Merthyr Man Stuart Fleetwood Returns To Face Hereford

Ex-Cardiff City striker Stuart Fleetwood returns to another of his former clubs on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).

Fleetwood, 31, had a successful time during two spells with Hereford and is back at Edgar Street playing for their Southern League rivals Merthyr Town.

The Martyrs are unbeaten with two wins and to draws from four Premier Division matches and Fleetwood, who scored during Merthyr’s 3-0 home win against Farnborough on Saturday, is ready to take on the Bulls.

Fleetwood scored Hereford’s first goal back in the Football League, while he fired a hat-trick against Championship club Coventry City to put them out of the FA Cup.

“Hopefully the Hereford fans will remember the good points of my time there and I get a half decent reception,” says Fleetwood

“Although once the game starts, I know the rivalry will be stoked up.

“It’s a big game on Monday for both set of fans.”

Fleetwood’s favourite memory with Hereford is his winner against Bradford City that kept them in the Football League at the end of 2010-11.

“I scored 18 goals that season and it was such a relief knowing we were safe,” said Fleetwood.

Former Hereford player Gavin Williams is Merthyr’s manager, who said after his team won 3-0 against Farnborough: “We moved the ball well in the second half especially and I was pleased with the quality of the goals we scored.

“With two games in three days it is a tough schedule for everyone. We will need to make a couple of changes to make sure we are as fresh as we can be for what will be a tough game at Hereford.

“It’s great to hear that we will have some good support on Monday with three full buses. Merthyr fans will be outnumbered, but I am sure they will contribute to the atmosphere as they always do away from home.”

Martyrs goalkeeper Oliver Davies had a short pre-season spell with Hereford, while Adam Davies is another Merthyr man who spent time with the Bulls.

Peter Beadle, the former Newport manager, is in charge at Hereford, while his assistant is ex-Martyrs boss Steve Jenkins.

The home team are likely to be without new signing Dan Preston. The defender suffered an injured knee during their 3-1 win at St Neots on Saturday.

Another new recruit, Dara O’Shea, was sent off, but does not start his suspension until next week.

Mark Preece missed the St Neots match because of illness, but is expected to face Merthyr Town.

Defenders Jack Deaman and Ryan Green, the former Merthyr captain, are both rated doubtful.

Merthyr Town, from: O Davies, A Davies, S Tancock, J Wright, C Pring, R Patten, K Copp, E Richards, K Morgan, S Fleetwood, C Jenkins, B Watkins, A Evans, J Bowen, M Touray.