Blues Match Preview: Merthyr Town v Chester FC

Chester FC travel to Merthyr Town tonight, looking to build on back-to-back wins over Spennymoor Town and Darlington.

The reverse fixture ended with the points shared as Tom Handley and Cole Jarvis cancelled out the Blues’ two-goal half-time advantage at the Deva.

The Opposition

The Martyrs have impressed following promotion to this level last term, with the club sat third, currently holding an 11-point buffer to the edge of the play-off spots.

Saturday saw the club strengthen their play-off hopes with an impressive 3-1 away win over Radcliffe, courtesy of a brace from Lewys Twamley and one from Alex John.

Form in 2026 has been inconsistent for Paul Michael’s side, as a three-game winning run to start the calendar year was followed by a four-match losing streak, before a run of 10 points over their six most recent outings.

The Gaffer

Paul Michael has gone from strength to strength since his appointment at Penydarren Park in 2022.

A consistent rise up the table in the SL Premier Division South was followed up by a title-winning campaign last term and this season’s impressive start to life in the National League North.

The 39-year-old’s managerial career prior to his move to Merthyr included spells at Cinderford Town and Yate Town, whilst his playing career was mainly focused in the Welsh footballing pyramid, with the likes of Haverfordwest County, Risca United, and Taffs Well.

One to Watch

Lewys Twamley has been crucial to the Martyrs’ positive campaign to date, having started in every league outing, and with 14 goals and 14 assists to his name.

The 22-year-old has made a huge impact in recent encounters, with five goals in his last five games, including ones in important wins over Bedford Town and Leamington, alongside his aforementioned brace against Radcliffe.

Cardiff born, Twamley moved to the Martyrs from National League outfit Yeovil Town last summer, having come through the youth ranks at EFL side Newport County.

League Form Guide

Merthyr Town | W21 D3 L13 | F83 A64 | Pos: 3rd

Last three

• Leamington (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Twamley, Ryan-Phillip
• Buxton (H) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Lucas
• Radcliffe (A) | W 3-1 | Scorers: Twamley x2, John

Chester FC | W14 D11 L12 | F54 A58 | Pos: 10th

Last three

• Hereford (A) | L 5-2 | Scorers: Shrimpton, Woods
• Spennymoor Town (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Shrimpton x2
• Darlington (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry, Shrimpton

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off at Penydarren Park will be at 19:45.

The postcode for the ground is CF47 8RF.