For the third year in a row, my football season officially started with the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round. This year it was a trip to Portsmouth to see Baffins Milton Rovers host Shaftesbury. The game ended in a 1-1 draw with a replay to follow midweek.

Another tough away game for Merthyr, so great to secure 3 more points on the road. Unbeaten in the league since August and 10 points clear, but still a long way to go 😬

Great away win for Merthyr at Havant & Waterlooville, who had been unbeaten at home all season.

🎄CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY
To win a copy of the 2nd edition of my book ‘Los Leones’ simply retweet this and give me a follow. It includes an epilogue about the #CopaDelRey win & the celebrations that followed, with contributions from @sidlowe.bsky.social, Andoni Goikoetxea & more. #AthleticClub

The short journey to Totton on the shortest day of the year for an entertaining pre-Christmas derby against Sholing. Sholing scored within 30 seconds, but Totton eventually found a winner in the 94th minute.

Amazing second half performance by Merthyr Town, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 6-1 victory. 60 goals up already and still top of the league.

Lovely to witness the redemption of Paul Onuachu. Tyler Dibling is going to be some player. Arne Slot’s Liverpool are very good. Great game at St Mary’s, just a shame about the final score 🔴⚪️

Had to manage a dodgy hamstring, so didn’t finish the year with as fast a time as hoped. But #Southampton10K was a great event again and a very nice medal this year 🏟️🏃‍♂️🏁🏅

Dorchester (a)- one of my favourite Southern League away days so far- seems a good opportunity for a first post.

A 2-2 draw and recent performance for the #Martyrs that keeps them top of the league.a