Merthyr v Swindon Supermarine

Merthyr seek to win for the first time at home this season in the league with a 3pm start. Their three league wins at home were from two in midweek and the other from a noon kick-off. They triumphed twice at home in FA Cup games.
This mid-table battle won't be easy. Merthyr will seek revenge after a 2-0 loss to Marine away at the end of August.That was their last defeat in the league on their travels, a good record. But players and fans will be desperate for a January 2 win.

Supermarine manager Leigh Spalding:"Merthyr away is probably one of the toughest games of the season for any team to be honest with you.“

“They’re good on their pitch, they know how to play on the 3G surface. They move the ball well, there manager, Paul Michael, got them very well organised and they’re in very good form at the moment, so it’s going to be a really tough afternoon and we’re going to have to make sure when we go there, we’re at our best.“

Martyrs won 2-1. A hard fought 3 points
Well done lads

Curtis Jemmett-Hutson made it 1-0 on 24 minutes after a bad back pass by Marine left the goalkeeper in trouble, and the Merthyr forward drilled home.
Into first-half stoppage time and Frazer Thomas weaved through with the result that the visitors conceded an own goal.
Harry Williams, Swindon top scorer, easily netted from a 85th minute penalty but Merthyr held firm to take the points and return to 10th in the table.
Attendance 727.

Good to see former player Ashley Evans there.

A good day all round today, to welcome in the year 2023 to Penydarren Park. A very encouraging Bank Holiday attendance, (750+) along with a long awaited dry day at last. The gritty performance to produce the three points was the icing on the cake. Other results went our way too, seeing us climb to tenth position. The post match interview with Paul Michael was also positive, with precise questions and answers given and up to date news on the missing players and thoughts on possible new recruits. Can’t ask for anything more……. Cheers!

* (700+)

...And there was a big crowd in Webley's Bar after the game which must have helped the finances. Only Gosport, Salisbury and Weston-super-Mare had bigger crowds- the latter a bumper 1,234.
A regular Merthyr crowd of 700 plus would do a lot for the club. They continue to draw supporters from outside the borough!

It was later confirmed that Marine keeper Liam Armstrong broke his foot in a challenge which led to Merthyr's first goal. Marine's overall view of the game was that luck was not on their side.