MARTYR NEWS

ASHLEY SUFFERS SERIOUS BREAK FOR WALES
21 May 2008

Merthyr 'kepper Ashley Morris is looking at a season on the sidelines after breaking both bones in his lower leg playing for the Welsh Semi-pro side in the four nations tournament in Scotland.

We all wish Ashley a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in Merthyr colours as soon as possible.

U19s WIN WELSH LEAGUE YOUTH CUP
19 May 2008

PONTARDAWE 0-3 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

Merthyr won this seasons Welsh League Youth Cup with a blistering frst 45 minutes football at Bryntirrion. With all three strikers neeting the game was out of sight by the interval. Kalim Ali, Chris Penny and Marcus Griffiths all found the back of the net to cap another three trophy season for the Merthyr youth teams.

SOS BECOMES A MARTYR
06 May 2008

Merthyr manager Garry Shephard has wasted no time at all in strengthening his squad for next season with the capture of Sam O'Sullivan from Newport County.

Sam was on loan at Merthyr last season making 4 appearances and netting one goal in an impressive spell.

The exciting forward had been at Newport since a schoolboy, but has seen his game time limited this season to 9 starts and 8 from the bench. The 22 year old brings a game full of pace and trickery. His signing is great coup for Shephard.

U18S WIN SOUTHERN LEAGUE YOUTH CUP
05 May 2008

CORBY TOWN 1-2 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

Merthyr were aware of the threat that Corby posed, with the ‘Steelmen’ having won their league going undefeated, and currently in pursuit of a youth treble. However, Merthyr were in no mood to be second best having recently won the South Wales Youth League for the second successive season, and having dispatched solid opposition in the previous rounds of the competition.

Merthyr started brightly in the first half controlling the game with some good possession football, Captain Ceri Morgan and midfield partner Thomas Harris dominating the middle of the park, and the work rate and pace of striker Adam Cushen causing Corby problems throughout. Despite this Merthyr failed to make the breakthrough. Time and time again ventures into the Corby third went unpunished as Merthyr simply failed to get bodies into the box which often left the strikers isolated, or with the midfield having to resort to shots from distance which never troubled the Corby ‘keeper.

At the opposite end Corby had a couple of chances, both of which came from Merthyr’s failure to clear their lines. The first came from a shot wide on the right hand side that cannoned off the underside of the bar before being cleared to safety, and another shot from Corby’s danger man Caswell being turned round the post with a quality save from Ryan Griffiths in the Merthyr goal kept the scores level at half time.

The second half saw Merthyr continue to battle hard all over the field. Despite Corby having the clear height and physical advantage Merthyr continued to win their battles with the back four dealing with the limited threat of the Corby strikers effectively, and fullbacks Ashely Facey and Steven Martin showing fantastic distribution to the strikers. The second half also saw Jordan Brown and Adam Lewis switch wings and this seemed to provide the outlet that Merthyr had craved in the first half.

From set-pieces Merthyr looked dangerous with Corby being unable to deal with the well worked routines. Both Dale Evans and Ross Porter went close with powerful headers, and Jordan Brown had a fantastic curling shot from the edge of the area being headed off the line.

Jordan Browns pace and trickery was beginning to cause the Corby back 4 all sorts of problems, and it was his direct running that lead to the breakthrough. After picking the ball up on the left wing, Brown drove inside and a clumsy foul by the centre half felled the winger in the box. Luke Griffiths, keen to make amends for his rare penalty miss in the Semi-Final last week stepped up and confidently slotted the ball home for the breakthrough. The momentum was clearly with Merthyr now and moments later the lead was extended when Adam Cushen slotted home from inside the area for his 35th goal of the season. The pressure was coming thick and fast with Corby being pinned back in their own area, and Merthyr were unlucky not to put the game beyond all doubt when Adam Cushen, Luke Griffiths and Adam Lewis all went close in a hectic 5 minutes.

With the clock running down, Corby gave themselves a lifeline when from a corner the ball curled wickedly directly into the back of the net to set up a nervy finish. Merthyr intelligently kept possession, holding the ball in the corners before the referee blew the fulltime whistle, which was greeted by scenes of jubilation from the Merthyr players, coaching staff and traveling fans.

GALLERY

U19s COMPLETE LEAGUE CAMPAIGN WITH A LOSS
04 May 2008

BRITTON FERRY 1-0 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

Merthyr completed a disappointing league season with defeat at Britton Ferry. Former youth 'keeper Ashley Long was in fine form saving Ferry at the back on countless occasions. Merthyr's Marcus Clyne was also in fine form producing a string of fine saves. The home side headed home with 7 minutes of the game left.

U18s CONFIRMED AS CHAMPIONS
01 May 2008

The Under 18s have been confirmed Champions of the South Wales FA Youth League. The side won the title by a point from rivals Grange Albion, making it 3 wins in four seasons. Congratulations to all the players and staff who helped achieve this.

		p	w	d	l	f	a	gd	pts
1	Merthyr Tydfil	14	12	1	1	73	22	51	37
2	Grange Albion	14	12	0	2	56	26	30	36
3	Lisvane Panthers	14	10	0	4	54	27	27	30
4	Llanrumney Utd	12	7	1	4	65	19	46	22
5	Cascade	13	4	2	7	27	41	-14	14
6	Merthyr Saints	13	3	1	9	28	53	-25	10
7	Ystrad Mynach	14	2	1	11	20	71	-51	7
8	FC Abercwmboi	14	1	0	13	19	83	-64	3

U18s THROUGH TO BGBLYC FINAL
29 APRIL 2008

GOSPORT BOROUGH 0-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s

The Future Martyrs find themselves on the brink of winning the inaugural Southern League Youth Cup after beating Gosport in this evening's semi final at Swindon Supermarine. In an incident packed game Merthyr's Adam Cushen had three goals disallowed with offside decisions going against him. The striker was also pulled down for a penalty which strike partner Luke Griffiths failed to convert.

Goalkeeper Ryan Griffiths went from villain to hero after first conceding a penalty for a rash challenge in the box, then saving the resultant spot kick.

With 113minutes on the clock substitute Harry Diamond drilled home from the edge of the box to seal a spot in Monday's final at Cirencester versus Corby Town.

FIRST FRIENDLIES ANNOUNCED
28 APRIL 2008

Merthyr Tydfil FC have unveiled details of the following three pre-season friendly matches:

Swansea City (H) - Tuesday 22nd July 2008, KO: 7.30pm

Newport County (H) - Saturday 26th July 2008, KO: 3.00pm

Port Talbot Town (A) - Saturday 9th August 2008, KO: 3.00pm

U19s DRAW PENULTIMATE LEAGUE GAME
27 APRIL 2008

CWMAMAN INST 1-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

Merthyr under 19s made it draw number seven for the season with a one all draw in the Cynon valley. The Martyrs goal came through Kalim Ali who netted his 21st of the season.

