Scott Tancock believes Merthyr Town can build another strong push towards promotion in the Southern League Premier Division this season.
They are still unbeaten in league and cup going into Saturday’s League clash with Bishops Stortford at Loadlok Community Stadium (3pm).
“We are unbeaten right now and, truth be told, we should have won six out of six,” says Hancock, a 23-year-old former Wales under-21 international.
“Bishops Stortford will come to Merthyr looking to produce a big performance, but we have a good record at home. Over the last two seasons we’ve only lost two matches.
“If we are on our game we can beat anybody at home.”
The Martyrs won 6-1 against Western League Willand Rovers in their last fixture and their reward has been an away draw against Havant and Waterlooville in the second qualifying round.
That will be a tough test for Merthyr against a team who play in National League South.
“It’s going to be a tricky tie, but we are confident in ourselves and anybody can beat anybody in the FA Cup,” says Hancock, who has played for home city club Swansea, Newport County, Wrexham and Merthyr Town during his career so far.
This Saturday the Martyrs prepare for their first league encounter of September against Bishop’s Stortford, who were relegated from The National League South last season.
The Blues have had a turbulent start to the new season, having earned only one point from their opening five matches, but they have faced early pace setters Banbury United, King’s Lynn Town and lost a 1-0 lead away to Tiverton Town on the opening day of the season.
Curtis McDonald played a full 90 minutes in Tuesday night’s friendly match against Aberfan FC, but is unlikely to start against Bishop’s Stortford, while Ian Traylor is back from suspension.
Ryan Prosser is undergoing treatment for his back injury and is due to see a specialist.
After Saturday’s match Merthyr Town will be hosting a race night in Webley’s bar from 6pm.
The Martyrs play three of their next four league matches at home, while they travel to Havant and Waterlooville in the FA Cup second qualifying round on Saturday, September 16.
Their next four Southern League matches are:
September
Saturday 9 v Bishops Stortford (home, 3pm)
Tuesday 12 v Basingstoke Town (away, 7.45pm)
Saturday 23 v Royston Town (home, 3pm)
Tuesday 26 v Tiverton Town (home, 3pm)