VIDEO: Dunstable downed by Merthyr Town in FA Trophy

Twice Dunstable Town came from behind as they crashed out of the FA Trophy at the second round stage on Saturday with a battling 3-2 defeat at Merthyr Town on Saturday.

Ian Traylor gave the Martyrs a sixth-minute lead and, although Chris Marsh levelled on 32 minutes, Traylor put the hosts ahead again four minutes before the break.

Blues hotshot Lee Roache again equalised on 66 minutes, only for Ryan Prosser to score the winner with 12 minutes to go.

Director of football John McLoughlin said: “Without making excuses, both teams did well under the weather conditions.

“The rain and wind was horrendous and, in my mind, maybe it should have been abandoned.

“But we made too many silly mistakes and did not give the strikers any contribution, we are disappointed but we take our medicine and move on to the league.”

In atrocious conditions with driving gales and relentless rain, both teams did their best to present an exciting cup tie on the hosts’ newly-installed artificial pitch.

Dunstable began well but fell behind when Danny Murphy’s intended back header to keeper Jamie Head fell short and enabled man of the match Traylor to score the first of his two goals.

Playing against the violent wind the Blues came under severe pressure, but adapted well with solid approach play and continued forays on goal.

And they drew level on 35 minutes with a near post header from the persistent Marsh.

However, relentless pressure from the Martyrs saw them restore their lead when Traylor smashed home a volley into the top corner following a hectic effort from Dunstable to clear.

The second half saw the Martyrs ride their luck as Dunstable pushed forward with continuous assaults on their goal as Roache finally drew the sides level as the home side struggled to clear their lines.

Merthyr were restricted to playing on the counter, with substitute Prosser being allowed to filch the winner.

A dramatic finish saw the hosts defending with increasing desperation as they denied Dunstable the replay they richly deserved.

Dunstable go to near neighbours and promotion rivals Barton Rovers in the league on Saturday and host Ampthill Town in the first round of the Bedfordshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

McLoughlin added: “I am making two more signings this week to bolster the squad and, with Nathan Frater back from suspension, we go to Barton with a full squad. It will be a very tough match for both sides and one we must win to keep on track.”

Attendance: 236.