North Leigh manager Mark Gee hailed his side’s professionalism as they beat highly-fancied Merthyr Town 2-1 at Eynsham Park in Calor League Division 1 South & West on Saturday.

The Millers raced into a 2-0 lead before half-time and Gee believes they shocked their rivals with the quick start.

He said: “They’re a decent side but we scored early and knocked them off their stride a bit.

“We were competitive and looked dangerous on the break, but obviously it’s only the first game and there’s still a long way to go.”

And Gee said he was impressed with the way his side saw the game out in the second half, despite conceding an 88th-minute penalty.

“They had lots of possession but didn’t really create any chances,” he added.

“We know we’ll score goals with our pace and ability going forward, so the challenge for us really is to keep them out at the other end and I was pleased with how we did that.

“We were disappointed to concede but it couldn’t be helped, they put a ball into the box and it’s just hit Stuart Hole’s hand and it’s a penalty.”

In Saturday’s game, goals from Morgan Williams and Jacob Walcott put the Millers ahead after half an hour and they held on well.

Williams headed home Walcott’s cross on five minutes and the latter almost made it 2-0.

On 33 minutes, Michael Alexis was fouled in the box and referee Lee Sheridan awarded a penalty which Walcott tucked away.

Merthyr dominated the second-half, but had Kerry Morgan sent-off for a second booking on 73 minutes.

North Leigh centre half Andy Caton then fired just wide after a mazy dribble.

The visitors were awarded an 88th-minute penalty after Hole was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box following a corner and Ryan Prosser slotted home.

On Saturday, North Leigh travel to Stratford Town.

North Leigh: Warrell, Turk, Woodley, Osborne-Ricketts, Caton, Hole, Else (McDonagh 87), Alexis, Walcott (Mills 90), Bowles (Sanders 75), Williams. Sub not used: Organ.

Attendance: 124.