Merthyr Town are preparing for #PackThePark2.
Manager Gavin Williams and his Martyrs are at home against Biggleswade Town and hope for another attendance of around 1,000.
“The fans have been magnificent and we’d love them to turn out in force again,” said Williams.
Merthyr are facing a financial crisis, but are raising money via a JustGiving page and building towards a healthy future (see Dial M video below).
Williams is intent on doing everything possible to ensure the fan-owned Martyrs are still in the Southern League Premier Division for 2018-19.
He took a mixture of senior and youth players to Tiverton Town in midweek and Williams was encouraged by his young teams performance against hosts who jumped into third place because of their 3-1 win.
“Tiverton is a tough place to visit and Tiverton are a strong team who have a way of playing which gets the best out of their players,” he said. “That makes them difficult to beat, especially at their ground.
“We came down here with some of our experienced players, blended in with a number youth players.
“Before the game I was a little nervous as it is a big step up for them and after we conceded an early goal. I was worried about the effect that that would have.
“To be fair, though, the boys they showed great character in the way they responded on a difficult wet and heavy surface.
“A lot of people were complimentary about the football we played, especially in the first half, and we more than deserved an equaliser before half-time.
“In the second half Tiverton showed their experience as some of our boys tired a little. They are not used to the intensity of the Southern League having played Academy and youth football, but it is something they will get used to and games like this will be good for them.
“They are learning the hard way that what you do without the ball is crucial at this level.
“But again they were a credit to themselves, their coaches and our club with their hard work and commitment.
“This has come a little bit earlier for them than we would have liked and the situation is a little unfair on them, but I can’t fault their effort and the signs are encouraging.”
“Once again the travelling fans were magnificent in the way they supported the team. They have been to Tiverton a number of times over the years and understand how difficult it is here.
“I think they were impressed with the football that we played and they all waited by the away dressing room area and applauded the players after the game showing their appreciation.”
Merthyr’s match against Biggleswade is at the Loadlok Community Stadium (3pm).
Williams is waiting to confirm his starting line-up for the match against Biggleswade, but it is hoped that we will have a similar squad to the one that faced Dorchester Town last Saturday.
Ryan Prosser could be named in the squad after a successful returning to full training. He has had a back problem and has yet to make an appearance this season, but the prolific forward and Merthyr icon would be welcome addition to the squad.
Biggleswade Town are two places below Merthyr in 16th and 2-2 draw against League leaders King’s Lynn Town in midweek.
The Waders have only managed one win in 10 league matches, but their result against King’s Lynn makes it clear this is a difficult test for the home team.
Merthyr’s remaining fixtures in 2017:
December: Saturday 2 v Biggleswade Town home; Saturday 9 v St Neots Town away; Saturday 16 v Kings Langley away; Saturday 23 v King’s Lynn Town home; Boxing Day, Tuesday 26 v Hereford home (1pm kick-off).
Admission: Adult £10; Concessions £8 (Over 65’s, Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport County season ticket holders); Merthyr RFC season ticket holders £5; Under 16 £1.
Merthyr Town squad v Biggleswade: C Clarke, A Davies, S Tancock, A Evans (capt), K Patten, J Wright, K Morgan, C Jenkins, M Harris, J Bowen, I Traylor, R Prosser, M John, L Martin, M Hogbakkenn, J Flower, G Williams.
Click below for Merthyr Town’s just giving page: