Peterborough Sports have plans in place to cause a shock in South Wales

Brown is full of admiration for how Merthyr have tackled their first season at step two level. They were impressive when winning 3-0 at Sports in the reverse fixture in August – before Brown arrived – but they will facing a much different team tomorrow, albeit one still stuck in the relegation zone.

Merthyr are third, just three points off top spot, and they are the highest scorers in the division with 62 goals in 26 outings, seven more than any other team.

Sports, who have booked an overnight stay in Wales ahead of the game, have scored just 27 goals in their 24 matches and they haven’t played since a 0-0 home draw with fellow strugglers Oxford City on December 30.

Brown described the training work done since than as a ‘pre-season in mid-season.’ One advantage of a three-week break is the chance for injuries to heal and captain Dan Jarvis, central defender Charlie Hickingbottom and striker Ben Beresford are all progressing nicely, although former manager Michael Gash has suffered a setback in his battle against a ligament issue.

Brown told Peterborough Community Radio: “Merthyr are flying high, they play some great football and they are very fluid with their formations. We’ve watched them about six times and it’s admirable what they’ve achieved since winning promotion to this division. They’ve really out a marker down and fair play to them for that.

"I’m told they were very good at our place, but they will see a different team tomorrow. They will hopefully feel that in the first 15 minutes or so as we have to get in their faces when they have the ball. For the remaining 75 minutes I hope they see a good footballing side against them because we can play.

"They are a well supported club and Wales v England games are always a passionate affairs, but we are going to be robust and meet the challenge the head on.”