Merthyr Town are feeling a lot better about their season after winning 3-1 in their Southern League Premier Division match against Stratford Town.

They eased to a home victory at their Loadlok Community Stadium thanks to goals from Ian Traylor, Kerry Morgan and Elliot Richards.

Now they can travel to Somerset for their FA Trophy tie against Taunton Town on Saturday with confidence restored.

The Martyrs face a tough test against Taunton, who are top of Division One West having won nine and drawn one of their 11 League fixtures.

Taunton have also signed 20-year-old attacking midfield player Matt Buse, who has returned to the club after moving to Gosport.

Buse left Taunton because of his studies at Bournemouth University, but has been tempted back and captain Matt Wright says: “Matt is a great addition. He brings a lot of energy and chips in with a few goals.”

Merthyr, though, will aim to earn a second successive win after proving too strong for Stratford.

Traylor fired the Martyrs ahead after 19 minutes, while Dan Summerfield equalised eight minutes before half-time.

Morgan (80) and Richards (90) completed the victory for manager Gavin Williams and his team.

Merthyr are only a few points behind the play-off positions and still have ambitions to push on and challenge the leading group.

Ashley Evans, Traylor and Curtis McDonald all passed late fitness tests ahead of Saturday’s match against Hitchin Town and they all started against Stratford.

The next League fixture for Merthyr is against Redditch United away on Saturday, November 4, while they then have back-to-back home matches against Banbury United and Basingstoke.

Banbury travel to Merthyr on Saturday, November 11, while Basingstoke Town are visitors on the following Tuesday.

Merthyr Town: O Davies, A Davies, C McDonald, A Evans (capt), K Patten, J Wright, C Jenkins (K Morgan 57), J Bowen (M Touray 67), S Fleetwood, E Richards, I Traylor (R Patten 87). Subs not used: S Tancock, K Copp.