We continue our summer study of the clubs joining the National League North for the 2025/26 season, and today we’re focusing on a brand-new opponent for Moors…
How did they get here?
Merthyr Town secured promotion from the Southern League Premier South in the penultimate game of the season as they ran out 3-0 winners against Hungerford.
That win confirmed their status as league champions, amassing an impressive 91 points across the season and finishing three points clear of runners-up AFC Totton.
Despite promotion being assured, the Welsh outfit had to wait nearly a month to find out what league they would play their football in for the upcoming season, with their National League North status confirmed on 15th May.
Where do they play?
Merthyr Town Community Stadium (Pennydarren Park) has been The Martyrs’ home since the club reformed in 2010, having previously hosted Merthyr Tydfil until its liquidation in the same year.
The stadium (built in the early 1900s) has previously held other sporting events, notably rugby and greyhound racing.
The Martyrs had an average gate of 1,277 last term as they charged to promotion glory.
Merthyr also represents Moors’ longest away trip of the new campaign, with just over 300 miles separating the two sides’ grounds.
Who is in charge?
Martyrs manager, Paul Michael, was appointed back in April of 2022, having stepped down from his role at Yate Town.
The Welshman guided his side to a 9th place finish during the 2022/23 campaign, his first full season in charge, before finishing just one point outside of the play-offs the following year.
Michael will now lead Merthyr Town into the National League North next season, as they look to consolidate their place in the sixth tier.
When did we last meet?
This season will be the first to hold a competitive meeting between the two sides.
Written by Noah Betts
Photo Credit: Becky Handley
