Merthyr Town are fighting for their future – and their Boxing Day fixture against Hereford United at Penydarren Park is crucial.
The Martyrs are battling back from their financial crisis and are being helped by people and clubs throughout the football community.
Rivals Hereford will be followed to the Loadlok Community Stadium by up to 2,000 away fans on Tuesday, December 26 (1pm) and it promises to be a massive day for the Martyrs.
Paul Donovan, Merthyr’s interim chairman, said: “I will do anything I can do to help this club be successful.
“We’ve had help and advice from Merthyr council, Football Association of Wales and so many people from all parts of the football community.
“Hereford made a big donation, Nottingham Forest have sent signed shirts to auction, Newport County had a bucket collection and Cardiff City have been talking to us about doing something through Neil Warnock.
“Swansea City have offered assistance and football fans everywhere have been remarkably supportive.”
Manager Gavin Williams takes his Merthyr team to St Neots on Saturday and will face a home team hurting after suffering a 5-0 defeat against Southern League leaders King’s Lynn in midweek.
Defender Taylor Parr was sent off on a straight red card just before half-time for a rash tackle. He will be available to play against Merthyr before starting a three-game suspension.
Merthyr have lost four of their last five games, a run which includes a 13-1 defeat at Chesham when they fielded their youth side.
The Martyrs need more volunteers to help with the big attendance expected for the Boxing Day clash with Hereford.
“We’ve been preparing for the last few months to make sure that the match is played in a safe environment,” said a club statement.
“A large crowd is expected and we are on the lookout for more volunteers than the usual match day at Penydarren Park.”
Merthyr need extra stewards on the grandstand gates, general stewards inside and outside the stadium, car park attendants, programme sellers, 50/50 ticket sales and general helping throughout the day.
A meeting of volunteers will be held on Tuesday, December 19 before the home match against Basingstoke Town. It will be in Webley’s Bar at 7pm.
Anybody interested contact Julian Axhorn on (07956 553370).
Merthyr Town fixtures in December:
Saturday 9 v St Neots Town (away); Saturday 16 v Kings Langley (away); Tuesday 19 v Basingstoke Town (home);
Saturday 23 v King’s Lynn Town (home); 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.
The Martyrs have half season tickets now on sale. They are priced at (£87.50 for adults, £75 seniors).
A half season ticket entitles fans to a match ticket to the Hereford match.
