Merthyr Town Vice-Chairman, Mark Evans, was amongst the crowd at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Wednesday evening to cheer on Atalanta as they overcame the challenge of German outfit, Bayer Leverkusen, to lift the UEFA Europa League trophy.
A hat-trick from London-born Ademola Lookman gave the Italians a commanding 3-0 victory over opponents who, under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, had not lost for almost a year.
There has been a connection between the Pitching In Southern League Premier South outfit and their Serie A counterparts ever since 1987 when they took part in what has been described as one of the most memorable nights in Welsh football history.
It happened on September 16th 1987 when 8,000 spectators packed into Penydarren Park as the Martyrs played host to the Italian giants in the first round, first leg of the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Under the guidance of Lyn Jones, just like today, Merthyr Tydfil – as they were then known – were members of the Southern League. They qualified for European football for the first-ever time by virtue of lifting the Welsh Cup at the end of the 1986/87 campaign, the first time they had won this competition in almost 40 years.
Determined to be able to host European games in Merthyr, a fund-raising appeal was launched in the summer of 1987 as the whole town came together to ensure that the facilities at Penydarren Park were improved sufficiently to pass the necessary stadium inspections.
As the anticipation grew, the first round draw paired them with Atalanta who, despite suffering relegation from Serie A, had reached the Coppa Italia Final, losing out to a Napoli side that included a certain Diego Maradona.
But as Napoli had also won the League title for the first time that season, it was Atalanta who went into the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Despite their League struggles, they had some real talent within their ranks, the likes of captain, Carmine Gentile, Cesare Prandelli, who would later go on to manage the national team, and Sweden international, Glenn Stromberg.
It was a tie that really captured the imagination. At the time, English clubs were still banned from European competition in the wake of Heysel, so Merthyr were very much front and centre of the coverage throughout the UK.
With a capacity crowd packed into Penydarren Park, the atmosphere was electric and it took the Italians by surprise early on. They did manage to get into their stride after some nervy opening exchanges but fell behind with around ten minutes of the first half to go when Kevin Rogers fired home following a free-kick after the visitors’ ‘keeper was penalised for taking too many steps (remember those days!).
Further chances came and went for the Martyrs until Atalanta eventually equalised right on the stroke of half-time when Gary Wager saved well but could do little to prevent Domenico Progna from turning the rebound home.
It led to a spell of dominance from the Italians at the start of the second period, with Wager forced to make a number of important saves.
As the clock ticked down, it started to look as though Merthyr would be able to hold on for what would have been a memorable draw. That was until the 83rd minute. A foul on Chris Williams provided a free-kick in a promising position and as the visitors argued with the referee and amongst themselves, Ceri Williams fired goalwards and, with the aid of a deflection off Progna, the ball found its way into the net.
It was the cue for celebrations, the like of which had never been seen before in this part of South Wales, and when the final whistle finally sounded, those celebrations continued as the team earned their place in history.
The second leg in Italy saw the home side race into an early two-goal lead, but the expected glut of goals never materialised and Merthyr went close to forcing extra-time when Ceri Williams saw an effort hit the woodwork late on.
In the end, a 2-0 defeat meant an agonising 3-2 aggregate defeat for the Welshmen against opponents who went on to reach the semi-final of the competition.
The connection between the two clubs has remained ever since and there was a tremendous amount of pride in seeing them lift the UEFA Europa League crown.
“Atalanta are an amazing team,” said Mark Evans. “They have some fantastic players and are playing some great football.
“It was a real privilege to be at the Aviva Stadium to see them win on Wednesday evening to go alongside their position in the top five of Serie A.
“And to think, we not only played them at our ground, but also beat them! Maybe one day Merthyr Town will reach these heights? But for now it’s Forza Atalanta!”
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER