Following back-to-back defeats for Paul Michael's side, the Martyrs travel to 5th placed Darlington on matchday 30 of the Enterprise National League North season with the hopes of returning to winning ways. Last time out Merthyr were defeated 4-1 at home against Telford United in a game that saw both Lee Lucas and assistant manager Andrew Smith sent off. The hosts Darlington were held to a draw in their last outing as they faced Worksop Town away from home and drew 1-1 despite taking an early lead just 4 minutes in.

Previous encounter:

In the last fixture between the two sides, the Martyrs were victorious. The first key moment of the game came in the 16th minute as Darlington defender Tye Barton was show a red card. Merthyr then went on to open the scoring through a goal from captain Matthew Harris which was swiftly followed up with a second goal from Cawley Cox to give Merthyr a 2-goal lead at half time. With just 20 minutes left of the tie, Darlington pulled a goal back as attacker Jack Maskell halved the deficit. However, the 3 points were sealed for the Martyrs just over 10 minutes later as Noah Smerdon scored to make it 3-1 to the home side.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT- KEY STAFF

Manager- Steve Watson

Assistant Manager- Terry Mitchell

Manager Steve Watson was appointed manager of Darlington in December 2023, and he successfully steered the club away from relegation which led to him signing a two-year extension with the club. Prior to his managerial career had a successful playing career where he played in the Premier League and Football League for clubs such as Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton, West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday. Watson began his playing career with Newcastle United and made his first team debut as a substitute against Wolves in 1990 and at the time set the record for the youngest player to ever play for Newcastle. Following his time at Newcastle Watson was transferred to Aston Villa for a fee of £4 million in October 1998. Steve Watson spent just approximately 2 years at Aston Villa before making a move to Everton where he was sold for a £2.5 million transfer fee. Watson had a successful time at Everton making 126 appearances and scoring 14 goals. In July 2005 Steve Watson signed for West Brom on a free transfer where he spent 2 years making 42 appearances and scoring just once. Watson's final club of his playing career was Sheffield Wednesday where he originally joined on loan but soon became a permanent transfer. Unfortunately, Sheffield Wednesday decided to release Watson due to long-term injury problems which lead to Watson's retirement. Watson's first coaching role came as he was appointed development coach at League One club Huddersfield Town in 2010 where he joined up with former teammate Lee Clark. Then just two years later Watson was appointed as a coach at championship club Birmingham City however, he was dismissed on the 20th of October 2014. Following a 2-year break from coaching Steve Watson picked up the role of assistant manager at National League club Macclesfield Town in July 2016.  Following only 1 year at Macclesfield Town, Watson was appointed as manager of National League side Gateshead in October 2017 before achieving the manager role at National League North side York City in January 2019. During the time at York City Watson earned himself the National League North manager of the month award in October 2021 after a spell of 3 wins from 4. Watson then left the club in November 2021. Following his departure from York City, Watson then joined Chester in December 2021, but he was only there until April 2022 after the club confirmed that Watson would leave his role as manager by mutual consent. In December 2023 Watson joined Darlington FC to steer the club clear from relegation which was successful and earned himself and his assistant a two-year contract extension at the end of the 23/24 season. Also, during his time at Darlington Watson claimed the National League North manager of the month award for April 2024.

Terry Mitchell was appointed as assistant manager of Darlington FC in January 2024. Mitchell has a wealth of experience in football management which includes guiding Northern League Consett to the FA Vase final in Wembley and managing Blyth in the National League North. Mitchell has also coached at Gateshead, Stockport County and Newcastle United. Prior to his appointment he was working at Workington, who he helped win promotion from the NPL West to the NPL Premier division.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT- SEASON SO FAR

Since the away defeat against the Martyrs, Darlington have had a very successful season which now sees them sit in 5th position. 'The Quakers' immediately bounced back from the defeat at Penydarren Park as they host Worksop Town and picked up a 5-1 victory with goals from Aidan Rutledge, Will McGowan, Max Howells, Charlie Lennon and Jack Maskell. Their next fixture was a tough task as they travelled away to Kidderminster. Despite a tight encounter, Darlington were victorious as midfielder Matthew Cornish slotted home in the 92nd minute to pick up the 3 points away from home in a 2-1 victory. 'The Quakers' continued their good run of form for the next 4 games in a run that saw them beat Peterborough Sports 5-2, Spennymoor Town 1-0, Bedford Town 4-3, alongside a 3-3 draw with Curzon Ashton. However, their good run of results was brough to an abrupt end as they were demolished 5-1 away at Oxford City followed with a 1-1 draw with King's Lynn Town. Their next win came away at Scarborough Athletic as a first half goal from Toby Lees was enough to take the 3 points back to Darlington. In their last 4 games prior to hosting Merthyr, 'The Quakers' have picked up 7 points from a possible 12. During this run, Steve Watson's side were defeated 2-1 by league leaders South Shields but they bounced back by picking up back-to-back victories against Alfreton Town and Chorley before their latest fixture that saw them draw 1-1 away at Worksop. The top goal scorer for Darlington this season is attacker Cedric Main who has bagged himself 9 goals so far this campaign.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT- 2025/26 SQUAD

Goalkeepers- Peter Jameson, Liam Mcgrath, Rory Watson

Defenders- Scott Barrow, Tye Barton, Elliot Forbes, Kallum Griffiths, Ben Hedley, Toby Lees, Alfie Myers-Smith, Josh Scott

Midfielders- Matty Cornish, Will Hatfield, Max Howells, Will Maddison, Will Mcgowan, Paddy Mclaughlin, Liam Murray, Tom Platt, Ellis Stanton

Attackers- Tom Allan, Matthiew Kirokiro, Cedric Main, Jack Maskell, Jack Mortimer, Aidan Rutledge, Tom Tweedy

Match Details:

Date- Saturday 31st January 2026

Competition- Enterprise National League North

Time- 15.00

Stadium- Blackwell Meadows Stadium