The Swans head to Wales on Saturday afternoon to face league leaders Merthyr Town, having defeated Bracknell Town 2-0 on Boxing Day.

Stand-in goalkeeper Josh Blunkell was the hero of a stalemate first half, making two unbelievable saves to deny Bracknell the opener. Dawid Rogalski broke the deadlock for his side on the hour mark, with a fine finish into the top corner from Johl Powell’s cutback. With ten minutes remaining, the Polish Pele went from scorer to provider, when he squared for Nana Owusu to tap home a second for the Swans, putting the seal on the Swans’ first Boxing Day victory in over a decade.

Merthyr Town currently sit four points clear at the top of the Southern League Premier Division South, and were victorious in their last outing, beating Hungerford Town 3-1. The Martyrs were not so successful in their trip to the Hub back in August, as they fell to a 5-2 defeat to the Swans, with Nana Owusu netting an incredible hat-trick.

Buoyed by the Swans’ fine performance against The Martyrs earlier in the season, Billy Rowley will be vying for his side to complete an unlikely league double against the table-toppers on Saturday afternoon, as they are presented with the chance to make it three wins on the bounce in their chase for the promotion play-off spots. With Merthyr Town currently riding the crest of a wave following their 11th win in their last 12 league games, the Swans will have to do exceptionally well to depart South Wales with all three points.

Head-to-head
The Swans have met Merthyr Town on three occasions, with two of those meetings coming during last season’s league campaign. The Martyrs secured a 3-2 win at the Hub in the two sides’ first ever meeting, despite being reduced to ten men at the end of the first half. On the Swans’ first ever trip to Wales for the return fixture, Walton & Hersham put in a dominant performance but were forced to share the points, drawing 1-1. The Swans finally beat the Welsh side on their third attempt, winning 5-2 at the Hub earlier this season.

Match information
The game will kick off at 3pm on Saturday 28th December, at Penydarren Park – CF47 8RF. Tickets are available to purchase on the day at the gate, with either cash or card.

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