AFC Telford United vs Merthyr Town Match Recap - Nov 4, 2025

Merthyr Town's Rampant R. Rees Dismantles AFC Telford United in 4-2 Thriller

R. Rees emerged as the star of the show, netting four goals to lead Merthyr Town to a commanding 4-2 victory over AFC Telford United at New Bucks Head. This performance not only showcased his scoring prowess but also highlighted the stark contrast between the two teams' recent forms. While Merthyr Town climbed to ninth place with 22 points, Telford's struggles deepened, leaving them languishing in 16th with just 16 points.

The match kicked off with an early goal from M. Stenson, who put Telford ahead in the 14th minute, igniting hopes of a home victory. However, R. Rees quickly silenced the crowd, equalizing just four minutes later. His first goal was a sign of things to come, as he continued to exploit gaps in Telford's defense throughout the first half. By the 41st minute, he had completed a first-half hat trick, scoring again in the 31st and 41st minutes, leaving Telford reeling and trailing 3-1 at halftime.

Merthyr's attacking strategy was on full display, with R. Rees proving to be a constant threat. His ability to find space and finish clinically was a testament to his recent form, having scored twice against Chorley just days prior. The Welsh side's confidence surged as they capitalized on Telford's defensive lapses, which had been a recurring theme in their last few matches.

Telford entered the second half with a renewed sense of urgency but struggled to contain Merthyr's relentless attack. R. Rees added his fourth goal in the 71st minute, effectively sealing the game for Merthyr and showcasing his remarkable consistency. This performance marked his fifth goal in two matches, solidifying his status as a key player for Merthyr Town.

Despite the scoreline, Telford refused to back down. A. George found the net in the 87th minute, providing a glimmer of hope for the home side. However, it was too little too late as Merthyr held firm to secure all three points. Telford's recent form has been a rollercoaster ride; they had shown promise with victories against Worksop Town and a stunning 6-0 win over Darlington in the FA Cup. Yet, inconsistency has plagued them, evident in their inability to build on those successes.

Merthyr Town's victory not only boosts their league position but also serves as a statement of intent as they aim for playoff contention. Their recent form has been more stable compared to Telford's, with back-to-back wins before this match. The contrast is stark; while Telford has struggled to find their rhythm, Merthyr has begun to hit their stride at just the right moment.

Looking ahead, both teams face crucial matches on November 8. Telford will travel to Macclesfield, hoping to turn their fortunes around and avoid slipping further into relegation trouble. Meanwhile, Merthyr will visit Bedford Town, aiming to build on this momentum and solidify their place in the upper half of the table.

As for my pre-match prediction, I anticipated a high-scoring affair but perhaps underestimated R. Rees's impact on the game. His performance today was nothing short of sensational and proved pivotal in shaping the outcome. The narrative of resilience and determination continues for both teams, but for now, Merthyr Town revels in their triumph while Telford must regroup and refocus for the challenges ahead.