Merthyr Town have strengthened their Southern League squad – and could go top of the Premier Division with a win at Dorchester Town.
Manager Gavin Williams has added midfield player Jaye Bowen, 21, to his squad as the Martyrs aim to step up their title challenge.
They are second, one point behind Chippenham Town, and a win would take them top if the current leaders slip up against Redditch United.
Former Cardiff City junior Bowen, the son of former Bluebirds playmaker Jason, has made the move from Cinderford Town to Merthyr, although he was still awaiting international clearance on Friday afternoon.
The Martyrs travel to fellow supporter-owned club Dorchester Town they could go top, while anything less than a win could see them overtaken by one or both of Leamington, who are away at inconsistent King’s Lynn Town, or Hitchin, who would be expected to beat Kings Langley at home.
Dorchester are 19th, seven points clear of the bottom four places and will be looking to move further away from the danger area.
In the reverse fixture during mid-October Merthyr won 2-0 with both goals scored by Kayne McLaggon.
They have had a change of manager with former Weston-super-Mare, Yate Town and Bridgwater manager Craig Laird appointed last month.
He is still looking for his first win with the Magpies although they have only played four games since his appointment. Dorchester are on a run of seven games without a win, the last three of these having been lost including last Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Chippenham and a 1-0 loss against Banbury United in their last home game.
Dorchester’s leading scorer is Nathan Walker with 10 goals, but only five teams have scored fewer than their 38 from 31 games and only five have conceded more which perhaps reflects their low position in the league table.
Merthyr’s last visit to the Greene King Community Stadium came at the end of September 2015 when a goal from ex-Swansea player Guillermo Bauza earned a 1-1 draw in a game which saw Ryan Prosser sent off.
Merthyr’s squad will be unchanged from their home win against Redditch United on Tuesday night unless Bowen’s international clearance is granted in time.
EvoStik Southern League
Premier Division – top five only
Pl PD Pts
1 Chippenham Town 31 +28 63
2 Merthyr Town 32 +36 62
3 Leamington 30 +27 61
4 Hitchin United 30 +24 61
5 Slough Town 29 +20 55