NEWPORT RETAIN SUPPORTERS 6-A-SIDE TITLE
27 APRIL 2008

The Newport County Supporters team retained the Sixty-Sixty Dragon's trophy at PP today. Mark Vickery led his team to a faultless display on the day, with his team not conceding a goal on the day. The Ambers had to thank Steve 'Baby Alsop' Farley for the win as the forward netted eight goals on the day.

HARRIS WINS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
26 APRIL 2008

Matthew Harris capped his first full season of first team football at PP with an impressive haul of awards. The talented midfielder had been virtually ever present this season and the 19 year old has 9 goals to his name.

The evening was a low key affair in comparison to previous years as the club failed to organise a dinner or party.

Also in the prizes were captain Andrew Thomas and left back Darren Davies.

The full list of first team winners were;

Supporters POY - Matthew Harris
Martyrs to the Cause Supporters Trust POY - Matthew Harris
Travel Club Away Supporters POY - Matthew Harris
Players POY - Andrew Thomas
Junior Martyrs POY - Darren Davies

LYNN WIN TITLE AT PP
26 APRIL 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL 0-2 KINGS' LYNN

Despite Merthyr's best efforts to spoil their party Kings' Lynn clinched the British Gas Business League Premier Division title at PP today. In an absorbing game the Martyrs were the equal of the Linnets, but Lynn took their chances to run out winners and worthy Champions. Lynn took the lead in the 30th minute when Matt Nolan stole in to net from three yards despite looking suspiciously offside.

Jack Defty doubled the lead in the 56th minute when he drilled home from a tight angle. Desperate defending kept Lynn's lead and Craig Stiens could have scored a brace but saw both efforts cleared off the line. Lynn could even afford to miss a penalty late on in the game in a game watched by over 900. Lynn will be a part of the Blue Square Conference leagues next season, whilst Merthyr will be hoping to make a sustained challenge in following the Linnets up the pyramid.

500 CLUB RESULTS
22 APRIL 2008

The latest 500 Club draw was made on our Ex-Players Day by the Mayor of the Borough, Mr Allan Jones. The following winners were drawn out of the velvet bag.

This week a further three draws were pulled out by Youth Team goal machine Adam Cushen. The following winners were drawn.

The profit from this draw have been allocated to the playing budget at PP for this season. If you want to join the draw @ just £5 per month, collect a form from the Club shop or click on the link below;

JOIN THE 500 CLUB
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If this fails either update your browser or
download Acrobat reader from www.adobe.com

U18s GAME OFF - IS THE TITLE WON?
21 APRIL 2008

Merthyr's final U18 league game of the season versus Star FC has been called off the day before tomorrow's fixtured date. The club have rescheduled the tie twice in the last month and this third postponement comes with news from the opposition that they will be unable to fulfil all their fixtures. If the news is confirmed by the South Wales FA Youth League, then Merthyr will be crowned champions for the third time in the last four years.

U18s CLOSE IN ON TITLE
20 APRIL 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s 4-1 LISVANE PANTHERS

Merthyr know that a win on Tusday night versus Star FC in their final game of the season will be enough to retain their South Wales FA Youth League title. Lisvane were keen to add Merthyr to their impressive list of scalps this season, but found Merthyr in no mood for being second best. Captain Ceri Morgan opened the scoring in the first ten minutes, a brace from Adam Cushen was broken up by a fantastic strike from man of the match Jordan Brown. The Panthers managed to salvage a consolation goal mid way through the second half, but never looked like troubling Ryan Griffiths in the Merthyr goal.

MARTYRS HAVE A BLAST AT HITCHIN
19 APRIL 2008

HITCHIN TOWN 1-3 MERTHYR TYDFIL

A brace from top scorer Craig Stiens gave Merthyr three points at Top Field. Stiens (pictured) netted in the 26th minute to give his side the lead. However home striker Paul Barnes drew the Canaries level within five minutes. Shane Dawe scored hos first goal for the club with a superbly struck free kick.

With 15 minutes left on the clock Stiens bagged his 17th goal of the season to complete the club's away program for the season with a fantastic win.

Merthyr complete their season next Saturday when Kings' Lynn travel to Wales needing a victory to wrap up the league title and seal prmontion to the Conference North/South.

U18s BGB YOUTH CUP SEMI FINAL DATE SET
16 APRIL 2008

The young Martyrs will face Gosport Borough in the British Gas Business Youth Cup semi final in a one off game on Tuesday 29th April at Swindon Supermarine. Kick off will be 7.45pm.

THOMAS HARRIS POINTS U19s TO VICTORY
16 APRIL 2008

ENTO ABERAMAN 0-2 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

Merthyr midfielder Thomas Harris fired home twice in the first ten minutes of the game to set Merthyr on their way to victory over bottom placed side Ento Aberaman.

U18s GO NAP AT PP
15 APRIL 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s 5-0 ABERCWMBOI FC

A five goal win saw Merthyr extend their lead at the top of the South Wales FA youth league. Featuring eleven players who will still be eligible for next season, the youthful team brushed aside 'Cwm with ease. Luke Griffiths neted an impressive hat-trick, with fellow forwards Adam Cushen and Liam Penrose also finding the net. Merthyr need to win on Sunday and Tuesday to retain the league title.

SAFETY AT LAST FOR MARTYRS
14 APRIL 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL 3-0 CIRENCESTER

Merthyr ensured Premier Division football next season with an impresive three goal win over already relegated Cirencester. Despite dominating the opening 45 minutes, Merthyr were unable to find the net.The talking point of the first half was serious looking injury to the Centurians 'keeper Matt Bulman.

In the second period Ciren struggled without their number one and it was no surprise when Merthyr captain Andrew Thomas drilled home impressively in the 65th minute. Within 6 minutes man of the match Mike Jones (pictured)(personally our physio Matt Powell should have won it) had scored twice to seal matters. The first from the penalty spot after Craig Stiens had been brought down in the area, the second was a close range header after Jamie Rewbury saw he shot strike the crossbar.

U19s PIC UP POINT OUT WEST
13 APRIL 2008

HAVEFORDWEST 1-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

The Martyrs picked up a point in West Wales. Thomas Harris netted with a header in the first ten minutes of the game. Merthyr lost Kalim Ali, Tarrant Watkins and Nathan Kitto through injury in the first 45 minutes and could but held on for a draw.

POINT GINED IN STALEMATE
12 APRIL 2008

SWINDON SUPERMARINE 0-0 MERTHYR TYDFIL

The Martyrs gained a point from this poor game, taking a small step in securing Premier Division survival. Merthyr face Cirencester on Monday knowing a win will make them safe from relegation.

U19s DEFEATED
09 APRIL 2008

BRYNTIRION 1-0 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

Merthyr suffered their first defeat since mid february, putting in a poor display at Bryntirion.

U18s REACH BGBYC SEMI-FINAL
08 APRIL 2008

TIVERTON TOWN 1-2 MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s

Merthyr's Under 18s beat Tiverton Town 2-1 this evening to progress to the Semi Final of the BGBL Youth Cup. With both teams having a large backlog of fixtures Merthyr opted not to play the home leg of the quarter final and travelled to Ladysmead for a one off tie.

