Words: James Ede, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY make the long trip to South Wales this weekend to face high-flying Merthyr Town at Penydarren Park.
Both sides are looking for their first win in three, with the Magpies coming off two defeats and a 1-1 draw with Leamington on Tuesday night, and the Martyrs having suffered three straight losses.
Although Paul Michael’s side sit third in the Enterprise National League North, they are still dealing with the departure of star man Ricardo Rees, and more recently Cole Jarvis. Having said that, The Martyrs have signed four attacking players, three this week.
Last Time Out
Andy Preece’s side had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Leamington in midweek as early goals from Anjola Popoola and Max Brogan for either side cancelled each other out at Victory Park.
The hosts made the early breakthrough in the eighth minute through Popoola, with the on-loan Accrington Stanley striker poking home for his second goal for the club.
But the visitors fought back quickly, Brogan converting just two minutes later.
The first half continued in a lively fashion with Taelor O’Kane and Jack Griffiths having shots blocked and referee Oliver Noonan handing out five yellow cards.
Noonan also waved away three penalty shouts from the Magpies, with Popoola, twice, and Calveley involved in challenges inside the box.
Chorley dominated possession in the second half and had several chances with Popoola’s effort wide and Harry Ibbitson’s smothered shot the hosts’ best opportunities.
Max Wilson also fired a sharp volley towards goal in added time but it was too comfortable for Rogan Ravenhill in the Leamington goal.
Overall, the home side were made to rue their missed opportunities as the Brakes slowed time down and, despite referee Noonan playing six additional minutes, they were unable to find a winner.
The Magpies now sit 15th in the table, ten points off the play-offs.
Opposition Focus
The Martyrs’ excellent run of form at the back end of 2025 continued at the turn of the New Year but they have stumbled to three defeats in a row recently, coming up short against Southport, AFC Telford United and Darlington.
Conceding seven goals in their past two games, they have let in 10 more goals than the Magpies this season but do hold claim to the league’s best attack.
Frontman Rees had an electric start to the season, scoring 25 goals in 24 games to earn himself a move to Step 1 side Forest Green Rovers, and is still the division’s top scorer.
Midfielder Lewys Twamley has chipped in with 10 goals, with forward Cawley Cox close behind on eight.
As well as losing Rees, they also saw midfielder Cole Jarvis depart recently, heading to fellow Welsh outfit Newport County.
Head coach Paul Michael has been in charge since April 2022, having previously taken charge of Yate Town and Cinderford.
The club was reformed in 2010 after the liquidation of Merthyr Tydfil FC and they have since progressed from Step 6 to Step 2.
Head-to-Head
This weekend’s fixture will be just the second game between the sides, with the hosts having come away with all three points from October’s encounter thanks to a brace from Rees. That game was a rather unique affair in that Saturday's hosts played in Chorley's away kit, having forgotten their kit upon departure.
Match Details
Merthyr Town vs Chorley
Enterprise National League North
Saturday, February 7
3pm kick-off
Penydarren Park, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8RF
