EVEN eight years on, it still seems scarcely credible that two of British football’s best known TV pundits turned out for Welshpool Town in the Spar Mid Wales League.

But in early 2012, when a young, struggling Lilywhites team complained a result caused chuckles in Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday studio due to a quip by presenter Jeff Stelling, former Stoke City manager Chris Kamara was despatched to mid Wales, followed by former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson, to help.

Kamara made his debut in a 6-1 defeat against Rhayader before he, aged 54, and Merson, then 44, took the field at Maes Y Dre for a clash against Newbridge on Wye.

Welshpool lost 4-1, but Merson did open the scoring when he headed Mike Cockrams left-wing cross into the bottom corner.

Running out at Maes Y Dre is a long way from stepping up to take a penalty in a World Cup shootout, but Merson said he enjoyed the occasion.

“It was a disappointing result, but they’re a good team and they scored two ‘worldy’ goals that would grace any game,” he said.

“They’re good lads and Newbridge are a good side. Our boys should walk off with their heads held high though, they didn’t let themselves down”

He added: “I dont get too many headers but its always nice to score.”

Kamara hailed the performance as an improvement on his first appearance for the Lilywhites and said the players could be proud of their efforts.

He said: “I was pleased, it was a better first half and that was a real plus point. You know the lads gave it their all. To their credit they gave everything, there’s nothing more the manager can ask. They gave him the lot but they just weren’t quite good enough.”

Welshpool manager Dave Jones said: “I was stunned when they said that Paul Merson fancied a game and when I told the lads they were buzzing. It was fantastic that both players took time out to play for Welshpool.”

l You can share your memories of the duo's appearances in the Mid Wales League by emailing news@countytimes.co.uk.