Former Cardiff City and Newport County youth player Lewis Binns has committed to Merthyr Town for 2019-20.

Chepstow-born Binns is a third new signing for EvoStik Southern Premier club Martyrs, following goalkeeper Alex Harris and striker Gethyn Hill.

The trio are all from Wales and will play key roles in Merthyr’s bid to challenge for promotion.

Left-back Binns has also played for England Schools, Gloucester City, Biashop’s Cleeve, Evesham and Cinderford Town.

He combines part-time football with his employment as a graduate sports therapist at Newport-based Pro12 rugby club Dragons.

Binns completed a degree at Hartpury College Gloucestershire, coming out with first class honours

Merthyr have a home game against newly promoted JD Welsh Premier League side Penybont FC on Friday, August 2.

Pre-season fixtures for Merthyr Town FC

July 

Saturday 6 v Swansea City Under-23s (Home, 3pm)

Saturday 13 v Abercwmboi (Home, 3pm). Alzheimer’s charity match

Tuesday 16 v Cwmbran Celtic (Home, 7.30pm)

Saturday 20 v Cardiff Met (Away, 2pm)

Tuesday 23 v Newport County (Home, 7.30pm)

Thursday 25 v Penydarren BGC (Home, 7.30pm)

Saturday, 27 v Harborough Town (Away, 3pm)

Wednesday 31 v Aberfan (Away, kick-off TBC)

August

Friday 2 v Penybont FC (Home, 7.30pm)