Merthyr Town are ready for their leap from Southern League football into the Dripping Pan.
The Martyrs travel to face Sussex club Lewes, who play at the Dripping Pan Stadium, in the Buildbase FA Trophy on Saturday.
Manager Gavin Williams and his players won 3-2 at Farnborough in the last round to earn their clash with Lewes, who are fifth in the Bostik Isthmian League Premier Division.
Lewes have strengthened their team by signing teenage defender Henri Wilder from Mansfield Town on loan plus Burgess Hill leading scorer Kieron Pamment.
Wilder, aged 19, was signed to provide cover for injured Leon Redwood and made his debut against Harlow.
“Henri had an extremely good debut on Wednesday,” said manager Darren Freeman. “I could tell from his first training sessions he plays how he trains. He’s fully committed and wants to do well.
“I watched lots of footage, made a lot of calls. Henri was the outstanding player and we chose him.”
Pamment, 25, was Worthing’s top scorer with 19 goals last season and made the switch to Burgess Hill in the summer.
“I tried to bring him in at the start of this season,” said Freeman. “We met and had long talks, but he decided to join Burgess Hill. I’m glad we’ve managed to convince him to come across.
“He has a knack of scoring goals.”
Lewes were forced to postpone a midweek match against Brighton’s under-23 team because of a waterlogged pitch and will carry out an inspection of their playing surface early on Saturday.
Merthyr have made two fixture changes, both caused by cup matches.
Their match at home to Poole Town has moved to Tuesday, December 11, due to Poole cup commitments.
The Martyrs’ match at home v Wimborne Town has been moved to Tuesday, November 27 due to the Buildbase FA Trophy fixture at Lewes.
Merthyr Town’s next few fixtures:
November
Saturday 10 v Lewes away (Buildbase FA Trophy)
Saturday 17 v Basingstoke Town away (SL)
Tuesday 20 v Tiverton Town home (SL)
Saturday 24 v Weymouth home (SL)
Tuesday 27 v Wimborne Town home (SL)
