This was a result that delivered an early festive treat for all Merthyr fans and helped to strengthen our top four position at the halfway stage of the season.

Ryan Gosney, who was Sholing's outstanding performer when the sides met at Penydarren Park in August, saved an early Tom Handley effort, in windy conditions that caused havoc for both sides. At the other end Will Fuller made a really good save to turn a curling shot around the post for a corner.

Just before the interval Noah Smerdon took a throw-in on the left hand touch line, finding Olly Mehew who played the ball between two defenders back to Smerdon who had advanced into the penalty area. With Ricardo Rees ghosting unmarked to the penalty spot Smerdon rolled the ball to the leading goal scorer who coolly pick his spot to score his fourteenth league goal of the season.

Nine minutes into the second period the Martyrs had doubled their lead. Callum Ryan-Phillips demonstrated his strength and technique to win possession in the centre circle. The ball was touched on by Tom Handley who found Gethyn Hill on the edge of the penalty area with his back to goal. His quick 180 degree turn created the space he needed to arrow a low shot across Gosney and into the bottom corner.

Liam Angel soon replaced Alex John, who had been booked in the first half, in order to provide added protection to retain the two goal lead.

The closest Sholing came to scoring was in the 88th minute when a cross hit the upright and was cleared by the Martyrs alert defenders.

A second consecutive clean sheet for Will Fuller, with a second 'double' of the season secured after last week's win against Hanwell.