Merthyr push for play-offs boosted by Foulston deal

MERTHYR Town have signed Newport County defender Jay Foulston on loan until the end of the season as their push for the play-offs gathers momentum.

The Martyrs are back in Evo-Stik League South Premier Division South action this afternoon as they head to Dorset to take on lowly Wimborne Town (3pm).

Town’s league form has been somewhat Jekyll and Hyde of late, with their last seven matches yielding three wins and four defeats.

Included in that run was a stunning 3-1 triumph over table topping Taunton, while their last outing resulted in a 2-1 home defeat by another of the title challengers in Salisbury.

Merthyr are currently sixth in the table, once place and five points outside the play-off places and manager Gavin Williams will hope the acquisition of Wales U19 centre-half Foulston will help them secure a top-five berth.

The 19-year-old has made two appearance for the Exiles this season, both of which came in the Checkatrade Trophy.

“I am delighted to have joined Merthyr on loan and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“Hopefully I can help them push on for promotion and gain valuable experience whilst I am with the club.”

Martyrs boss Williams said: “I am delighted to sign Jay until the end of the season.

“Obviously we need to strengthen the team following Macca’s [Craig McDonnell] injury, and I would like to thank Mike Flynn and the staff at Newport County for agreeing to the loan.”

Today’s opponents Wimborne are one place and one point above the drop zone.

The reverse fixture between these sides at Penydarren Park back in November resulted in a 2-0 win for Merthyr thanks to second half goals from Ian Traylor and Kerry Morgan.