Goals from man of the match Adam Cushen and Captain Ceri Morgan sent the Martyrs through. Goalkeeper Ryan Griffiths saved a Yellows penalty in a game where Merthyr outplayed the home side.

Details of the Semi Final to follow.

MORE INTERNATIONAL HONOURS FOR MERTHYR
09 APRIL 2008

Wales Universities faced their Scottish counterparts yesterday and the Dragons lost the game 2-1. Merthyr Tydfil FC were represented by both Matthew Harris and Tarrant Watkins who both played. Wales face England Universities tomorrow.

MAYOR DONATES TO CLUB
07 APRIL 2008

Life long Merthyr fan Allan 'Salty' Jones has once again been able to donate thousands of pounds to Merthyr Football Club, all thanks to the hard work he carries out on his annual prize draw. The current Mayor of Merthyr works tirelessly organising a draw that is participated in by hundreds of small sports clubs and societies. This year Allan raised £3,318 this year and was congratulated this saturday by Merthyr FC owner Wyn Holloway and Director Lyn Mittell.

U19s ARE ALL GOLD WINNERS
06 APRIL 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 2-1 CARMARTHEN TOWN

Merthyr had to come from behind to win the points this afternoon. Trailing at the break, goals from Tarrant Watkins and Nathan Kitto in the second half delivered the win.

MARTYRS WIN NINE GOAL THRILLER
05 APRIL 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL 5-4 CORBY TOWN

The Martyrs took a huge step towards Premier Division survival in a pulsating and bizarre match at PP. Marcus Griffiths lit the touch paper in the second minute when he slotted home Craig Steins' square pass (pictured). Early in the second half Matthew Harris rifled home a vicious drive from 25 yards and that should have been the game in the bag.

Within 15 minutes of Harris' strike, Corby made an astonishing comeback to take the lead. Goals from Diggin, Hughes and Wormall put Merthyr on the canvas. With ten minutes left on the clock Darren Davies was stupidly pushed in the penalty area and Mike Jones kept his cool to level the match.

Craig Stiens thought he had won the game with only a minute to go when he bundled the ball home from close range, but Corby hit back instantly pouncing on a poor pass by Merthyr player manager Garry Shephard. The sloppy ball allowed Wormall to level scores once again. The game had a final twist deep in injury time when Jamie Rewbury flicked home a Matthew Harris long throw to snatch all three points.

U19s CONTINUE GOOD FORM
02 APRIL 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 2-0 CWMAMAN INSTITUTE

Merthyr welcomed back former Captain Matthew Jones to the side after a 6 month break from the team. Goals from strikers Kalim Ali and Chris Penny gave the Martyrs all three points.

TIGERS MAUL SORRY MARTYRS
01 APRIL 2008

GLOUCESTER CITY 3-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Despite taking a second minute lead through Mike Jones, Merthyr were a poor second to the Tigers. Playing at Forest Green, City were level after half an hour when Will Morford turned the ball home from close range.

In the second half Merthyr can only blame themselves for falling apart. Dale Griffiths headed past Ashley Morris to gift the lead away and then the defence went AWOL to leave Lee Smith a shot at Morris' goal, which he dispatched with aplomb. To cap a miserable night Jamie Rewbury was shown a straight red for elbowing.

U18s SCRAPE DERBY WIN
01 APRIL 2008

MERTHYR SAINTS 1-2 MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s

Merthyr Tydfil were lucky to keep their title defence on track with a lackluster performance against local rivals Merthyr Saints.

Tydfil were 1-0 up at half time through a Luke Griffiths penalty. Saints then equalised against the run of play before Ross Porter's (pictured) fantastic control and finish won the game 10 minutes from time.

Merthyr have three games remaining in the league and know that three vicories will see the Martyrs retain the title.

U19s TAKE 3 POINTS ON THE ROAD
24 MARCH 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL 2-0 CHIPPENHAM TOWN

With no fewer than 6 players missing from the side that beat Cwmbran midweek in the cup semi-final, the U19 travelled to Carmarthen to play a side currently competing near the top of the table. A slow start saw Merthyr 2 - 0 down within the first 20 minutes, before a Tom Harris header and a penalty from Ashley Facey (making ammends for his missed spotkick midweek) saw the score level at half time. Merthyr then took the lead early in the 2nd half through a 25 yard free kick from Ceri Morgan.

POOR SHOW AT PP
24 MARCH 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL 1-2 CHESHUNT

Merthyr were not at the races this afternoon and lost out to an improved Cheshunt side. The Ambers took an early lad when Darrel Cox netted after 5 minutes. It took Merthyr until the 65th mionute to get back on terms when Gareth Wharton turned in a Marcus Griffiths cross. Merthyr looked favourites to win the game moments later when Solomen Henry was sent off. But the visitors shocked the PP faithful when Gavin Taylor hit home the winner with only a minute left on the clock. Merthyr's Dean Clarke also saw red in the closing moments to cap a miserable afternoon for the Martyrs.

CHIPPS MASHED
21 MARCH 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL 2-0 CHIPPENHAM TOWN

The Martyrs moved up 2 places in the table to 13th with a fine win over 4th placed Chippenham Town at PP this afternoon. In a tight and highly competetive game Merthyr took the lead in the 45th minute when Craig Steins (pictured) drilled home a fierce shot from a tight angle. Stiens had already put the ball in the net, but had seen his earlier effort ruled out for a tight offside.

The result was sealed just 10 minutes from full time when Mike Jones turned in the box to fire home from 5 yards. 'Crouchy' celebrated in style with a robot dance, much to the delight of the fans in the family stand.

KIDS MAKE LEAGUE CUP FINAL
19 MARCH 2008

CWMBRAN CELTIC 2-2 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s
Merthyr win 4-2 on penalties

Merthyr's Under 19s will face Pontadawe in the Welsh League Youth Cup final next month after a dramatic finish at the Cwmbran stadium. Kalim Ali gave Merthyr an early lead, which lasted until the final ten minutes. On the stroke of full time Merthyr's Steve Martin saw red for dissent, giving his team an uphill battle for extra time.

With 5 minutes left in the tie Cwmbran took the lead, but Craig Reddy's outfit were not to be denied as Ali netted his second with 3 minutes left on the clock. Succesful penalties from Luke Griffiths, Ross Porter, Adam Cushen and Thomas Harris saw Merthyr progress.

MARTYRS PAY PENALTY
15 MARCH 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL 0-0 HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN

Merthyr will be hoping Jamie Rewbury's last minute penalty miss will not be crucial at the end of the season. In a game spoilt by the conditions and a fussy referee, chances were at a minimum. So when Craig Stiens was upended in the box in injury time, the Martyrs fans were dreaming of three points, but the centre half dragged his shot wide of the right upright to see the game end scoreless. Merthyr stay in fifteenth position.

