Merthyr Town return to Southern League Premier South action when they face Gosport Borough on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

The Martyrs face Boro at Penydarren Park with both sides looking to continue their positive starts to the season.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT

Joe Lea is one of the joint managers in charge of Boro. As a player, after being released by Southampton as a youngster, Lea was snapped up by Yeovil Town and made his professional debut on August 26, coming on as a substitute against Everton in the League Cup. After struggling to break into the first team, loan moves to Dorchester and Gosport followed and he signed for Bognor Regis Town in 2017 - following his release by the Glovers. Joe then returned to Privett Park permanently partway through the 2017/2018 season, converting himself into a tireless right-back the following campaign. He also heads up Boro’s Centre of Excellence with Pat Suraci.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR

The Privett Park outfit have enjoyed a strong start to the Southern League Premier South season winning six of their opening eight matches. Despite a draw against Walton & Hersham on bank holiday Monday, Boro have enjoyed success against Plymouth Parkway, Bracknell Town, Hungerford Town and Sholing. The visitors currently sit in second place in the league, a point above the Martyrs having played a game more.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER

Boro legend Dan Wooden first joined the club all the way back in 2010 after impressing coach Tony Stares during his time at Moneyfields. Operating as a left winger or striker, Woody helped the Boro to back-to-back promotions from the Southern League Division One South & West to the Conference South - both via the playoffs.

The success kept on coming as well, with Dan featuring in the 2014 FA Trophy final at Wembley and in an FA Cup First Round tie against Colchester United. After a fruitful spell, he rejoined Moneyfield in 2017 before moving to AFC Portchester, where he reunited with former Boro’ boss Mike Catlin. Wooden finally returned home to Privett Park this summer, much to the delight of the fans.

FORM GUIDE

Merthyr Town - W W W L D W

Gosport Borough - W W L W L W

PAST MEETING | MARTYRS vs. BORO

A memorable fixture for the Martyrs came back in 2019 when goals from Ryan Prosser, Ian Traylor and Kieran Lewis secured a 3-0 away victory.

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.

BBC Radio Wales will also be broadcasting live from the club, with Ian Hunt providing live updates of the game on Radio Wales Sport from 2pm. Listen here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001qc77