Welsh winger Owain Jones has rejoined Merthyr Town on loan and he is eligible to play against Melksham Town away in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday (3pm).
Former Swansea City player Jones left the Martyrs last summer to play for Nuneaton Borough, but has agreed on a return to the MetCoaches Stadium in Merthyr.
Jones has committed initially for a month and manager Gavin Williams says: “I’m delighted to sign Owain back.
“We’ve been working on this for around 10 days and I’m delighted it’s over the line in time for tomorrow.
“We know Owain’s qualities and are pleased to have him back and would like to thank Nuneaton for agreeing the deal.”
Merthyr will again be without injured goalkeeper Joe Perry with development team player Lewis Webb likely to make his second appearance for Williams’ team.
A week ago Webb played in their 3-1 Southern League Premier win at Walton Casuals.
Hosts Melksham, who play in a division one tier below Merthyr, have strengthened their attack for the FA Cup preliminary round tie.
They have signed former Newport County striker Andy Sandell on loan from Chippenham Town and ex-Mangotsfield Town forward Karim Rendall.
Sandell won the Southern League golden boot in successive seasons, firing 22 goals in 2015-16 and 27 when he lead Chippenham to the title a year later.
Rendall set a new World record when he struck a hat-trick in 96 seconds for Roman Glass St George, netting a goal with either foot and one with his head.
St George were 3-1 down when Rendall scored his quick fire hat-trick six years ago.It was the fastest ever hat-trick in English football and the third quickest in the world.
“Everybody was going mad,” said Rendall.”It was incredible.”
Merthyr Town, from: Lewis Webb, Joe Hunt, Jarrad Wright, Kyle Patten, Kieran Lewis, Matthew Harris, Ashley Evans, Adam Davies, Kerry Morgan, Tom Meechan, Ian Traylor, Owen Jones, Connor Young, Scott McDonnell, Craig Reddy, Gavin Williams, Lee Price.
Merthyr Town’s early results and fixtures 2018-19 (Southern League Premier unless stated)
August
Saturday 11 v Chesham United (away) Merthyr won 3-0
Tuesday 14 v Swindon Supermarine (home) 2-2
Saturday 18 v Gosport Borough Merthyr won 4-2
Saturday 25 v Farnborough (away) won 1-0
Monday 27 Frome Town (home) lost 1-3
September
Saturday 1 v Walton Casuals (away) won 3-1
Saturday 8 Emirates FA Cup first qualifying round v Melksham Town away
Saturday 15 Metropolitan Police (home)
Saturday 22: Emirates FA Cup second qualifying round
Saturday 29 Hartley Wintney (away)
