Merthyr Town have added three new signings to their squad for the 2018-19 Southern League season.
Central defender Connor Young, the former Cardiff City player who is the son of former Bluebirds legend Scott, has joined the Martyrs along with Craig McDonnell and Joe Hunt.
Young, 18, was part of Cardiff City’s Academy and development team who played for Merthyr against in pre-season fixtures against Penydarren and Llanelli.
“Connor is a young defender who has impressed since he has joined us, and I’m delighted that he has signed.”
“I’m pleased with the way the squad is developing and am hoping to add to the squad further before the start of the season.”
Centre-half McDonnell has joined Merthyr from Taffs Well, having previously played for Aberbargoed Buds, while Hunt was with Swansea City, Newport County and Cinderford Town.
“Craig and Joe will both add quality to the squad as we approach the coming season,” says Williams. “I still hope to add one or two more signings before the season begins.”
The Martyrs lost 3-1 against Welsh Premier League Carmarthen Town after taking the lead. The Old Gold scored three times in 15 minutes during the second half.
Ian Traylor broke the deadlock just before the hour when he slid an angled shot past goalkeeper Lee Idzi and into the far side of the net.
However this galvanised Carmarthen into a remarkable resurgence that ended with a comfortable victory.
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After 68 minutes Webbe delivered another dangerous corner-kick into the packed goalmouth and Luke Bowen smashed a close-range volley into the net.
Jordan Vickers, from wide on the left flank, slid the ball inside to Bowen after 75 minutes and he turned smartly past his marker to set up a chance for Ceri Morgan and he scored from 12 yards.
Bowen headed a third Carmarthen goal after 83 minutes to completed a 3-1 scoreline.
Carmarthen Town: Lee Idzi, Luke Cummings, Dave Vincent (Lee Surman 46), Jordan Knott, Tyrrell Webbe, Greg Walters (Ryan Foschi 88), Ceri Morgan, Aidan O’Kelly, Jordan Vickers, Luke Bowen, Liam Thomas.
Merthyr Town: Webb (Hewitson 46), Harris (Davies 46), Patten, McDonnell, Price (Traylor 46), Reddy, Thomas, John (Dima 60), Morgan (Loss 60), Jenkins, Meechan (Prosser 46). Subs not used: Evans, Williams.
Merthyr won 1-0 against Llanelli Town AFC thanks to a Kerry Morgan goal.
Merthyr Town: Perry, Davies, Hunt, McDonnell, Patten, Evans, Wright, Lewis, Traylor, Prosser, Jenkins. Subs: Hewitson, John, Young, Dima, Harris, Loss, Price, Meechan, Bowen, Williams, Reddy.
Manager Gavin Williams sent out a Merthyr Town XI against Welsh League Penydarren BGC, who came out 3-1 winners.
Defender Scott Tancock has left Merthyr Town to join Llanelli Town. Tancock made more than 100 appearances for the Martyrs.
Merthyr Town FC fixtures 2018-19 (Southern League Premier unless stated)
August
Saturday 11 v Chesham United (away)
Tuesday 14 v Swindon Supermarine (home)
Saturday 18 v Gosporth Borough (home)
Saturday 24 v Farnborough (Emirates FA Cup prelim round)
Monday 27 Frome Town (home)
September
Saturday 1 v Walton Casuals (away)
Wednesday 5 League Cup prelim (to be drawn)
Saturday 8 Emirates FA Cup first qualifying round
Saturday 15 Metropolitan Police (home)
Saturday 22: Emirates FA Cup second qualifying round
Saturday 29 Hartley Wintney (away)
October
Wednesday 3 League Cup first round (to be drawn)
Saturday 6 Poole Town (home)
Saturday 13 Staines Town (away)
Tuesday 16 Salisbury (away)
Saturday 20 Beaconsfield Town (home)
Saturday 27 Buildbase FA Trophy first qualifying round
November
Saturday 3 Dorchester Town (away)
Wednesday 7 League Cup second round
Saturday 10 Wimborne Town (home)
Saturday 17 Basingstoke Town (away)
Tuesday 20 Tiverton Town (home)
Saturday 24 Weymouth (home)
December
Saturday 1 Hendon (away)
Wednesday 5 League Cup third round
Saturday 8 Kings Langley (home)
Saturday 15 Harrow Borough (away)
Saturday 22 Chesham United (home)
Wednesday 26 Frome Town (away)
Saturday 29 Swindon Supermarine (away)
January
Tuesday 1 Taunton Town (home)
Saturday 5 Salisbury (home)
Wednesday 9 League Cup fourth round
Saturday 12 Wimborne Town (away)
Saturday 19 Basingstoke Town (home)
Saturday 26 Tiverton Town (away)
February
Saturday 2 Dorchester Town (home)
Saturday 9 Beaconsfield Town (away)
Saturday 16 Hendon (home)
Wednesday 20 League Cup semi-finals
Saturday 23 Weymouth (away)
March
Saturday 2 Kings Langley (away)
Saturday 9 Harrow Borough (home)
Saturday 16 Poole Town (away)
Saturday 23 Staines Town (home)
Wednesday 27 League Cup final first leg
Saturday 30 Metropolitan Police (away)
April
Saturday 6 Hartley Wintney (home)
Saturday 13 Gosport Borough (away)
Wednesday 17 League Cup final second leg
Saturday 20 Farnborough (home)
Monday 22 Taunton Town (away)
Saturday 27 Walton Casuals (home)
