Merthyr Town suffered again in their home match against Southern League leaders King’s Lynn at the Loadlok Community Stadium.
The Martyrs had defender Jarrad Wright sent off during the second half and went down 1-0 against the in-form Linnets.
“To a man we were solid,” said Lynn manager Ian Culverhouse. “I’m delighted with the lads.
“We weren’t particularly good on the ball, but the lads stuck at it and stood up to the task.
“We battled all over the pitch we battled. It’s not going to be pretty every week and it was ugly today, but we’ve come away with the three points.
“We need to remain focused.”
An early strike by Michael Gash after five minutes earned the win. A delightful pass from Ryan Hawkins found Gash inside the penalty box and he slipped the ball under the advancing Oliver Davies.
The Linnets then had to weather a heavy amount of pressure from the home side and Ashley Evans had a header cleared off the line from Ian Traylor’s cross.
Traylor then unleashed a shot that was superbly saved by the fingertips of goalkeeper Alex Street.
Merthyr were reduced to 10 men when defender Wright was dismissed for hauling down substitute Leon Mettam.
Mettam might have wrapped the win for Lynn when beat two defenders with neat twist and turns before unleashing a low shot, but it was well saved by Davies.
The Martyrs have one match left in 2017 and that is against rivals Hereford on Boxing Day.
That match on Tuesday, December 26 v Hereford will kick-off at 1pm.
Visitors Hereford have already sold 1,000 tickets for the match.
Normal admission: Adult £10; Concessions £8 (Over 65’s, Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport County season ticket holders); Merthyr RFC season ticket holders £5; Under 16 £1.
The Martyrs have half season tickets now on sale. They are priced at (£87.50 for adults, £75 seniors).
A half season ticket entitles fans to a match ticket to the Hereford match.
Merthyr Town (v King’s Lynn): Oliver Davies, Scott Tancock, Matthew Harris, Jarrad Wright, Adam Davies, Harry Franklin, Craig Reddy, Ashley Evans, Corey Jenkins, Jaye Bowen, Ian Traylor. Subs: Miles John, Liam Martin, Jacob Flower, Ryan Prosser,