' Merthyr Football Club Tonight '

GOOD LUCK

Playing in a one off play-off Semi-Final tonight at home for Promotion

Merthyr Town FC

26 Apr 2017, Wednesday


Having made sure of third place in the Premier Division league table by beating Hayes & Yeading United on Saturday the Martyrs face fourth-placed Hitchin Town at home in the promotion play-off semi-final.

The league meetings between the two sides this season have both ended in draws, with Curtis McDonald’s first goal for the club being cancelled out by one from Hitchin’s Robbie Burns in the away match at Hitchin last September. The return fixture in February saw an eventful encounter with Merthyr taking the lead through Jack Compton before Hitchin then went in front with two goals from corner kicks. Scott Barrow was then sent off, but the ten men rescued a point with a late goal by substitute Corey Jenkins and went close to securing all three when Ryan Prosser’s header came back off a post.

At the time of Hitchin’s previous visit the two sides were level on points, with Merthyr’s superior goal difference putting them in second place to Hitchin’s fourth. Following that game, some indifferent results saw the Martyrs slip to fifth place, barely holding off the challenge of Banbury United for a play-off place, before embarking on the run of five wins and a draw which has seen them rise above Hitchin and Slough who are both on a run of poor results. However, anything can happen in a one-off game, and it’s also a fact that Merthyr this season have failed to register a win against any of the other sides in the top five.

Disregarding games in County Cup competitions Hitchin’s recent form shows a record of six games without a win, five of these being drawn, the last three all ending 1-1, most recently at Basingstoke last Saturday. Their last league win actually came in an away match, by 3-0 at St Ives Town, following on from a 2-1 success at Redditch.

Finishing three points behind the Martyrs in the final league table, Hitchin’s record of just five away defeats all season is bettered only by champions Chippenham, but set against this is the fact that Merthyr’s record of 15 home wins is also only bettered by Chippenham. Both sides have a fairly similar defensive record overall, but the Martyrs finished with an average of exactly two goals scored per match, with Hitchin achieving a more moderate total of 79. Goalscoring has been spread fairly evenly among their players, with four in double figures. Top of the list is Robbie Burns with 20 in all competitions but who last found the net just over two months ago. Leading in more recent games is attacking midfielder Matt Lench with three in the last five games and 15 in total.

Judging by Hitchin’s recent form it may be a draw is on the cards after 90 minutes, which would then see 30 minutes extra time followed by penalties if necessary.

Team news for the Martyrs is that Scott Tancock is doubtful but will have a fitness test on his ankle. Ian Traylor will also have a fitness test, but Curtis McDonald is still being assessed.

Thanks to the match sponsor Trade Centre Wales, who are also the club’s main sponsor, and to match ball sponsors LoadLok who are also of course major sponsors for the club. Match mascot for a second time this season is Rhys Davies.

The match programme, price £2.00 as usual, will include a look back at the history of play-offs and Merthyr’s previous involvement in them. One such being the semi-final game three years ago when Swindon Supermarine were beaten 5-2 and which forms the subject of an article. There is also an interview with Gavin Williams following last Saturday’s match against Hayes & Yeading.

What a beautiful sight

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Presently 1-1 in extra time.

Gone to pens

Merthyr lose 4-1 on pens.

Merthyr lose 4-1 on pens