Oliver Davies, Merthyr Town’s outstanding young goalkeeper last season, has returned to Penydarren Park.

The decision by Welshman Davies, 22, is a massive boost for the Martyrs, who are at home against Hednesford Town on Saturday (3pm).

Merthyr finished third in the Southern League Premier Division last season and the quality of Davies was a major reason for that success.

He made the move to Hereford and was wanted by both Yeovil Town and Newport County, but has decided on a return to Wales with the Martyrs.

Davies started his career at Swansea helping them lift the under-21 Development League Two title before going to Kilmarnock on loan.

Merthyr start their Southern League season with a home fixture against Hitchin Town on Saturday, August 12 and manager Gavin Williams knows a successful start could be crucial.

Their match against Hednesford is a final pre-season fixture for the Martyrs, who have faced their Pitmen visitors a number of times.

Hednesford fans will remember a triumph in the play-off semi-final back in 2005, while their most recent trip to South Wales came seven years ago now, when two second half goals saw Hednesford continue their push towards the play-offs.

Ben Bailey still survives from the team that played that night.

The game will kick-off at 3pm. Admission Prices: £7 adults, £5 concessions, under-16s free when accompanied by an adult.

Merthyr won 3-1 at Llanelli Town in midweek with Kerry Morgan, Kyle Copp and Miles John their scorers.

Former Swansea winger Morgan fired a superb finish into the top corner on 10 minutes, a shot which gave goalkeeper Craig Morris no chance of saving.

Llanelli Reds were on level terms seven minutes later through Loveridge, who finished off a flowing move down the right with a shot into the bottom corner (17 mins).

Copp put Merthyr ahead again after 55 minutes, while John netted their third eight minutes from time. He lashed the ball home from close after it had been allowed to drift across the face of goal.