FROM the sublime to the ridiculous! That's the verdict on Nathan Vaughan who endured a horrendous 90 minutes in Wales.

The larger than life goalkeeper has played a huge part in United's attempts to stave off relegation but his antics led to the Common Road men suffering their heaviest away defeat of the season.

So secure last Saturday, Vaughan endured a tortuous Tuesday that saw him beaten by three shots from distance with the crucial third, a minute into the second half, entering a gaping goal as he anticipated a free-kick being swung into the far post from 45 yards!

"That was an absolute hammer blow," said boss Paul West. "Nathan's held his hands up and apologised and he will win us more games than he loses us. How-ever, we've all got to respect the level that we play in and, if you are not on your game, then you are going to get punished."

Vaughan did at least get a hand to Gary Shephard's stunning 20th minute opener but the keeper was left helpless five minutes before the break when Mike Fowler's half-volley after a free-kick wasn't cleared properly found the top corner.

Merthyr also struck a post in a first half that saw Richard Ball see a couple of left-footers saved, Rob Taylor fire two efforts over the top and Steve Duncan denied by the home custodian.

Substitute Danny Hodnett's first challenge brought the dead-ball that ultimately ended Eve-sham's hopes of a fightback, while Vau-ghan's nightmare continued as he twice fumbled regulation catches then his miskick let in Craig Moses who shot wide of an open goal.

Vaughan did produce a couple of brave stops, while opposite number Ashley Morris was twice grateful to the frame of his goal as Taylor and Ball were denied a consolation.

Of that there was little on a night when United's hopes of recording back to back wins for the first time this season and a move out of the bottom three were well and truly dashed.

"I'll be looking for a response in training and then again on Saturday," said West. "Our application and dedication has got to be spot on. We've got to work on our strengths and get back to the format that has served us well over the past few weeks. We didn't adhere to that on Tuesday."

Steve Luckett and Grant Pinkney could be fit to give West a selection puzzle for this weekend's home date with Mangots-field, while latest recruit James Fox could again be given a place on the bench.

Saturday's match is being sponsored by Alutrade, Langley Forge House, Old-bury and the ball by Evesham Home Imp-rovements of Willer-sey.