The Martyrs’ spirit is alive and well.
Merthyr Town have suffered a number of body blows since their financial crisis was revealed, but nobody can question the way fans, players and people throughout Welsh football and beyond have reacted.
Fund-raising events have been held, while manager Gavin Williams and his squad have fought on with honesty and pride.
Their 1-1 draw against Basingstoke Town, who won 6-0 away in their last Southern League fixture, was an outstanding result.
Williams called up 15-year-old Ed Hewitson to play in goal after first choice Cameron Coxe was injured in the last game.
Hewitson was beaten only once and Merthyr earned a solid point. With only one club being relegated from the Premier Division this season the Martyrs have high hopes of staying at the same level.
Sam Argent scored five goals in Basingstoke’s six goal win at Dunstable, but he was denied by a Hewitson save after 27 minutes.
Jaye Bowen went close for Merthyr just before the hour mark, while Matthew Harris headed just wide from a corner soon after.
Basingstoke took the lead when Callum Bunting headed in from a George Bennett corner after 67 minutes.
Merthyr refused to buckle and new signing Harry Franklin fired in a shot which hit goalkeeper Colm McAdden on his forearm and flew out of play for a corner.
There was a moment of panic for Basingstoke when Dan Bayliss brought a Merthyr player down inside the penalty area, but appeals for a spot-kick were turned down.
Merthyr Town’s moment of joy came after 83 minutes when Miles John volleyed home from a cross to the far post and made it 1-1.
It was a magnificent battle by the Martyrs, who now play Southern League leaders King’s Lynn Town at home on Saturday (3pm).
Merthyr Town: Ed Hewitson, Connor Hanford, Liam Martin, Jarrad Wright, Adam Davies, Harry Franklin, Craig Reddy, Matthew Harris, Miles John, Jaye Bowen, Kerry Morgan. Subs: Ian Traylor, Ashley Evans, Ryan Prosser, Jacob Flower, Liam Martin.
