SWINDON Supermarine’s dreams of promotion have once again been ended by Merthyr Town.

Having lost to the Welsh side in the Southern League Division One South and West play-off semi-final last year, they were once again going home in defeat.

But there were no controversial red cards or disputed penalties this time, this play-off tie was all about fantastic goals that entertained the crowd.

Supermarine were struggling to get to grips with the 3G surface at Penydarren Park and the hosts took advantage of that as they piled on the pressure.

Merthyr gained the advantage in the 14th minute when Kris Leek launched a throw into the area that was flicked on by Andrew Thomas for Gary Colborne to drill home.

The Webbs Wood Stadium side were looking like a rabbit trapped in the headlights, they just couldn’t get a foothold into this game.

But slowly but surely they found their way and with Edenborough on the pitch Marine always had a chance – and they took it.

Josh Parsons drove forward for the visitors in the 38th minute, threaded the ball into the path of his strike partner and Edenborough drilled the ball beyond Lee Idzi.

However, Supermarine’s lead was short lived as Merthyr restored their lead two minutes later.

Having launched all of his throws into the area, Leek played one short to former Wales international Gavin Williams. He picked out Kayne McLaggon to head the ball past Sam Warrell.

But the stroke of half-time, the South Marston men were level with a sublime strike from Edenborough.

Standing on the edge of the area he curled the ball home, hitting the post and bar on its way, leaving Idzi no chance.

If Edenborough thought his goal was good then he could only stand in admiration as Merthyr’s skipper Colbourne fired a looping shot over Warrell to give the hosts a 3-2 lead two minutes after the break following a poor clearance from a disappointing Williams free-kick.

After the flurry of goals, there were four in nine minutes, the game settled, but Supermarine knew that they would have to start pressurising the hosts’ goal once if they weren’t to be denied again.

But it was the hosts who were to score next, and Supermarine were not happy.

Referee Lee Sheridan had spotted the smallest spot of blood coming from the mouth of skipper Dave Bampton and ordered him off the pitch to be treated.

With the Marine captain missing, Merthyr pounced and McLaggon slotted the ball beyond Warrell on 74 minutes.

And the game was over for the visitors seven minutes from time when Ian Traylor looped the ball over Warrell and bounced over the line from 20 yards.

Meanwhile in the Hellenic League Division One West last night, Purton went down 6-2 away at North Leigh United.