Merthyr Town begin their Emirates FA Cup campaign against Yate Town at Penydarren Park on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT

The Bluebells’ manager is John Rendell, who was appointed head coach back in October 2022.

During his playing career, Rendell started his career as a professional at Cardiff City and went on to play for Paulton Rovers, where he was involved in the 2004 promotion season into the Southern League.

He then gained promotion in similar fashion with Bitton AFC and has also had spells with Cinderford Town, Mangotsfield and Yate Town.

Switching to management in 2017, Rendell spent five years at Rovers taking them all the way into a play-off spot before making the switch to Lodge Road.

Since taking over Yate Town, Rendell has claimed some important signings including Sam Ashen, Will Sage and the re-signing of club captain, Darren Mullings.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR

The Bluebells opened their campaign with a 2-0 away defeat against Bashley before a narrow 3-2 loss to Malvern Town just four days later.

Having suffered a narrow defeat to Froome Town in their other league outing, John Rendell’s side earned their first point of the season on bank holiday Monday, as George Boxes’ equaliser earned his side a share of the spoils.

They made it to the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Holyport in the previous round.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER

Striker Kyle Tooze is an experienced striker within the Southern Football League.

The much-travelled 32-year-old striker returned for his second spell at Lodge Road in November 2022 scoring 6 goals in 20 appearances, with his playing time cut short with a mid-season injury. Kyle played for Yate back in 2018.

 He has also represented Melksham, Hungerford, Thatcham Town, Bristol Manor Farm, Swindon Supermarine, Bridgwater, Larkhall Athletic and Paulton Rovers.

FORM GUIDE

Merthyr Town - W W W W W W

Yate Town - D L W L L

PAST MEETING | MARTYRS vs. BLUEBELLS

Last season, the Martyrs played out a 2-2 draw away from home thanks to a late equaliser from Kieran Evans, before falling to a 2-1 home defeat in the reverse league fixture.

HOW TO FOLLOW

If you’re not able to make it to the game at Penydarren Park, you can keep up with the action by following live, play-by-play updates on our Twitter page.