POINTS DROPPED AT CHIPPENHAM
08 MARCH 2008

CHIPPENHAM TOWN 3-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Despite taking an early lead through Marcus Griffiths and creating far more chances than the host, Merthyr couldn't earn themselves anything from the game. Griffiths netted his 10th goal of the season to put the Martyrs ahead in the 8th minute, but a minute later the scores were level when Gary Funnell put the ball past Ashley Morris.

The turning point of the game saw midfielder Matthew Harris sent from the field for a second booking in the 55th minute and within five minutes Sam Allison and Scott Lye sealed the game.

ALI BACK TO FORM FOR U19s
05 MARCH 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 3-2 AFAN LIDO

After a disappointing season striker Kalim Ali returned to the form he showed at the end of last season.The Butetown forward netted two superb goals in the game and ran the Lido backline ragged for 90 minutes. Ceri Morgan netted Merthyr's other goal and the win saw Merthyr return to fourth position in the league.

MARTYRS WIN ON SAINT DAVIDS DAY
01 MARCH 2008

MANGOTSFIELD UNITED 0-2 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Marcus Griffiths once again gave Merthyr the lead, volleying home from close range after Merthyr dominated the first half at Cosham Street. With Dean Clarke, Darren Davies and Matt Harris dominating midfield Merthyr doubled their lead from the penalty spot when substitute Mike Jones fired home after Davies had been upended.

Merthyr could even afford to see Harris and Darren Griffiths both hit the post in the last ten minutes of the game.

FANS CYCLE TO THE MATCH AS TRUST IS SHOWN DOOR
29 FEBRUARY 2008

On the day members of the Merthyr Tydfil FC Supporters’ Trust set off on a momentous cycle ride to Bristol in aid of their club, the Directors of the Club repaid the Trust members with a ban from all activities at Penydarren Park.

Six members of the Supporters’ Trust left the closed gates of Merthyr Football Club at the crack of dawn today to cycle the 65 miles to Mangotsfield United Football Club in Bristol. Their aim is to raise £1,800 to purchase much needed medical equipment for the first team players, pay off fines for its youth team players, donate money to four of the club's youth team products so they could represent Wales at Schoolboy level and to lift the FAW suspension currently hanging over first team manager Garry Shephard.

One of the seven fundraisers, Mike Donovan said, "We received a letter on Wednesday evening threatening the Trust with expulsion from the Club unless we made our funds available to the club’s Directors, another in a long line of threats issued by the Directors.

Part of the letter also contains further threats over the Trust shareholding and directors, saying ‘Both your directorship and share (in the club) will be withdrawn along with any future negotiations with club officials.’ In response Donovan said “Naturally, to protect our members’ interests we will be taking legal advice on this matter from our solicitors as we do not believe they have the right to summarily remove something we have paid for with our members money.”

The directors have already banned the Trust Chirman, David Webb from the ground something Donovan sees as part of the general pattern of behaviour from the directors; “Although this latest action is not a surprise to any of us, it is sad that the directors feel that the answer to any difficult situation is to throw their toys out of the pram”.

The Trust has donated in excess of £40,000 for the Club in the last year as well as solely funding Merthyr's successful Youth Team which is considered the best in Wales outside of the Football League Clubs. Donovan added, "The directors seem to want the money we can raise, yet want us excluded from making decisions at our club. They claim to want to include us in the Club’s future, yet we have been Shareholders at the Club for 10 months and have only been invited to two Board meetings in that time, both of which was to discuss the Trust handing over more money.

The Club's Owner went on record in the Merthyr Express in December saying he wanted no more to do with the Trust, but since that time has been asking the Trust for money to bail out the ailing club, with threats of closing the business unless the demand for money is met. “Neither we, the members who elected us, nor the supporters of the football club will be bullied into any decision. We know we have the backing of the vast majority of our members and supporters of the club" said Donovan.

As part of the ride, the volunteers will also be raising money for the Marie Curie cancer charity selling daffodils along the route and Welsh cakes (in Welsh national costume) on their arrival at the Cosham Street stadium as part of the Saint David days celebrations.

The Merthyr Youth set up was resurrected by the Trust in 2004 after Chairman Wyn Holloway had scrapped the youngsters back in 2001. Since the reformation of both Under-18 and Under-19 teams the club have won The South Wales Youth League twice, The Welsh Youth League once and are the current holders of the Football Association of Wales Youth Cup. In addition the Youth set-up has seen over 20 players progress to represent the first team. Funding for such a project costs in excess of £7,000 per annum, an expense which the Club has not had to cover.

Donovan concluded by saying, “As an organisation, we must be responsible with our members’ money. We are not simply going to handover money on demand to people who have demonstrated poor management of our club. These directors have failed to look after Merthyr Tydfil Football Club, and we suggest that it might be the best thing for everyone concerned that the directors responsible for this latest threat take their own advice and head for the exit.”

The Martyrs to the Cause will hold an open meeting for members on March 13th at the Cefn Coed Club at 7pm.

U19s BACK TO WINNING WAYS
25 FEBRUARY2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 4-0 PORT TALBOT

A brace from Kalim Ali and one a piece from James Cooper and Ceri Morgan capped a fine display from Merthyr's youth team.

POINT EARNED ON THE ROAD
24 FEBRUARY 2008

BANBURY UNITED 1-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Marcus Griffiths gave Merthyr an early lead in Oxfordshire, but the Martyrs had to settle for a point when Matt Murphy scored in the 53rd minute.

U19s UNDONE AT HOME
20 FEBRUARY 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 1-2 PONTARDAWE

Despite a goal from Kalim Ali coming off the bench, Merthyr were defeated by 8th placed Pontardawe.

U18s SUFFER FIRST LEAGUE DEFEAT
17 FEBRUARY2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s 4-6 GRANGE ALBION

It was first versus second in the league and the visitors from Cardiff took their chances on the day and inflicted the Martyrs first league defeat of the season.

Merthyr went into an early lead through Luke Griffiths, but in a mad twenty minute period before the break Albion netted 4 times. In the second half Griffiths added a penalty before Grange increased the lead to 6-2. Ross Porter and Jordan Brown rounded off the scoring for the Martyrs. Merthyr know they now need to win all of their last four games to retain the title.

MARTYRS BLITZ BRACKLEY
16 FEBRUARY2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL 4-1 BRACKLEY TOWN

Merthyr's good recent form was finally rewarded with three points and a good afternoon's entertainment for the Penydarren Park faithful.

Despite going behind in the 22nd minute when Russell Dunkley headed home after a mistake from Ashley Morris, the Martyrs rallied well and tok the batle to the playoff chasing team. Merthyr struck back quickly with two superb strikes from Marcus Grifiths and Steve Williams (Pictured).

The visitors never looked like troubling the Merthyr defence and when Garry Shephard replaced the front two with Mike Jones and Darren Griffiths the two subs repaid the managers faith with two excellent finishes to wrap up the points.

500 CLUB RESULTS
16 FEBRUARY 2008

The latest 500 club draw was made this week. Richard Bennett pulled the following winners from the velvet bag.

