The oldest football competition in the world continues this weekend. Having been founded in 1871, the FA Cup has been home to some of football’s most unforgettable moments. Spanning across the entire pyramid. With sides from the top ten tiers all able to enter. A handful of cup upsets, late minute winners and giant killings all playing their part. As shown by Hereford’s heroic victory against Newcastle united in 1972. More recently seen when National League Borehamwood beat Bournemouth by a single goal. Scored by club captain Mark Rickets, getting the Wood a trip to Goodison Park, shocking supporters for a once in a lifetime chance. After an action packed first round qualifying. It was time to make another draw, setting up fixtures for the second round. A handful of interesting outcomes for supporters to set their eyes on. None more so than Welsh club, Merthyr Town. Who will welcome Cirencester Town to Penydarren Park on Saturday 17th of September 2022. The winners set to receive £3,375 for a victory.
In their previous outing Merthyr Town took on Truro City. The Cornish based outfit making a familiar trip to South Wales, also competing in the Southern League Premier South. A team expected to win the division comfortably. Currently sat second in the table. Starting the season impressively, picking up fourteen points from a possible eighteen. Finding the net sixteen times in six encounters. Getting the game underway was goal for the host. Ricardo Rees finding the net once more, having been an inspired signing this summer, proving to be a fan favourite in his short time with the club. However, the momentum turned. The visitors scored two late goals before the break. Leaving spectators inside the stadium anticipating what was to come. Levelling it not long after the teams reappeared. Lewis Powell popped the ball into the goal, Ricardo Rees turning from scorer to assist maker on forty-seven minutes. Starting an incredible comeback. Goals from Lewis Powell, Yakubu and Ricardo Rees put Merthyr town through. Against a team who were clear favourites ahead of kick off. Sending shockwaves through the tiers. Reaching a phase further than the 2021/22 campaign, where they went out to lower placed Hamworthy United. Losing by two goals to nil. Following an initial draw at home. A crowd of just under two hundred spectators coming out on the Tuesday evening they excited the competition. 2016/17 the last time they made it to the third-round qualifying stage. Sparking the question, will the Welsh giants make it further this time around?
Speaking to supporters it was clear the magic of the cup still exists in south Wales. Harrison, a young Martyrs fan said the following when asked about his thoughts. ‘My thoughts on the fa cup are that it’s a historical competition won by many of the great teams down the years it holds a big place in many people’s hearts so every team should try to get as far as possible in it and hopefully Merthyr will get as far as possible (praying for first round proper) nothing beats a good cup run hopefully it will continue vs Cirencester on Saturday UTT’. A sentiment also seen when speaking long-time fan Andrew. Explaining his views on the cup, and a brief history behind the Martyrs previous runs. ‘Traditionally Merthyr have not been up for the cup with some abstract performances and the first-round proper not seen since 2005. However, under Paul Michael the club look a much better team than last season bolstered by new signings and the club enjoying a football renaissance on the terraces with 500 plus crowds for league matches. Home advantage always counts and with Ricardo Rees on fire at present we are hoping to be in the hat for the third-round qualifying draw’.
Also sharing their opinion was Louis Moore. Owner of iconic pages Twelfth man footy and the disturbed district. Two platforms which I highly recommend anyone reads. Remarking ‘It’s been at least 4 years since the last time we got through the first qualifying round of the FA Cup - always falling at the first hurdle! This new season has brought a sense of optimism under our new manager, Paul Michael - a feeling we haven’t had in a long-time at Merthyr. The 2nd half against Truro in the last round of the competition truly summed up the togetherness at Merthyr between players and fans. The better we were playing on the pitch, the more noise we were making in the stands and vice versa! Cirencester on Saturday will not be easy and I’m expecting another tense first-half like we saw a fortnight ago but if we play anything like we did in that second-half, we’ll be in the next round!’
Not only is the cup fever building for Merthyr fans in the Welsh town. The excitement can also be felt across the United Kingdom, fellow London based fan Nick said the following. ‘My first Merthyr game was funnily enough in the FA Cup away v Totton back in 2012. We were 3-0 down but came back to 3-2. I remember noticing Traylor specifically and thinking what a gem he was then! The FA Cup is always a dream for any non-league supporter. We haven’t had any decent cup runs since I’ve been supporting them. However, I always live in hope. The First round would be massive. There are so many big clubs that enter at that stage now. It would obviously be massive for the club to get there far for the extra gate receipts and money it would generate.
In terms of being a fan outside Merthyr. It’s great in the current league we are in as I live in London and therefore get to see a lot of away games. I had my 40th birthday at the club 4 years ago where 24 of us got a coach from Putney to Merthyr for a game! I often take my colleagues from work who have loved the non-league experience and been welcomed by the fans’
Having heard a range of perspectives it is clear the Penydarren Park crowd believe, the potential to reach the next round a possibility, in front of roaring crowd. With the game only a short distance away players will be in their final preparations. How do you see the match turning out at the final whistle? From the first whistle. To the very last. Come on you Martyrs!
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