There is still plenty of life and football fighting spirit at Merthyr Town.
Almost 1,000 spectators, double their usual attendance, turned up to roar the Martyrs on in a 1-1 draw against Dorchester Town.
They are facing a financial crisis, but there is an awful lot of love and support for the Southern League club around Wales and beyond.
More than £18,000 has already been raised by Merthyr Town’s just giving page online and there was plenty of media interest at the Loadlok Community Stadium.
Manager Gavin Williams has received strong support from his players, who produced a tenacious and aggressive performance against Dorchester Town.
Kerry Morgan shook the hand of every team-mate before kick-off, going from one to the other, thanking them for helping his home town club.
After the final whistle every home player went the touchline thanking fans who had cheered them on throughout.
Williams, who was among the substitutes, was able to field a strong team with his players turning out for no pay to support the stricken club.
The gaffer was given a massive cheer when went on for Morgan after 65 minutes.
Defender Curtis McDonald was among the spectators even though he has now signed for Chippenham Town and admitted he was ‘gutted’ to be leaving the Martyrs.
Ryan Prosser, ruled out by a back injury, also attended the match.
Stuart Fleetwood has moved to Redditch United, but captain Ashley Evans, Jason Bowen and Ian Traylor were among the senior players who started.
Former Cardiff City goalkeeper Cameron Coxe has returned to the Martyrs to help out following the departure of Oliver Davies and there were an awful lot of positives for the club after their weeks turmoil.
Merthyr dominated possession during the first half only to be rocked when Dorchester scored from their only shot in the 45 minutes. Blake Davies volleyed home from a left-wing cross, firing into the top corner.
Captain Ashley Evans and his team maintained their high tempo after the break and equalised when full-back dam Davies burst forward and slotted home.
The introduction of Merthyr Tydfil-born Williams added extra composure and class through the middle, although Morgan had produced a lot of quality for the team.
Taylor had a shot cleared of the line after Corey Jenkins set up he opening and home fans were stepping up the volume of their support, chanting ‘Come on Merthyr’ time and again.
Merthyr sent on youth team player Jacob Flower, who scored for the Martyrs at Chesham last week, for Bowen with six minutes left.
But there was no fairytale ending on a day when the people of Merthyr Tydfil showed the togetherness which will keep their football club alive.
The next test for Merthyr is against Tiverton Town away on Tuesday evening.
Merthyr Town: C Clarke, A Davies, S Tancock, A Evans (capt), K Patten, J Wright, K Morgan (G Williams 84), C Jenkins, M Harris, J Bowen (J Flower 75), I Traylor. Subs not used: G Williams, M John, J Flower, L Martin, M Hogbakkenn.
Referee: Scott Jackson (Bistol).
Attendance: 923.
