Newport County defender Jay Foulston has signed for Merthyr Town on loan until the end of this season.

Swansea-born Foulston, aged 19, made his debut during the Martyrs’ 4-0 EvoStik Southern League defeat at Wimborne Town.

Merthyr are hard hit by injuries and only had two substitutes, both from the youth squad, against Dorset club Wimborne, whose goals were scored by Toby Holmes (3) and Luke Holmes.

The two hit-men, who are not related, spoiled the day for Foulston and Matthew Harris, the Merthyr man who was making his 300th appearance for the club.

Foulston has made five appearances for Newport County in cup competitions and is a Wales under-19 international.

“I am delighted to sign Jay until the end of the season,” said Merthyr manager Gavin Williams. “We needed to strengthen the squad after Macca’s injury (Craig McDonnell). 

“I would like to thank Mike Flynn and the staff at Newport County for agreeing to the loan.”

Wimborne v Merthyr attracted the biggest Southern League Premier attendance of the season – 433 spectators – and the match was pretty even for a long time during the first half. 

Striker Toby Holmes gave a master-class in finishing as Wimborne continued their fine home form. But before Toby struck the first of his hat-trick, it was the two keepers who caught the eye.

Wimborne goalkeeper Gerard Benfield denied Ian Traylor with a sprawling save when he was played through on 18 minutes, while at the other end Merthyr’s Lewis Webb instinctively kept out Sam Davidson’s bullet header from a corner and then clawed away Luke Holmes’ fierce drive heading for the top corner.

Then namesake Toby took centre-stage. On 24 minutes Luke  played him through on the left to open the scoring and just before the interval his second came from Luke Burbidge’s pass down the right.

Toby completed his hat-trick after 52 minutes, chasing down James Stokoe’s lofted pass and out-pacing the visitors’ defence to steer the ball past Webb.

Luke’s goal clinched the win on 73 minutes and a cross from the right wing fell to him at the back post and he volleyed home to complete a comprehensive victory.

Just before Wimborne scored their third goal, Merthyr were denied a penalty following a foul on Owain Jones. Martyrs’ players appealed, the referee said no.

Merthyr were without Lee Lucas, Keenan Patten, Craig McDonnell, Adam Davies, Corey Jenkins and Joe Hunt at Wimborne, while Harrad Wright, Harris and Ryan Prosser played despite not being 100 per cent fit.

Wimborne: Benfield, Penny, Maybury, Davidson, Oldring, Pettefer, Stokoe, Clarke, T.Holmes, Burbidge (Owen 88), L.Holmes (Young 82). Unused subs: Collins, Francis, Lee.

Merthyr Town: Lewis Webb, Matthew Harris, Jay Foulston, Ashley Evans (capt), Jarrad Wright, Connor Young, Owain Jones, Craig Reddy, Ryan Prosser, Tom Meechan, Ian Traylor. Subs: Reuben Mackay, Cavan Williams.

Attendance: 433

Merthyr Town fixtures

EvoStik Southern League (all 3pm)

Saturday 19 v Basingstoke Town (home)

Saturday 26 v Tiverton Town (away)

February 

Saturday 2 v Dorchester Town (home)