MERTHYR Town manager Gavin Williams felt Hereford just shaded today's game.

The former Hereford United player said he was disappointed with the way his team played going forward, but was delighted with how they defended their box.

"I'm disappointed with the way we conceded late on, although going down to 10 men doesn't help," said Williams.

"I thought Hereford just shaded it on the day and I was a little bit disappointed with how we played on the ball.

"Without the ball I thought we were fantastic and worked extremely hard and made it tough for Hereford.

"I was pleased with that aspect but we can play a lot better."

Merthyr took the lead with a well taken free-kick from Kyle Copp.

But the Martyrs were soon down to 10 men after Elliot Phillips picked up a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.

"Eliot has done what he's done and I'm very disappointed with him," added Williams.

"I have told him that because he's one of my experienced players and has played in the Football League.

"It's just unacceptable."

Banbury and Kettering are the early front runners in the Southern Premier League with five wins from five games.

But Williams believes a number of teams will be in the promotion mix, Hereford being one of them.

"It's a strong league and a lot stronger than the league below," he said.

"There's a number of teams that on their day, if you're not on it, will punish you."