Didcot Town reignited their play-off bid with a surprise 2-0 win at home to Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West leaders Merthyr Town on Saturday.

Second-half goals from Adam Learoyd and John Mills – his 40th of the season in all matches – gave Didcot their first league win for ten games, going back to the beginning of January.

The first half was a drab affair, with the visitors controlling proceedings, but failing to create many opportunities.

Merthyr’s Matthew Harris had the best chance, but home keeper James Foster diverted his shot wide, while Kayne McLaggon shot straight at Foster just before the break.

Didcot’s chances were even more limited, as they fought valiantly to stem the tide.

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Learoyd had a header saved by Merthyr keeper Tom Bradley, while Mills and Pablo Haysham worked hard to create further chances without much luck.

The hosts made Merthyr pay for failing to cash in on their dominance as they took the lead early in the second half, with Learoyd heading home from Sam Elkins’s corner.

Elkins was involved in their second goal too, as his low free-kick was only parried by Bradley, with leading scorer Mills in position to fire home the rebound.

Merthyr were unable to mount a comeback, with Foster making a string of saves, most notably from Kris Leek, while McLaggon shot wide when clear on goal.

Didcot had one great chance to extend their lead, with Matt Woodley sending a free-kick inches wide.

In the closing stages, Guillermo Bauza had a long-range shot just cleared off the line by Elkins, as Didcot hung on for a clean sheet and a welcome victory.

Didcot Tn: Foster, Elkins, Organ (Heapy 75), Ballard, Carnell, Learoyd, Woodley, Self, Mills (Brooks 88), Haysham, Baines. Subs not used: Deabill, Powell, Beesley.

Attendance: 167.