The profit from this draw are now being allocated to the playing budget at PP. If you want to join the draw @ just £5 per month, collect a form from the Club shop or click on the link below;

JOIN THE 500 CLUB
The form is in a PDF format and should load within your browser.
If this fails either update your browser or
download Acrobat reader from www.adobe.com

U18s DROP FIRST POINTS OF SEASON
10 FEBRUARY2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s 1-1 LLANRUMNEY

Merthyr U18s put in a sub standard performance at PP and were thankful to 'keeper Marcus Clyne to end the game still unbeaten in the league. Clyne saved a penalty early in the game and saved his side's blushes on numerous occasions during the afternoon. Adam Cushen gave Merthyr the lead early in the game, but Llan equalised just before half time. Merthyr face second place Grange Albion at PP next Sunday.

MARTYRS UNDONE IN LAST MINUTE
09 FEBRUARY2008

CLEVEDON TOWN 3-3 MERTHYR TYDFIL

The Martyrs could only secure a point from a good performance at the Hand stadium. Merthyr took the lead after 16 minutes when Steve Williams struck a superb shot home from 25 yards. Merthyr the trailed 2-1 after Clevedon's Kyle Bassett had netted twice leading up to the break. Just before the interval Marcus Griffiths pulled things level, it was the 18 year old's sixth of the season.

Matthew Harris netted Merthyr's third of the afternoon, which looked to be the winner, howver Scott Hendy headed home in the 88th minute to snatch a point for the home side.

U19s FIGHTBACK FOR A POINT
06 FEBRUARY2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 3-3 WEST END U19s

Merthyr put in a sloppy but spirited 90 minutes. Trailing 2-0 after 20 minutes Merthyr pulled themselves back into the game in the second half when Luke Griffiths turned home a near post cross. West End put themselves back into a two goal lead, but with 15 minutes to go Ross Porter curled a perfect shot into the top corner of the net. With time running out James Cooper leveled the scores to give Merthyr a point.

MARTYRS MAKE WALES SQUAD
04 FEBRUARY2008

Merthyr duo Ashley Morris and Jamie Rewbury have both been selected again for the Welsh U23 Non League squad, Both Merthyr platers are agin joined in the squad by former Youth team 'keeper Lee Idzi. The full squad is as follows;

Lee IDZI (GK)                     Haverfordwest County
Ashley MORRIS (GK)            Merthyr Tydfil
Kyle CRITCHELL                  Weymouth
Danny PARSLOW                 York City
Adam GROSS                      Grays Athletic                                   
Jamie REWBURY                 Merthyr Tydfil
Lee SURMAN                      Port Talbot Town
Alex LAWLESS                    Forest Green Rovers
Sion EDWARDS                   Bangor City
Paul FOWLER                     Carmarthen Town
Craig JONES                       Llanelli AFC
Craig JONES                       Rhyl FC          
Chris VENABLES                  Welshpool Town
Chad BOND                        CF Balaguer
Les DAVIES                        Bangor City
Stuart FLEETWOOD             Forest Green Rovers

U18s RUN RAMPAGE AT YSTRAD
03 FEBRUARY2008

YSTRAD MYNACH U18s 2-11 MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s

On a very poor playing surface, Merthyr showed their superior ability in a game that they dominated for 90minutes. Goals from captain Ceri Morgan, new signing Liam Penrose on his debut, 2 from Luke Griffiths, and a superb goal from Craig Mallett, put Merthyr 5 – 1 up at half time.

The second 45mins continued in the same fashion as the first, with Merthyr playing some quality football, with Ystrad rarely in possession, and rarely in the Merthyr half of the field. Second half goals from Dale Evans, another from Liam Penrose, 2 from substitute Adam Cushen, and 2 from Man of the Match Jordan Brown who the home team simply couldn’t deal with on the wing gave Merthyr a resounding win. The game also marked debuts for Harry Diamond who was introduced to the action early in the first half after Ashley Facey failed to run off a dead leg, and also for U16 centre back Jordan Yanez who looked comfortable at the back.

GAME OFF AT PP
02 FEBRUARY 2008

Merthyrs game versus Cirencester was called off today due to a frozen pitch.

BGB YOUTH CUP PROGRESS
29 JANUARY 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s 1-2 MANGOTSFIELD U18s
3-3 on aggregate - Merthyr win 11-10 on penalties

Merthyr progressed to the quarter finals of the BGB Youth Cup via a penalty shoot out. Luke Griffiths gave Merthyr an early lead and put them 3-1 up after the first leg, but 'Field struck back either side of half time to put the tie level. All 11 Merthyr players scored their spot kicks with Adam Lewis netting the all important winner.

LLANELLI BEAT MARTYRS AT PP
27 JANUARY 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 2-4 LLANELLI U19s

Going 2 goals up in the first 30 minutes should have seen the Martyrs beat the reds for second time in the month, but the league leaders over ran Merthyr in the second 45, to wrap up all three points. Merthyr's goals came from Luke Griffiths and Adam Lewis.

ASHLEY HANDS IT TO BASHLEY
26 JANUARY 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL 0-2 BASHLEY TOWN

Merthyr will be kicking themselves after failing to win a game where they had the better of. A mistake by 'keeper Ashley Morris let in Ryan Moss to open the scoring in the 55th minute. Morris was to fare no better in the 80th minute when he pulled down Moss in the area. Morris' luck was in when he only saw yellow for the offence, but despite saving Dave Wakefeild's spot kick he could not keep out the rebound. The visitors had David Helm to thankfor their victory, the giant 'keeper put in a superb display denying Merthyr countless times.

MARTYRS BACK TO WINNING WAYS
22 JANUARY 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL 3-0 HITCHIN TOWN

Merthyr moved up 4 places in the BGB League after this impressive 3 goal victory at PP. Matthew Glassey (left) scored his first goal for the first team after half hour and netted his second with 20 minutes of the match remaining.

In between the brace, 18 year old Marcus Griffiths showed why he was selected as Welsh Schools captain on the weekend by scoring with his first touch after coming off the bench. Merthyr will be hoping to add to this victory versus Bashley on Saturday.

ASHLEY OFF IN YELTZ DEFEAT
19 JANUARY 2008

HALESOWEN TOWN 3-0 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Gary Shephard took a squad decimated by injury, suspension and international call ups to Halesowen and saw his inexperiened side comfortably beaten. After a solid start, Merthyr's plan of containment was blown apart when Ashley Morris was sent off after he handled the ball outside of his area. With reserve 'keeper Ryan Griffiths back at Merthyr with the Welsh squad, Captain Andrew Thomas donned the gloves.

Goal from Zema Abbey and a brace from man of the match Dean Brennan saw the home side gain all three points to keep up their title assualt.

FOUR MARTYRS GAIN SCHOOLS CAPS
19 JANUARY 2008

WALES SCHOOLBOYS 1-3 AUSTRALIA SCHOOLBOYs

Despite a superb second half performance Wales were beaten by the lads from down under. Merthyr's Marcus Grifiths captained the Welsh side and was joined in the starting line up by Ceri Morgan. At half time Stephen Martin and Ryan Griffiths joined the action.

