Martyrs start Trophy trail

MERTHYR Town will begin their FA Trophy campaign with a trip to Taunton Town today in the first round of qualifying (3pm).

The Martyrs took on the Peacocks, who lead the Southern League Division One West, in the preliminary round back in 2014.

And ,after a 1-1 draw at the Viridor Stadium, a Ryan Prosser penalty gave Merthyr a 1-0 win at Penydarren Park.

Merthyr went on to lose 2-1 in a replay with Didcot Town in the third round of qualifying that season.

The last time the club made it through to the first round was in 2012, before a 2-1 defeat to Tonbridge Angels.

Three journeys to the third round of qualifying followed before last season’s exit at the second round of qualifying.

Gavin Williams’ men put a dismal run of form behind them with a 3-1 victory over Stratford Town, Merthyr had lost five of their previous six fixtures. Ian Traylor fired in his 10th goal of the season while Kerry Morgan and Eliot Richards were also on target.

Meanwhile, Pierce Mitchell headed in a late equaliser to extend Taunton’s lead at the top of the table with a 2-2 draw with Slimbridge. Omar Simpson was also on target.

Merthyr Town have never made it to the final of the competition, but Wrexham became the first Welsh winners in 2013.