Former Newport County striker Rene Howe is aiming shoot down Merthyr Town at the Xcel Sports Hub in Walton-on-Thames.
Howe has played a key role for Walton Casuals in a run of three consecutive victories, beating Weston-super-Mare 2-1, Metropolitan Police 3-0 and Yate Town 2-0 in BetVictor Southern Premier.
He scored twice, both headers from crosses, in the win against Met Police with Andrew Peckham adding a third.
Walton’s mini-run of success has been a relief – before their three wins Casuals had failed to win a game and crashed out of the Emirates FA Cup.
Howe played in the Football League between 2007 and 2015 for Peterborough United, Rochdale, Morecambe, Lincoln City, Rushden & Diamonds, Gillingham and Bristol Rovers.
“Rene has played in League One and League Two and we know exactly what we’re going to get from him,” says Walton manager Steve Conroy. “He keeps the ball that extra second up top to bring in other players. People think because of his size he can’t run, but he’s quick. He knows how to handle centre-halves and is a nuisance.
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“We have a mixture of legs and experience.”
The Martyrs are in South London this afternoon and are keen to bounce after a defeat at Weston-super-Mare in the Cup last weekend.
Merthyr have a good record at Walton after goals from Adam Davies, Tom Meecham and Ian Traylor earned 3-1 victory against Casuals last season.
PLayer-manager Gavin Williams and his players will be looking for the more of the same when they visit the Sports Hub this afternoon knowing a win will move them up into sixth place.
Assistant manager Dean Clarke said: “We’ve had a clear week now where we’ve had the chance to work on the fitness of the likes of Ryan Prosser and Elliot Richards.”
The match at Walton is followed by back-to-back home fixtures against Wimborne Town (Saturday, October 5) plus Blackfield and Langley (Saturday, October 12) at the MetCoaches Stadium.
Merthyr Town, from: Alex Harris (gk), Cameron Coxe (gk), Adam Davies, Camden Duncan, Ben Swallow, Ashley Evans (capt), Jarrad Wright, Kyle Patten, Corey Jenkins, Owain Jones, Eliot Richards, Kerry Morgan, Ryan Prosser, Jamie Veale, Ian Traylor, Lee Lucas, Gavin Williams.
Former Wales, Celtic and Arsenal striker John Hartson is going the MetCoaches Stadium at the end of October.
Merthyr are hosting an evening with Hartson, although the exact date is yet top be confirmed.
Merthyr have also invited former club players Kevin Rodgers, Peter Jones and Andy Beattie back for a Legends Night, also at The MetCoaches Stadium.
“It’s a night for all Martyrs fans to relive that magical night under the lights at Penydarren Park when Merthyr took on Italian club Atalanta in the European Cup,” said a club spokesman. “Our guests will give a scintillating insight of how it all unfolded.”
Hartson is currently a pundit for S4C and BT Sport. He played in the Premier League for Arsenal, West Ham United, Wimbledon, Coventry City plus West Bromwich Albion and in the Football League for Luton Town and Norwich City.
Hartson is a three-time Scottish Premier League winner and two-time Scottish Cup winner. He was also named Welsh Footballer of the year in 1998, 2001 and 2003.
Tickets for the Hartson evening will cost £25 with refreshments include a hot carvery. Comedian Colin Price will be adding to the evening.
Merthyr Town Legends night tickets are £15 and refreshments will include curry and chips.
Information and tickets for both evenings can be obtained from commercial manager Howard King, who is available on 07746556455.