Goalkeeper Oliver Davies has returned to Merthyr Town FC and plays against King’s Lynn and Hereford over the Christmas period.
The former Swansea City player will be the fifth goalkeeper used by the Martyrs in three matches when he plays against Southern League leaders The Linnets from Norfolk (3pm).
Cameron Clarke and Ed Lewiston have been injured in the last two Merthyr fixtures with outfield players Ryan Prosser and Jarrad Wright taking the gloves respectively to finish those matches.
Ex-Cardiff City youth goalkeeper Clarke suffered concussion, while 16-year-old Hewitson was taken off after hurting his neck.
Manager Gavin Williams and his team have earned creditable draws against King’s Langley and Basingstoke Town in their last two fixtures.
Davies was among players who left the Martyrs in search of a new club when the club’s financial crisis was revealed, meaning the players could not be paid.
Williams has fought on to keep his home town clubs season on track and they have a solid squad including senior and youth players.
“It’s great Olly has agreed to help us out with the problems we have,” said manager Gavin Williams. “After Cam’s injury Ed came in and did great to be fair, making one extremely good save in a one on one against a striker who scored five goals on Saturday.
“Unfortunately Ed had to come off. I didn’t think our luck could get any worse, but I was wrong.
“Fair play to Jarrad, though, who, like Ryan on Saturday, took on the responsibility, although for a longer period.
“Corey Jenkins was missing with a tight hamstring, while Ashley Evans, Ian Traylor and Ryan had all suffered minor knocks and I did not want to use them against Basingstoke in midweek.
“I was delighted with the efforts of every player to get us back into the game and we could have won it in the end.
“Liam Martin has been excellent every time he has played, Connor Hanford came in and played well, as did Harrison Lewis when he went on at half-time.
“Jacob Flower who came on for Kerry Morgan when he picked up an injury looked sharp and probably could have had a penalty too.
“Harry Franklin, our new loan signing, showed qualities in his first appearance for us since joining from Hereford, particularly when you think he hadn’t even trained with us.
“The experienced players are playing a vital role, not just with their performances, but with the way they are guiding the young players through games.
“Adam Davies, Matty Harris, Craig Reddy, Miles John and Jarrad all showed their qualities last night. Jaye Bowen was great for us as well and his work rate was first class. We’ve got a pretty good mix when everybody is available.
“The fans have been great during the match against Basingstoke.
“Miles scored a great goal. The way the crowd reacted and the belief it gave us was incredible.
“We have two tough home games in six days, against Kings Lynn Town and Hereford, and we are going to need them behind us again against quality opposition.”
Clarke attended the game after being released from hospital in King’s Langley. The home club paid for Clarke’s parents to stay at a hotel and be near their son.
Merthyr Town, from: Oliver Davies, Connor Hanford, Liam Martin, Jarrad Wright, Adam Davies, Harry Franklin, Craig Reddy, Matthew Harris, Miles John, Jaye Bowen, Kerry Morgan, Ian Traylor, Ashley Evans, Ryan Prosser, Jacob Flower, Liam Martin.
Remaining Merthyr Town fixtures in December:
Saturday 23 v King’s Lynn Town (home); Tuesday 26 v Hereford (home, 1pm kick-off).
Normal admission: Adult £10; Concessions £8 (Over 65’s, Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport County season ticket holders); Merthyr RFC season ticket holders £5; Under 16 £1.
The Martyrs have half season tickets now on sale. They are priced at (£87.50 for adults, £75 seniors).
A half season ticket entitles fans to a match ticket to the Hereford match.
