The Peacocks take a break from National League commitments when they travel to Merthyr Town tomorrow evening (15th September) in the 2nd Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup, ko 7.45pm.
Town have been exempt up until this stage and now enter the competition with three rounds having already been played. They couldn’t have wished for a more testing tie to begin though with the Welsh side having made an excellent start in the Southern League Premier South and having disposed of Yate Town 5-1 in the previous round of the competition. After winning their opening six League fixtures whilst scoring 19 goals in the process, the Martyrs suffered their first defeat of the campaign at the weekend when Chesham United who had also won six out of six made it seven from seven after departing Penydarren Park with a 3-1 victory.
That result will have zero impact on tomorrow’s cup meeting as the Peacocks look to improve their unbeaten run to eight competitive matches and bag the £3,375 prize money on offer for the winners in front of what is expected to be a large crowd. Last weekend’s win at Tonbridge Angels signified Town’s first victory on the road this season and a similar result tomorrow would be ideal as they seek to emulate last season’s run to the 1st Round Proper. However, the Peacocks have a very poor record at Penydarren Park, with their most recent visit last year producing their first victory there in memory.
Head of Football Rob Dray names an unchanged squad from the Tonbridge game, with the welcome addition of Jay Foulston who is involved for the first time in six months since being injured at Welling United last season. The Town boss commented:” It’s a massive FA Cup game tomorrow and one we know we have to be right on the money for. They have had a great start to the season and have some very capable players, so the scene is set for an upset. Therefore it is vitally important we turn up in the right frame of mind and don’t switch off at any stage. Our levels have been high recently so we must treat it as another National League game. We have dished out cup beatings to teams from the league above so we don’t want to feel that emotion of losing tomorrow.”
Traveller Info
Ground: Penydarren Park, Park Terrace, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8RF
Ground to Ground: 96.3 miles
Directions: Leave the M4 at Junction 32 and join the A470 to Merthyr Tydfil. After approx. 22 miles at the fourth roundabout take 3rd exit. At next roundabout take first exit and go straight on through two sets of traffic lights. At third set turn left (ground signposted Merthyr Tydfil FC from here). After 50 yards take first right, then first right just after Catholic Church into Park Terrace. The ground is at the end of the road approx. 200 yards on.
Admission: Adults £12, Over 65’s £9, Under 16’s £2
Please note there are no online ticket sales, all payments to be made at the gate.
Peacocks Radio: live commentary will be available on Peacocks Radio
Last meeting: the Peacocks last met the Martyrs on 8th March 2022, following up a 3-0 Southern League win at Penydarren Park the previous month with a 2-1 victory at Wordsworth Drive. Jared Lewington gave the Peacocks the lead before Elliot Richards equalised before the break. However Ross Stearn’s goal seven minutes into added time secured the points. Relive the match highlights HERE