Wales trailed by two firat half goals, but scored in the 65th minute when Llanelli's Declan John curled a delicate free kick into the corner of the net. The Aussies however scored against the run of play with 15 minutes left in the game to seal the victory.

PICTURES

19s CAN ONLY DRAW AT PP
13 JANUARY 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 2-2 GOYTRE UNITED

Merthyr's U19s saw their slim league title hope vanish with a disappointing draw versus Goytre. Tom Harris netted after 8 minutes for Merthyr, but Ross Porter blasted a penalty over the bar before half time. The visitors hit back early in the second half. With only ten minutes left in the game, Porter headed home to redeem his earlier error. But with only two minutes left on the clock Chris Parfitt hit a stunning 25 yarder to snatch a deserved point.

MERTHYR HAVE TO SETLE FOR A POINT
12 JANUARY 2008

BROMSGROVE ROVERS 1-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Merthyr picked up another valuable point on their travels. A Darren Griffiths strike on 50 minutes sent the Martyrs into the lead, but Rovers hit back through Alsop to salvage a point.

GREAT DAY FOR YOUTH TEAMS
06 JANUARY 2008

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 1-0 LLANELLI
GRANGE ALBION 0-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s

It was a big afternoon for the clubs Youth teams, with both sides gaining important wins. The U19s had Lloyd Martin to thank for their progression into the league cup semi-final. His 80th minute overhead kick saw Merthyr knock out league leaders Llanelli at PP.

There was also a late winner for the U18s. The league leaders went to second place Grange Albion and a Luke Griffiths penalty in the last ten minutes saw the Martyrs move 12 points clear at the head of the table.

MARTYRS DENIED WIN
05 JANUARY 2008

BEDFORD TOWN 3-3 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Merthyr were denied a win their peformance deserved at the Eyrie. The Eagles took the lead from the penalty spot, with Rob Miller netting after 30 minutes. Shortly after Gareth Wharton's downward header looked well over the goal-line, but amazingly the officials had their own view of the incdent and the home side retained the lead.

55 seconds into the 2nd half Andrew Phillips increased the lead for Bedford. Merthyr pulled a goal back just after the hour courtesy of a Matthew Harris volley. Michael Lyon restored Bedford’s two-goal lead in the 74th minute. Then Craig Stiens scored twice in five minutes to level the scores.

NEW YEAR MISERY
01 JANUARY 2008

TIVERTON TOWN 3-2 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Despite goals from brothers Darren and Dale Grifiths, Tiverton made it a miserable New Years Day for the Martyrs. An early brace from Chris Young put the Yellows into a comanding lead. Darren Griffiths pegged back the lead in the 65th minute, but Tom Gardner restored the two goal lead two minutes later. Centre half Dale Griffiths gave the Martyrs a life line in the 70th minute, but the visitors could not complete the comeback. The defeat sees Merthyr drop to 17th position.

BROTHERS SEAL THREE POINT COMEBACK
29 DECEMBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL 3-2 BEDFORD TOWN

Dale Griffiths popped up in the last minute of the game to seal all three points in this vital league game. The Swansea based Centre Half saw his younger sibling Darren pull Merthyr level in the 11th minute after Bedford took the lead in the 9th minute. Bedford were soon back in the lead nine minutes later, in a half where the Martyrs comfortably held their own.

Jamie Rewbury levelled from the spot in the second half, but spurned a chance to win the game from the spot in the dying moments, putting the ball over the bar. His blushes were spared by Griffiths and the points were Merthyr's. Both penalty incidents saw Bedford players dismissed.

TIGERS BLITZ MARTYRS
26 DECEMBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL 1-3 GLOUCESTER CITY

An inept first 45 minutes saw the game over as a contest. Gloucester were quicker to the break down and had a greater energy in all depratments. The win was thoroughly deserved. The Tiger scorers were Pitcher, Morgan and Webb. Merthyr pulled a goal back in the dying moments of the game when substitute Mike Jones netted from 15 yards.

VERY POOR DECISION COST MARTYRS WIN
22 DECEMBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL 1-1 TEAM BATH

Wales On Sunday

MERTHYR TYDFIl manager Garry Shephard was dismissed from the dugout by referee Simon Knapps of Bristol shortly after he had controversially awarded Team Bath a 60th minute equaliser that was to see both teams end this Christmas cracker with a point each. The visitors, who have high hopes of promotion from the British Gas Business League Premier Division this season, came to Merthyr unbeaten away from home and for the first 20 minutes looked as though they might chalk up another victory.

However, Merthyr were extremely disciplined in defence, and even when the visitors did get a sight of goal they were unable to beat home keeper Ashley Morris, who notably made a superb reaction save to keep out Sean Canham’s point-blank header on 28 minutes. Having weathered the early storm, Merthyr came into the game and Darren Davies fired a 20-yard free kick just wide only two minutes before Craig Stiens put Merthyr ahead.

Team Bath failed to clear Davies’ corner from the left and in the ensuing melee Stiens reacted quickest to nudge the ball over the line from close range. Stung by the goal, the Students saw a low drive from Steve Abbott turned away by Morris on 42 minutes, and shortly after the restart a looping header from Canham drifted just wide of the far post.

Gary Warren was again off-target with a header from a corner on 57 minutes as Team Bath got more and more frustrated at their inability to hit the target, but just when it looked as though Merthyr would hold on, the game was turned on its head at the blow of the referee’s whistle. Yet another corner was headed down by the visitors Warren and Merthyr keeper Morris appeared to gather the ball comfortably. But, with Abbott lying close by on the ground referee Knapps suddenly awarded a goal, and despite the ball undoubtedly nestling in the Merthyr net it was a furious home side who confronted the match official claiming the ball had been kicked from Morris’ hands.

The West Country official would have none of it, however, and promptly booked Merthyr’s Davies and Dean Clarke before sending manager Shephard to the stands for protesting too vigorously. Merthyr were inches away from a late winner as Shaun Lamb cleared a ball across the box in the final minutes.

GOOD POINT EARNED
18 DECEMBER 2007

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD 0-0 MERTHYR TYDFIL

The Tudors failed to break down a stubborn Merthyr defense tonight at Vauxhall Rd as it turned out to be a night of frustration. Both sides had chances but the game never really sparked into life as both teams cancelled each other out. Merthyr could have won the gamein the dying moment but defender Gareth Wharton was unable to steer the ball hom to snatch all three points.

KITTO BRACE SENDS WHITES THROUGH
16 DECEMBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 2-1 HAVERFORDWEST Co U19s

The Martyrs U19 squad reach the last eight of the Macwhirter league cup where they will play a home tie against league leaders Llanelli on January 6th. Merthyr started brightly and took the lead in the first quarter when Nathan kitto scored his first goal for the club after being fed in by man of the match debutant Paul Sedgemore. Merthyr then got sucked into a scrappy affair and conceded the equaliser before half time.

