Following a disappointing away defeat against Southport, the Martyrs will be looking to get back to winning ways as AFC Telford United visit Penydarren Park for matchday 29 of the Enterprise National League North season. Despite the result last time out for Paul Michael's side, Merthyr still sit in 3rd place just 7 points off the top of the table. The visitors Telford United currently sit in 10th position just 2 points off the playoff positions. Last time out Telford hosted King's Lynn FC and picked up the 3 points as they won 2-1 with 2 first half goals.

Previous Encounters:

The only previous fixture between Merthyr and Telford came in the first half of this season as the Martyrs travelled to the SEAH stadium. It was a 6-goal thriller as Merthyr Town picked up the 3 points in a 4-2 victory following a superb display from Ricardo Rees who scored 4 goals on the night securing the win for the Martyrs.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT | KEY STAFF

Manager | Kevin Wilkin

Assistant Manager | Mark Noon

Manager Kevin Wilkin joined Telford in October 2022 after a successful 7-year tenure as Manager of Brackley Town in the National League North where he led his side to regular play off place finishes, two FA Cup 2nd Round Proper appearances and a FA Trophy victory in 2018. During his playing days Wilkin started at Cambridge City before making a move into the Football League and turning professional for Northampton Town. Throughout his time at Northampton Town Wilkin made 78 appearances and scored 11 times. After departing Northampton, Kevin Wilkin enjoyed spells at multiple clubs such as Rushden & Diamonds, Nuneaton Borough and Grantham Town while also returning to Cambridge City. Wilkin's managerial career started at Nuneaton Borough where he was appointed caretaker manager and was subsequently given the job on a permanent basis. The club was liquidated at the end of the 2007/08 season, and he was appointed manager of the reformed club where he guided them to a second-place finish in the Southern League Division One Midlands and promotion following a play-off final victory against Chasetown. Kevin Wilkin then guided the side to another promotion after defeating Chippenham Town in the play-off final which was rewarded with promotion to the Conference North. In 2012, he helped guide Nuneaton Borough to a 5th place finish in the league and a playoff victory against Gainsborough Trinity which saw the promoted to the Conference Premier. Kevin Wilkin's next role was at Conference Premier side Wrexham where he had a two-year contract. His first season in the job saw Wrexham finish 17th place but over the summer he completely re shaped the club through signings giving high expectations for the season ahead. However, Wilkin was sacked despite a strong FA Cup run and a FA trophy final appearance. After being sacked from Wrexham Wilkin was appointed manager of Brackley Town in 2015 where he spent seven years there which included success like winning the FA Trophy in 2018 against Bromley.

Assistant Manager Mark Noon spent much of his playing career in non-league. A brief stint at Tamworth was followed by a decade long spell at Nuneaton where he was a vital figure in Kevin Wilkin's promotion winning side in 2012. Unfortunately, in 2012 a serious leg break put an end to his playing career and Noon moved to the management side of football. Mark Noon worked as Coventry City's head of academy sport science for four years before taking the role as Kevin Wilkin's assistant manager at Nuneaton in 2013. Mark Noon then followed Kevin Wilkin to Brackley Town and AFC Telford United as he remains his assistant manager.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT | SEASON SO FAR

Following promotion from Southern League Premier Central AFC Telford United have had a positive season so far which sees them just 2 points outside the playoff places. Since the previous fixture between Merthyr and Telford, Telford have had a great run of form which has seen them jump up from 16th place to 10th place with the opportunity to jump into the top 7 if they win their game in hand. The first fixture after the defeat to Merthyr, Telford travelled to Macclesfield where they were held to a 1-1 draw despite taking an early lead. Telford had to wait another 2 games to pick up a victory as they lost 2-1 away at Marine and drew 1-1 at home against lead leaders South Shields. Telford brought their poor run of form to an end as they thrashed Oxford City 4-0 at home and then they used this momentum to go 6 games unbeaten in the league where they won 4 and drew twice. Their victories in this run came against the likes of Leamington, Buxton and Chester. In the 3 games prior to travelling to South Wales, Telford have been on a run of good form, but it started with a loss as they headed to Kidderminster Harrier but were defeated 3-0. Kevin Wilkin's side instantly bounced back from this defeat as they demolished Curzon Ashton away from home by a staggering score line of 8 goals to nil. They then backed up this performance with another win as they defeated King's Lynn Town 2-1 following first half goals from Matt Stenson and James Meddows. Their successful league season has also been partnered with a FA Trophy run which has seen Kevin Wilkin's side defeat the likes of National League side Altrincham and National League South side Chesham United and Hornchurch and the next round of the competition sees them take on National League side Yeovil Town. The top goal scorer for Telford so far this season is attacker Matt Stenson who has scored 13 goals so far this season.