Bigg Test As Martyrs Aim To #PackThePark Again

Manager Gavin Williams will aim to field his strongest starting line-up for Merthyr Town’s Southern League home match against Biggleswade Town.

The former West Ham and Wales midfield player took a mix or senior and youth players to Tiverton Town for their midweek match, but Williams will is hopeful those who had to work can return.

Merthyr’s clash with Biggleswade at the Loadlok Community Stadium sees the club fire up their #PackThePark initiative which saw almost 1,000 spectators turn out for the 1-1 draw against Dorchester Town.

The club’s just giving page has now passed the £25,000 target to pay a tax bill with 660 supporters paying a total of £27,000-plus so far.

Merthyr went down 3-1 against promotion-chasing Tiverton, but need fans to turn out in force again on Saturday.

A club statement says: “It’s been a turbulent couple of weeks for our club, but the response that we received from the whole footballing community and the people of Merthyr has been astonishing.

“Thank you all for your support, not only for your contributions and donations but also to volunteers who assisted with the fundraising at #PackThePark last Saturday.”

Merthyr Town manager Gavin Williams and his coaches. Pic: Peter Harman.

Goalkeeper Cameron Clarke, Jarrad Wright, Adam Davies, Matthew Harris, Ashley Evans and Ian Traylor all made the long trip to Tiverton. All played for free, while others had to work or potentially lose further income by taking time off for the midweek fixture.

Levi Landricombe fired Tivvy ahead after five minutes with Jamie Price (55) and Nicholas Hurst (82) extended the home teams lead.

Evans went close with a header from Traylor’s corner after 15 minutes, while Miles John had a volley saved after Jacob Flower crossed.

Merthyr’s goal came in the 90th minute when a Harris shot was deflected into the net by Tiverton defender Ben Mammal.

Merthyr Town: Cameron Clarke, Miles John, Liam Martin, Jarrad Wright, Adam Davies, Matthew Harris, Marcus Hogbakken, Ashley Evans, Harrison Lewis, Jacob Flower, Ian Traylor.

Tickets for the Boxing Day home match against Hereford are on sale this week and on Saturday.