Merthyr Town are intent on launching an FA Cup run at the Loadlok Community Stadium this afternoon (Saturday, 3pm).
The Martyrs take on Western League Willand Rovers in the first qualifying round and defender Jarrad Wright says: “Everybody at our club wants a good cup run.
“We are keen to test ourselves and see how far we can go in the competition. The players talk about that in our dressing room.”
Manager Gavin Williams and his Merthyr team put their quest for Southern League Premier Division success out of their minds this weekend, having battled to a 1-1 draw against Hereford FC a week ago.
“We are still unbeaten and that’s a good thing, but we are disappointed we don’t have more wins,” says Wright. “We could have won all five of the matches we’ve played so far.
“In our first game against Hitchin we could have been two or three goals ahead and came out with a draw. At Stratford were we were two goals ahead and came away with one point.
“We have produced some decent performances, but we could easily have had five wins.”
Centre-back Wright missed training in midweek after turning an ankle at Hereford, but says: “There is slight bruising, but I’m hopeful of being able to play against Willand.”
This will be Merthyr’s first match in the FA Cup this season, while Willand defeated Bristol Manor Farm 2-1 in the preliminary round.
Since Merthyr Town reformed they haven’t been able to go further than the third qualifying round.
They reached that stage in 2012 and lost 3-2 against AFC Totton, while Merthyr Town went down 2-0 against Whitehawk in 2016-17.
Manager Gavin Williams is likely rest some Southern League regulars, some of whom are carrying some light injuries.
Curtis McDonald has only just returned to training, Wright is carrying a knock on his ankle and Corey Jenkins has a slight injury to a foot.
Ian Traylor is ruled out as he completes a three-match suspension.
Merthyr will showing the Wales v Austria match in Webley’s bar after the FA Cup tie with pints priced at £2.50.
The Martyrs have arranged a friendly against Aberfan FC at The LoadLok Community Stadium on Tuesday evening (September 5) for a friendly match. Kick-off is at 7.30pm and entry for spectators is free.
Their next Southern League match is against Bishop’s Stortford at home next Saturday (3pm).