Merthyr Town manager Gavin Williams.

Beattie’s Back! Merthyr Tydfil’s Atalanta Hero Andy Returns To Penydarren Park For Big Reunion

Andy Beattie is returning to Merthyr Tydfil along with Kevin Rogers, Peter Jones and Chris Holvey.

The quartet will attend a Merthyr Town Legends Night at The MetCoaches Stadium on Friday, March 20 and there is sure to be a lot of talk about that magical night under the lights at Penydarren Park when Merthyr took on Atalanta in the European Cup Winners Cup.

Tickets Cost £20 for legends night which will include a two-course carvery. 

The Martyrs entertain Truro City the following day (Saturday, March 21) when all former Merthyr players are invited to share the day.

Commercial manager Howard King has the tickets and can be contacted on 07746556455. All tickets will be on sale from March 2.

Beattie was a player and manager for Merthyr, a combative midfield man who could dictate the tempo for his team.

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He was a prominent member of the Welsh Cup winning team and captained the Martyrs against Atalanta in the European Cup Winners Cup during 1987-88. 

Beattie also led Merthyr to the Southern League Midland Division title, playing 57 times and scoring 6 goals.

In 1988-89 season Beattie led his team to the Beazer Homes Southern League Premier Division title and with it promotion to the GM Vauxhall Conference.

After an impressive career at Penydarren Park his final appearance for the Martyrs was in May 1996 in the 3-2 defeat at Nene Park the home of Rushden and Diamonds. He made 424 appearances for the Martyrs and scored 46 goals.

Beattie returned to Penydarren Park in 2002 when he was appointed as joint manager with John Relish. At the time the Martyrs were playing in Southern League West and the new management duo led the club to promotion in their first season.

He left the club due to ill-health and Relish took sole command for 2004-05.

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After retiring from the game, Andy found a career in football with the Welsh FA and later became a football development officer in Monmouthshire.

Merthyr Town have welcomed forward Camden Camden back to the club after a loan spell at Mangotsfield United.

Duncan was released by Cheltenham Town at the end of last season after completing his two-year scholarship.

The 19-year-old was in the matchday squad for Merthyr Town’s goalless draw at Hampshire club Blackfield and Langley and their Warily Recreation Centre ground.

Kieran Lewis missed the game because of concussion, while Ben Swallow was ruled out by a calf injury sustained during training.

Dan Summerfield was also unavailable because he was away in Gambia on a trip involving his studies.

Ian Traylor went close to scoring after five minutes when his low, dipping effort went just wide following a lofted ball from Lee Lucas.

Traylor tricked his way through the Blackfield defence just after the half hour before firing in a shot which was well saved. Corey Jenkins’ rebound effort was cleared off the line. 

‘Traylz’ was involved again when his free-kick picked out Ismail Yakubu at the far post. The defender headed down for Jarrad Wright, who blazed his effort over the bar from five yards out. 

Gethyn Hill made a great run past the oppositions left-back after 48 minutes before squaring the ball Jamie Veale, but the danger was cut out by solid defensive work.

Ian Traylor. Pic: Peter Harman.

Owain Jones headed just over from a Traylor corner on 68 minutes, but neither side were able to score and the result was a goalless draw. 

Merthyr Town FC: Alex Harris, Adam Davies (capt), Lewis Binns, Ismail Yakubu, Jarrad Wright, Corey Jenkins (Owain. Jones 60), Lee Lucas, Eliot Richards (Gavin Williams 78), Gethyn Hill (Camden Duncan 78), Jamie Veale, Ian Traylor. Subs not used: None

Attendance: 112

None of the top sides in BetVictor Southern League Premier Division South lost on Saturday.

The only teams in the top 10 to lose were Gosport Borough and Poole Town, who are now ninth and 10th respectively.

Leaders Truro City were 4-1 winners against Harrow Borough at Treyew Road. They fell behind to a 23rd minute George Moore goal before Tyler Harvey converted a penalty to record his 17th goal. 

Second half goals from Will Dean, William Swan and Harvey completed the scoring.

A crowd of more than 500 saw second-placed Chesham United win 3-0 win against Gosport at the Meadow. Eoin Casey (2) and Zak Joseph scored.

Swindon Supermarine are third after a 1-0 win at mid-table Farnborough. ‘Marine are grateful for a fine performance by goalkeeper Martin Horsell, who made several fine saves including a 52nd-minute penalty save from Reggie Young. 

Harry Williams scored the winner during injury time.

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Merthyr Town remaining fixtures

February

Saturday 15 Merthyr Town v Dorchester Town – postponed (to be rearranged)

Tuesday 25 Wimborne Town v Merthyr Town

Saturday 29 Merthyr Town v Beaconsfield Town 

March

Saturday 7 Salisbury v Merthyr Town 

Saturday 14 Taunton v Merthyr Town

Saturday 21 Merthyr Town v Truro City

Saturday 28 Hayes and Yeading v Merthyr Town

April

Saturday 4 Merthyr Town v Poole Town

Saturday 11 Merthyr Town v Tiverton Town

Monday 13 Yate Town v Merthyr Town

Saturday 18 Hartley Wintney v Merthyr Town

Saturday 25 Merthyr Town v Hendon

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