With a little over two weeks of the season left both promotion and relegation issues are occupying most observers’ minds. With AFC Totton dropping two points at Taunton on Tuesday evening it is hard to see anyone other than Merthyr winning the automatic promotion place. The fourth play-off place looks like it is going to either Havant & Waterlooville or Dorchester Town. At the foot of the table Marlow have already had relegation confirmed and the seven clubs above them are involved in the dog-fight to keep away from the drop zone and the three remaining relegation places.

As we go in search of the vital points that will earn our safety, we make the long trip to Merthyr, hoping that we can be the first side to take all three points away from Penydarren Park this season.

The Martyrs missed out on a play-off spot by a single point last season, they finished on 67 points with Bracknell on 68 points. They quickly put this disappointment behind them and got the new season off to a flying start by putting 6 goals past visitors Tiverton Town on the opening day of the new campaign and have been in the top three ever since. From their 19 home games they have earned a massive 45 points, 13 wins and 6 draws. They have dropped to third in the form table picking up 13 points from the last six matches. Perhaps surprisingly they lost their last match 2-1, away at Hanwell Town. The Martyrs have scored 98 goals so far this season and will no doubt be looking to reach the very impressive 100.

Largely responsible for the impressive league form is the club top scorer and the league’s leading marksman, the in-form Ricardo Rees. He has scored 31 goals so far this season. He began his career at Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City and became a regular in the Robins’ under-23 side before his release in the summer of 2020. He was signed by Paul Michael in June 2022. Ricardo has been ably supported by Kane Simpson who has chipped in with 17 goals for the season.

Merthyr appointed Paul Michael as their manager in April 2022, recruiting him from Yate Town where he had taken them close to a play-off place. He made an immediate impact by lifting them into ninth place in the 2022/23 season which was a significant improvement on the season before. As I said previously, he followed this up with a finish one place outside of the play-offs in 2023/24 season. He and the club will be delighted if or when promotion is confirmed.

Speaking after the win over Marlow, Pat & Joe emphasised the need to continue the consistency that the team has shown in recent matches. This consistency has led to creating more chances and a more fluid and stylish performance. They urged the team to keep on the front foot and to maintain the style of attacking football that has given us positive results at home and away.

Pat & Joe stressed the importance of the whole squad and highlighted the impact that substitutes such as Oakley Hangar can make on a game, irrespective of how long that they are on the pitch for.

So, sit tight for a thrilling end to the season with just two home and two away matches to come and so much depending on them.

Enjoy the game

Neil Welington.