It's another matchday in the Enterprise National League North and the Martyrs host 13th placed Darlington. Merthyr Town enter this fixture following an impressive 2-0 away victory at Chorley with Ricardo Rees bagging a brace to seal the deal and take the Martyrs back to winning ways. Visitors Darlington also enter this fixture following a victory as 'The Quakers' defeated Southport FC 2-0 despite being reduced to 10 men.

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 mov e 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 in an attempt 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

Darlington started their 2025/26 season on the wrong foot after losing 3-2 at home to Chorley FC. However, Steve Watson's side instantly bounced back by picking up a 3-0 away win at Alfreton Town which they hoped would kick start their campaign. Despite this, 'The Quakers' followed up the victory by going 4 games without a win which saw them lose to Fylde and Macclesfield while drawing to King's Lynn and AFC Telford Town. Darlington's second win of the season came on the 2nd of September as they defeated Marine 4-1 away from home in a statement victory which was then followed by two consecutive home 1-1 draws against Hereford and Chester FC. Then in the 4 league games prior to the Merthyr Town clash Darlington have picked up 2 victories against Leamington and Southport but they have also been handed 2 defeats which came against Buxton and Radcliffe. The top goal scorer for Darlington so far this season in the league is Jack Maskell who has scored 6 goals so far.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT- 2025/26 SQUAD

Goalkeepers | Peter Jameson, Liam Mcgrath, Darryl Ombang

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

Midfielders | Matty Cornish, Will Hatfield, Max Howells, Charlie Lennon, Will Maddison, Will McGowan, Paddy Mclaughlin, Liam Murray, Tom Platt

Attackers | Tom Allan, Matthiew, Cedric Main, Jack Maskell, Jack Mortimer, Alan Rutledge

Match Details

Date | Saturday 1st November 2025

Competition | Enterprise National League North

Time | 15:00

Stadium | Penydarren Park