Merthyr bidding to make cup progress

MERTHYR TOWN will be aiming to make the 30th anniversary of their famous European Cup Winners’ Cup victory over Atalanta by taking another step towards a money-spinning Emirates FA Cup tie this afternoon.

They make the trip to Havant & Waterlooville in the second qualifying round. The Martyrs go into the tie on the back of Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat at Basingstoke Town in the EvoStik League South Premier Division – their first reverse of the season in league and cup.

Samuel Smart’s second-half double did for Gavin Williams’ side in Hampshire, which is where they return today as the focus switches back to cup matters and their trip to Westleigh Park.

The Hawks ply their trade in the National League South, one division above Merthyr, having been promoted as champions of the Isthmian League at the end of last season and have started well with six wins from 11 games.

They enter the competition at this stage and were in league action while Merthyr were crushing 6-1 winners over Western League Premier club Willand Rovers in the first qualifying round.

The winners of today’s tie will bank £4,500 and move to within just two victories of the first round proper.

Havant were famously drawn against Liverpool at Anfield in the fourth round back in 2007/08 where they led twice before eventually losing 5-2 – having already knocked out Swansea City after a replay the round before.