Kieran Lewis and Corey Jenkins scored for Merthyr Town in their 2-0 win against Ton Pentre in a pre-season friendly at Penydarren Park.
Manager Gavin Williams and his Martyrs start their Southern League campaign at Chesham United next Saturday and will take confidence from a solid win against Welsh League opposition.
Former Cambrian and Clydach, Carmarthen Town and Port Talbot midfield player Lewis, who is from Church Village, has joined Merthyr for 2018-19 as they aim to challenge for promotion.
Both goals against the Bulldogs came in the first 30 minutes with Jenkins netting after 24 minutes and Lewis scoring after Ryan Prosser’s nod down from a right-wing cross.
The return to fitness of Prosser, who missed a lot of last season with a back problem, is a massive boost for Merthyr, who missed his physical presence and ability in attack.
New signings Joe Hunt and Craig McDonnell were in the Merthyr starting line-up, while defender Connor Young was among the substitutes.
Merthyr Town: Perry, Davies, Hunt, Evans, McDonnell, Harris, Jenkins, Morgan, Prosser, Lewis, Traylor. Subs: Dima, John, Young, Wright, Bowen, Meechan, Price.