Merthyr struck again in the first quarter of the second half with the same combination of Kitto and Sedgemore. Following this the Martyrs saw the game out fairly comfortably with Lloyd Martin and Taz Watkins dominating the back four.

GRIFFITHS INSPIRES CLIMB OUT OF RELEGATION ZONE
15 DECEMBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL 2-1 RUGBY TOWN

After a dismal and boring first 45 minutes, Darren and Marcus Griffiths both scored to give Merthyr three points. Darren, on his debut entered the game at half time with his new team trailing to a strike late in the first 45, his brief was to add energy to the Merthyr forward line. The former Llanelli player joined his brother Dale on the pitch and shone, netting his first goal for the club within ten minutes.

Seventeen year old Marcus Grifiths threw himself on to a superb Steve Williams right wing cross to head home the winner in the 72 minute and will join up with the Welsh Schools squad tomorrow intent on netting a place in the squad that will face Australia at PP in January. The result moved Merthyr up to sixteenth place.

TWO LEAVE CLUB
13 DECEMBER 2007

Merthyr's midfield have lost two players this week. Kris Dimond has left the club, the former Crystal Palace player has been out injured for two months and due to the finanacial situation at the club has left the club as he felt he was unable to compete for a place in the side until the new year.

Tariq Khalil has also left the club to join Blue Square Conference side Dorchester Town. The centre midfielder has impressed in his twelve starts for the Martyrs and will be a big miss in the coming months.

MERTHYR TAKE A BEATING
01 DECEMBER 2007

KINGS' LYNN 5-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Top of the league Kings' Lynn comfortably beat Merthyr at The Walks. Goals from Danny Bloomfield2, Joe Francis2 and Mark Warren gave Lynn all three points. Merthyr's goal came courtesy of top scorer Craig Stiens. The defeat sees the Martyrs drop to 18th spot, one above the relegation zone.

KALIM HAT TRICK INSPIRES WIN
28 NOVEMBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 5-1 BRITTON FERRY U19s

Striker Kalim Ali was in blistering form at PP, netting three times in the first 45 minutes to send Merthyr on their way to three points. Ferry pulled one back just after the break, but an own goal and a goal on his U19s debut for Ashley Facey completed the scoring.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE CUP SUCCESS BUT AT A COST
27 NOVEMBER 2007

MANGOTSFIELD U U18s 1-2 MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s

Merthyr marked their debut in the Southern League Youth Cup with a hard fought win at Cosham Street. The win in a bruising encounter came at a cost with Merthyr losing centre half Nick Baldwin with a double fractured leg.Adam Lewis scored Merthyr's opener in the 6th minute. On the stroke of half time Marcus Clyne was sent off for a tackle outside of his area. His replacement Ryan Griffiths' first act was to pick the ball out of the back of the net after Mitch Tippins hit an unstopable drive.

After waiting 40 minutes for an ambulance for Baldwin, Adam Cushen scored the winning goal two minutes after the game restarted.

STIENS STRIKE EARNS POINT
26 NOVEMBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL 1-1 MANGOTSFIELD TOWN

Merthyr and Mangotsfeild shared the points at PP. Ronnie Mowatt gave Mangotsfield the lead on nineteen minutes with a close range header, however the lead was to last just seven minutes as Craig Steins levelled for Merthyr on twenty six minutes. The impressive Tareq Khalil delivered a killer cross to the far post which Stiens directed back across the 'keepr and into the goal for his seventhof the season.

Defender Gareth Wharton saw his goal bound header cleared of the line in the 71st minute. In an evenly contested match further openings were at a premium with Mangotsfield's best chance coming in the final minute when Alan Griffin went in bravely when challenging Merthyr goalkeeper Ryan Griffiths for a loose ball which led to the Mangotsfield striker being stretchered from the field.

U18s CONTINUE THEIR 100% LEAGUE RECORD
25 NOVEMBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s 3-1 CASCADE U18s

Adam Cushen's brace set Merthyr on their way to their eleventh win of the campaign. In a match played in good spirit and the ICI, Dale Evans netted another long range free kick to keep Merthyr three points ahead of second place Grange Albion.

LATE STRIKE SECURES DESERVED POINT
24 NOVEMBER 2007

RUGBY TOWN 3-3 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Captain Andrew Thomas volleyed home from the edge of the box in the 90th minute to give Merthyr a share of the points in what was Rugby's 1000th Southern League game. 17 year old Ryan Griffiths continued with the gloves in place of the injured Ashley Morris. The Martyrs came from behind three times in the game, Jamie Rewbury scored from the penalty spot and Matthew Harris netted another belter from long range.

U19s PUT LIDO TO SWORD
21 NOVEMBER 2007

AFAN LIDO U19s 0-4 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

Merthyr put in an excellent 90 minutes work to win by four goals at Afan Lido. The Martyrs goals came courtesy of Chris Penny2, Kalim Ali and substitute Lloyd Martin.

YOUNG BUCKS CRASH OUT OF LEAGUE CUP
20 NOVEMBER 2007

SWINDON SUPERMARINE 5-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Despite the heavy scoreline a side with an average age of 18 did not disgrace themselves in the Errea League cup. Up to 60 minutes Merthyr were winning courtesy of an early own goal, but as fitness and experience kicked in Supermarine took the game.

GOALFEST SEES MARTYRS DOWNED
16 NOVEMBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL 3-5 YATE TOWN

The Martyrs looked to add to back to back wins at home to Swindon Supermarine and away to Corby Town with the visit of Yate Town on Friday night.  However, preparations with for the game were dealt a major blow when first choice keeper Ashley Morris was ruled out with a suspected fractured ankle, leaving goalkeeping coach Gary Haman the only available goalkeeper to don the gloves.  Merthyr fell behind on 4 minutes when Aaron Blackmore headed home from close range.  Worse was to follow for the Martyrs when on 7 minutes another far post cross was headed back across goal for Craig Davidge to hammer home from close range.  On 23 minutes the visitors went 3-0 when another defensive mix up allowed Josh Klein-Davis to nip in and score with ease. 

The Martyrs needed a response and with time running out in the first half a Gareth Wharton flick on was headed home by the unmarked Andrew Thomas to start the fight back.  On 54 minutes the Martyrs pulled another goal back when Jamie Rewbury thundered a free kick through a crowd of players into the back of the net from 15yards. Darren Davies was then sent off for two bookable offences however moments later the comeback was complete when Craig Steins fired home a volley from 8 yards.  On 75 minutes the visitors regained the lead through Adam Sims and a neat Blackmore finish condemned the Martyrs to only their second defeat at Penydarren Park this season.

HARRIS BRINGS HOME THE POINTS
10 NOVEMBER 2007

CORBY TOWN 0-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Matthew Harris showed his qualities again neting the only gal of the game at Corby. The 19 year old bagged his 5th goal of the season playing in an advanced midfield role.

