Martyrs fans can have their say on new season
MERTHYR Town fans can have their say on Thursday night (August 3) when a forum will be held at Romans, The LoadLok Stadium, Penydarren Park, 7pm.
Two Board members, Anthony Hughes and Phil Mack, have been appointed fans’ liaison officers and will be available to answer any questions the supporters may have.
Manager Gavin Williams will take time out from training to give an update on the playing situation for the new season, which starts with a home game against Hitchin Town in the Evo-Stik South Premier (the new title) on Saturday, August 12 (3pm).
The close season has been a tricky one, with key players being lured to other clubs.
One player who has been training with the Martyrs will not be plying his trade with them – Daniel Alfei, the former Swansea City defender, has signed for League Two team Yeovil Town.
He played the first 65 minutes on Saturday in Yeovil’s 4-2 friendly win at Tiverton.
A former Wales Under19s and Under-21s player, he had experience with Portsmouth, Northampton Mansfield and Wrexham (all on loan from the Swans) and after he was released by the Liberty Stadium club, he spent last season with Aberystwyth in the Welsh Premiership.
Alfei, 25, started his preseason training with the Martyrs and featured in friendlies against Penydarren B&G and Treharris Athletic.
Alfei had made an initial agreement to sign with Gavin Williams but was offered a trial with League Two club Yeovil Town which was then followed with his signature.
Manager Williams said: “I’d personally like to wish Dan all the best at Yeovil Town this season. Unfortunately for us, when a professional League Two Club comes knocking on your door offering fulltime football, then it’s something that you can’t ignore as a player.”
Williams is still working hard behind the scenes to build his squad for the new season.
On Saturday, Merthyr face a tough friendly at home (3pm) to Hednesford of the Evo-Stik North Premier Division. The sides have previously met in the Southern League and Conference.
Based in Staffordshire, the club reached the final of the Welsh Cup in 199192 and lost to Cardiff City. Basically Merthyr and Hednesford play at the same level – step three of the English Non-League pyramid.
On Saturday Hednesford had a fine 3-0 home win over National League North side Boston United. Their recent signings include Sam Oji from Worcester, who began his career at Birmingham, and Jordan Wheatley, from Nuneaton.
On Tuesday Merthyr had a friendly at Llanelli.
CARDIFF MET .............. 3 MERTHYR TOWN ......... 0
The standard of the Southern League compared to the Welsh Premiership is often debated, but on Saturday Merthyr were given a lesson by a strong university side who deserved their win.
Ian Traylor tormented them frequently but the students weren’t tested too much. Stuart Fleetwood, a newcomer this season, worked hard but needs support if he is to prove effective in the scoring stakes.
Met led following a good move from a throwin with Adam Roscrow netting. Before the break Jordan Lam finished well to score from close range.
The second half saw a good display from wideman Kerry Morgan, back with the Martyrs after spells with Mangotsfield and Cirencester. He sent over a plethora of crosses but the defence, with Emlyn Lewis superb, did well. Roscrow hit his second goal for Cardiff Met.
Adam Davies and Scott Tancock stood out in the visiting defence but overall, there could be no doubt about the result, which was a disappointing one for the considerable number of travelling Merthyr fans.
PENYBONT .................... 0 MERTHYR TOWN ......... 3
Ian Traylor (2) and Corey Jenkins were on target as the Martyrs gave a solid performance against their Welsh League opposition in midweek.
MERTHYR TOWN ......... 2 CAERAU ELY ................. 0
Merthyr fielded mainly their Development Team but Kerry Morgan also figured and scored.
On August 9 Merthyr X1 play a friendly at Pontlottyn.
Merthyr Town and Merthyr Rugby Club have linked up so that season-ticket holders of the soccer team can pay just £5 to watch rugby at The Wern and vice-versa.