Merthyr Town 0, Hitchin Town 0

Merthyr Town opened their new Southern League season with a hard-fought goalless draw at the Loadlok Community Stadium.

Visitors Hitchin are the team who ended Merthyr’s Premier Division play-off hopes in the semi-finals last season, but neither could gain the upper hand this time.

Captain Jarrad Wright headed just over after five minutes, while Kyle Copp went through one-on-one with the keeper, but could find the net.

Winger Corey Jenkins hit a post, albeit with a scuffed shot when it looked as though he would score.

Striker Stuart Fleetwood crossed to set up a chance for Ian Traylor, but his shot was saved.

Manager Gavin Williams sent on substitute Kerry Morgan for Jenkins as he tried to find a way through Hitchin’s resolute defence, but Merthyr had to settle for a point at home.

Full-back Cameron Pring, signed on loan from Bristol City, made his Martyrs debut and played his part in a back four who helped goalkeeper Oliver Davies keep a clean sheet.

Their next two fixtures are away, against Stratford Town on Tuesday and then Dunstable Town on Saturday. Stratford opened with an away win, beating Royston Town 2-1.

In other Premier Division matches Redditch United won 5-0 against Dunstable, while Banbury United were 5-1 winners against Dorchester.

Hereford FC travelled to King’s Langley and came away with a point from the 3-3 draw.

Merthyr Town: O Davies, A Davies, C Pring, R Patten, J Wright (capt), S Tancock, C Jenkins, E Richards, S Fleetwood, K Copp, I Traylor. Subs: B Watkins, K Morgan, M Harris, A Evans, J Bowen.