MERTHYR TOWN went goal crazy as they became Western Division One champions, impressively lifting the title with three games to spare.
Garry Shephard’s men needed just a point to ensure they finished top, but they accomplished the feat in style by smashing five past a helpless Gillingham side.
Scott Armitage, Kris Leek (two), Ryan Prosser and Marcus Griffiths were on target for Merthyr to make it ‘A Beautiful Day,’ as U2 would sing.
Their goal-getting exploits ensured the league officials who had travelled to Taffs Well with the trophy for the game didn’t make the journey in vain.
A beaming Sheppard, whose team have only lost four league matches this season, said: “This is for the club and its supporters and for the hard work that people do to keep this club running.
“The players have delivered what we set out to do.
“It’s fantastic and the players have deserved it.
“They had already planned to go into Cardiff three or four weeks ago, so I expect that they will have a great time.
“I can’t keep up with the young ones anymore, I’m having a barbecue and I will have my own little celebration,” he added.
Merthyr needed to prove they had what it takes to be champions after being shocked into silence when Gillingham took a 10th-minute lead as skipper Dan Rogers side-footed home via the post.
But Armitage had levelled within five minutes, lobbing goalkeeper Simon Hasted in front of a bumper crowd of 500 – a record in this league.
From there on in, Merthyr were dominant and the second goal came in the 33rd minute as Leek fired home a rebound after his initial effort was stopped.
Prosser powered home the third following a clever one-two with Leigh Smith, giving Merthyr a 3-1 lead going into the break and an opportunity after the break to be crowned champions in style.
And it took just four minutes after that restart for Merthyr to grab the fourth, Armitage crossing, Prosser heading on and Griffiths taking a touch before volleying home.
Just after the hour mark, Leek scored his second and Merthyr’s fifth, driving hard and low past the diving Hasted after the ball had been rolled across the 18-yard area.
It could have been more when somehow substitute Craig Stiens hit an effort over the bar from a yard out.
But few in the crowd were grumbling.
A 5-1 triumph, the trophy lifted in front of them.
Yes, it really was a beautiful day.
walesonline.co.uk