Merthyr Town

Why Merthyr Town

Here is the argument for Merthyr Town: Wales, England National League North, and a ground called Penydarren Park. A second team should give you something your first one cannot, and this is a different country's whole weather system.

• Close to the pitch

  Penydarren Park holds about 4,000. You can hear the defenders shouting at each other, which is the single best argument for lower-capacity football.

• You get a nickname

  Known as The Martyrs. That is your new shorthand, your search term and your excuse for buying a scarf.

• Worth the journey

  Nearest airport is Cardiff International Airport (CWL), roughly 39km out. This is not a casual away day, which is precisely why the people who do it take it seriously.

• The calendar you inherit

  England National League North is cold-weather football: mud in February, breath visible under the lights, and a fixture list that rewards anyone who sticks it out. Wales does not do easy neutrals.