South vs North.

Words: Andy Evans

Images: Andy Evans

With the rain driving in, and mist swirling around on the hills behind Penydarren Park, you could have been forgiven for thinking that Merthyr Town's first pre-season game of the season, was being played in Winter rather than in July. 

However, as the locals know, Merthyr has it's own microclimate. Three seasons in one day is often the norm. The folk here are of a tough breed and despite the weather, there was a fusion of shorts and flip flops, paired with Peter Storm rain jackets.

The ground itself was once the site of a Roman fort and rather than Roman soldiers camped ready to do battle with the local Silurians, it was the visitors from North Wales CPD Porthmadog FC and their supporters who made the long trip down from North Wales to play the Martyrs in this pre-season encounter. 

Non-league, as we know, throws up some tremendous grounds, and it is no surprise that for many football fans Penydarren Park is talked about positively.

In a time where old grounds are being replaced by all-seater modern stadia, there is a nostalgia, something tangible with a bygone age about standing on the sweeping terraces at Merthyr, and looking out on the hills around the ground.  

There is a bar in a modern stand, a garden of remembrance behind the Theatre End, proper terracing and a sticker corner embracing the modern football culture. You almost see something new on every visit, even the grandstand had a recent update with seats from Griffin Park the former home of Brentford FC.

With the rain lashing down, it was the hosts who looked the better team, Paul Michael rotated the squad, and it was the Martyrs’ quality that shone through and saw them run out 6-0 winners. It's always great to enjoy the cricket and a summer break but truth be told, it is wonderful seeing football back and supporters planning trips ahead for the forthcoming season. 

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Merthyr Town.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Merthyr Town.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Merthyr Town.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Merthyr Town.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Merthyr Town.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Merthyr Town.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Merthyr Town.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Merthyr Town.

Andy is on Twitter: @wscevans and Instagram: @andythephotos