-organise, but a 42nd minute header from the unmarked Shephard following two goal-line blocks of shots from Phillips, sent Stones into the interval one down.

When Kendle made it 2-0, a minute into the second half with a far post header, it was no more than the visitors deserved at that point, but the two goal cushion was to last only a minute.

A corner from the left was spectacularly fumbled by keeper Morris and Papali was in the right spot to despatch the loose ball.

Suddenly, the game changed completely and in the next 25 minutes Wealdstone pressured continually and had four good chances to level the scores.

Papali fired a difficult volley over, made poor contact with another easier chance and debutant Dean Clark, who started quietly but improved as the game progressed, had an effort saved.

The hardest chance to miss fell to Matt Gooderick but his effort hit the outstretched arm of Morris and rebounded to safety.

It was only in the last ten minutes, with Stones pushing ever more forward, that Merthyr created any further chances to score. With the defence caught with a lack of numbers and with Lee Chappell having a five minute crazy spell, Carroll twice saved one-on-ones when faced with Shephard and Moses.

The highly dubious late sending off of Chris O'Leary following two cautions failed to stop Wealdstone continuing to gallantly try and get a point. Only the clock did that.

Now the two sides go to Wales for next Saturday's FA Trophy game. Based on this remarkable 90 minutes, it should at least be interesting.