By Terry Phillips

 

Former West Ham and Ipswich midfielder Gavin Williams is playing a crucial role in Merthyr Town’s bid for promotion from Southern League football.

Player-manager Williams, aged 36, has led the Martyrs into a challenging position and they make the long trip to struggling Cambridge City this Saturday (3pm).

Their unbeaten run of 15 matches ended at Basingstoke in midweek, but they are still fifth in the Premier Division table and on course to finish in the play-off positions.

Williams has strengthened his squad by signing former Cardiff City junior Adam Davies, who can operate in midfield or at full-back.

Davies left Merthyr Town to join Hereford United in October, but he has returned and Williams says: “It’s great news that Adam has agreed to come back to us.

“He is a quality player who will improve the squad. His return is a massive boost for us.”

Merthyr suffered a 3-2 defeat at Basingstoke despite goals from Ryan Prosser and Kayne McLaggon.

Rhys Baggridge was unavailable for the match, but Ashley Evans returned after completing a three match suspension.

Former Wales international Glyn Garner was in goal with Scott Tancock, Jarrad Wright, Curtis McDonald and Scott Barrow in the back four.

Keyon Reffell, Evans and Eliot Richards played in midfield with Ian Traylor, Prosser and McLaggon in attack.

Corey Jenkins, Ben Watkins and Gethin Jones all went on as substitutes.

Davies and Baggridge are added to the squad for Saturday’s trip to Cambridge.

Merthyr’s next home match is against King’s Langley on Saturday, December 10 (3pm).