MEDIA WATCH EVESHAM

MERTHYR Town are faced with a gruelling run of fixtures to start the new year after having their last three fixtures postponed.

The Martyrs will play eight matches during January as they try to catch up lost ground behind the leading clubs.

Their next fixture is against Evesham at Penydarren Park tomorrow (3pm) and Merthyr are still intent on chasing down a third successive promotion.

Hungerford Town stand top and they are a team the Martyrs have already knocked out of the FA Cup and beaten 4-0 away in an EvoStik Southern League match earlier this month.

Merthyr’s joint managers Garry Shephard and Danny Carter prepared their team for away matches against Cinderford Town on Boxing Day and Shortwood United on Saturday, but both were called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

That followed the postponement of Merthyr v Swindon Supermarine.

Now they must play twice a week through January, starting at home against Evesham United tomorrow (New Year’s Day 3pm).

Merthyr’s match at Cinderford has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 5 (7.45pm), while their trip to Shortwood United is on Tuesday, February 26 (7.45pm).

The full list of Merthyr Town fixtures during January is: Tomorrow v Evesham (H, 3pm); Saturday 5 v North Leigh (A); Tuesday 8 v Bridgwater Town (A); Saturday 12 v Mangotsfield United (H, 3pm); Tuesday 15 v Cirencester Town (H, 7.45pm); Saturday 19 v Taunton Town (A, 3pm); Saturday 26 v Clevedon Town (H, 3pm); Tuesday 29 v Taunton Town (H, 7.45pm).

Wales Online

Evesham United bid to keep run going
Worcester News

EVESHAM United look to start the new year as they ended the last at Merthyr Town today (3pm).

The Robins wrapped up 2012 with a 1-0 Boxing Day victory over Bishop’s Cleeve at the Spiers and Hartwell Jubilee Stadium.

Paul West’s side were without a game last Saturday so will be raring to build on that success in Wales and stretch their unbeaten run to three Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West games in the process.

West said: “It was a tough game in difficult conditions and was always going to be a tight affair. We were delighted to get the right result and we move on.”

Left-sided attacker Will Gayton, who has returned to the Robins after coming through their youth system, is set to keep his place after making his debut against former club Bishop’s Cleeve on Boxing Day.

West said: “He’s a good signing, a player who I have liked for a long time and I am delighted to get him in. It’s an added bonus to see a local lad in there who has come through the Evesham youth system.”

Striker Carl Brown returns from suspension but midfielder Simon Fitter still has two games of a three-match ban to serve.

Forward Roland Agbor has recovered from a broken wrist but is expected to be given more training sessions before returning to first-team action.