U19s SHARE POINTS IN SIX GOAL THRILER
07 NOVEMBER 2007

PORT TALBOT U19s 3-3 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

Merthyr took a deserved lead on 12 minutes when the dangerous Kalim Ali weaved his way into the area and placed the ball past Lloyd Clement in the Port Talbot goal. A ball over the top by Merthyr led to their second goal as Chris Penny has on hand to make no mistake. Port Talbot hit straight back within minutes however as Josh Wannacott scored a superb header from a cross on 28 minutes. Sam Baker netted a brace to send his side into the lead.

On 75 minutes the referee gave the visitors a penalty for a push in the area but Chris Penny placed his spot kick over the bar. Port Talbot could not quite hold onto their lead however as Kalim Ali found himself in space and scored from close range to equalise on 80 minutes.

INTERNATIONAL MATTERS GET GAMES POSTPONNED
06 NOVEMBER 2007

Merthyr's first team game versus Bedford Town on 12th November has been postponned as 'Keeper Ashley Morris and Defender Jamie Rewbury (pictured) will be on international duty with the Welsh Semi Pro U23 team in Italy.

Midfielder Matthew Harris is also on stand by for the squad.

A GOOD AFTERNOON FOR YOUTH
04 NOVEMBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s 5-4 TREFOREST
PONTARDAWE 1-2 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

Luke Griffiths was the toast of the U18s at PP, as he won the game by completing his hat trick in stoppage time to win the game and keep up Merthyr's 100% start to their season. Strike partner Adam Cushen netted the side's other two goals. Manager Jon Henderson will however be concerned by the amount of goals his side is shipping at present.

The U19s moved into second spot in the league with a good win at Pontardawe. Merthyr's goals came from Ross Porter and Kalim Ali.

STIENS INSPIRES WIN
03 NOVEMBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL 3-1 SWINDON SUPERMARINE

Craig Stiens showed his class in the final ten minutes of the game, by netting the goal that put Merthyr ahead for the second time in the afternon, then setting up Matthew Harris for Merthyr's third.

The game had everything - disallowed goals for both sides and a missed penalty, Jamie Rewbury's spot kick hiting the post. Captain Andrew Thomas gave the Martyrs the lead in the 40th minute, smashing home a flick on from Gareth Wharton. The win dragged Merthyr out of the relegation zone and up to 15th position.

U19s BACK TO WINNING WAYS
31 OCTOBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 3-1 PENRHICEIBER

Only two days after the disappointment of losingin the FAW Youth Cup Merthyr bounced back towinning ways overcoimg Cieber at PP.

Trailing by a single goal at half time, Merthyr put in a determined second 45 minutes work to bag all thre point. Thomas Harris opened the scoring, turning home sharply after Adam Cushen hit hit the post. Ross Porter gave Merthyr the lead and Chris Penny netted late on from the penalty spot to seal the game.

U19s BOW OUT OF CUP
29 OCTOBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s 1-3 SWANSEA CITY

Merthyr's defence of the Welsh Youth Cup failed at the first hurdle. Despite putting in a creditable 90 minutes work it was Swansea who progressed to the third round.Oliver Hewitt-Fisher opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Hamza Ayanlet slipped and fouled him in the area in the 9th minute. Hamza made amends within three minutes when his slide rule pass played in Marcus Griffiths, who finished from 12 yards.

Fisher again put the Jacks ahead in the 73rd minute finishing off a fine breakaway. The final goal was scored in the 93rd minute when Casey Thomas pounced on a defensive lapse to seal the game.

OUT BUT NOT DISGRACED
27 OCTOBER 2007

PENTWYN DYNAMOS 4-6 MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s

Luke Griffiths netted 4 times to give his side their 9th straight league victory. Adam Cushen and Dale Evans also scored in this bruising encounter - Evans netting from inside his own half.

OUT BUT NOT DISGRACED
27 OCTOBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL 1-2 OXFORD UNITED

Merthyr bowed out of the FA Cup at the final qualifying stage after losing out to Oxford United at PP. In a tight first 45 minutes, Merthyr hit the woodwaork, but the main talking point of the half was the sending off of Mike Jones for a second yellow card. In the second 45, Jordan Rhodes netted when a deep cross found the top corner of Ashley Morris' net.

Substitute Marcus Griffiths pulled his side level in the 75th minute, but Rhodes netted once again in the 81st minute to send his side into the first round.

FA YOUTH CUP EXIT
24 OCTOBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s 0-1 GLOUCESTER CITY

Merthyr's under 18 side put in a disappointing 90 minutes work and the visitor took advantage of the dip in form to progress to the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup.

City scored the only goal of the game in the 75th minute when Ben Dowdswell scrambled the ball home after a melee in the Merthyr goalmouth. City face Swansea in the next round.

MIXED DAY FOR YOUTH
21 OCTOBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL U18s 12-0 YSTRAD MYNACH
WEST END 4-1 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

A mixed day for Merthyr's youth teams. The Under 19s came unstuck at West End. Chris Penny gave the Martyrs the lead in Town Hill, but the Swansea side were too strong for Merthyr.

At PP Adam Cushen netted 6 of his side's goals. Adam Lewis netted a brace, whilst Dale Evans, Luke Griffiths, Ben Richards and Ceri Morgan also scored. The win takes Merthyr to the top of the table.

TROPHY EXIT AT FIRST HURDLE
20 OCTOBER 2007

CHIPPENHAM 3-0 MERTHYR TYDFIL

Despite puting in a decent performance, Merthyr bowed out of the FA Trophy at the first hurdle. Two goals for Jake Reid on the stroke of half time killed off Merthyr's chances after they had dominated the opening 45 minutes. Aaron Cornwall scored the third on the hour mark to progress to Monday's draw.

FIRST HOME DEFEAT OF THE SEASON
15 OCTOBER 2007

MERTHYR TYDFIL 1-2 CLEVEDON TOWN

A tired performance at PP saw Merthyr sucumb to their first home defeat of the season. Andrew Thomas netted for Merthyr early in second half, but this was only to level matters after the visitors had taken the lead in the 39th minute through Mitchell Page.

Clevedon won the game in the 62nd minute when Chris Sylvester slotted home weakly to take all three points.

MARTYRS UNDONE AT DEATH BY REDS
15 OCTOBER 2007

LLANELLI 4-2 MERTHYR TYDFIL U19s

Merthyr put in their best performance of the season, but returned from Steboneath empty handed. Jordan Follows opened the scoring for the hame side after Ross Porter stumbled in the Merthyr defence. Within a minute Chris Penny had equalised for the Martyrs.

Before half time former Cardiff City striker Mark Jones put the home side ahead once more. Kalim Ali finished well to put the game level after 65 minutes. With minutes left on the clock and a draw looking inevitable, the Reds scored two breakaway goals - both looking very offside to win the game. Merthyr play last years runners up West End away on Sunday - Kick off 2.30pm

Merthyr's Welsh Cup tie versus Swansea City has been confirmed as Monday 29th October at 7.30pm

MERTHYR NET OXFORD IN FA CUP DRAW
15 OCTOBER 2007

Merthyr's reward for their excellent performance in