FEW people these days have heard of the remarkable football career of Powys border football star Merrick Corfield.

Corfield was born in Churchstoke in 1944 and his football talent soon saw him earn the attention of Newtown Football Club where he made a name for himself in the Mid Wales League.

He joined Oswestry in 1961 and played alongside Dick Jones, Jerry Broadhead, Micky Ryan, Jonny Sparks and Gavin Rogers.

Having played for five seasons in the Cheshire League, Corfield played against the likes of Wigan, Altrincham and Macclesfield.

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The midfielder spent five years with Oswestry and defeated Shrewsbury Town in one of his earlier career highlights.

He regaled the tale to TNS Football Club in 2016, saying: "We beat a Shrewsbury team featuring Arthur Rowley in the Shropshire Senior Cup at The Gay Meadow which was a particular highlight."

Corfield relished his time playing for Oswestry Town and held the club's long-lost Victoria Road Ground in high regard.

"It was a magic ground squashed between the cemetery, gas works and the road. It also had the most terrible changing rooms with a bath that was indescribable," he said.

Corfield was destined for bigger and better things and in 1968 scored both goals in a 5-2 defeat against Macclesfield.

Corfield said: "After the game when we were having a drink and they said would you like to sign for Macclesfield. I said yes and a week later I joined them before going on to play at Wembley which was my most memorable moment in football."

Nor was the final any final and in fact the 26 year old would play in the first ever FA Trophy final when Macclesfield prevailed 2-0 winners over Telford United.

Between 1968 and 1970 the Churchstoke raised player helped Macclesfield become one of the best non-league clubs in the country.

A clever ball-player and front-line schemer, he was a bundle of energy who was equally at home as provider as he was scoring goals. 

He was a firm favourite of the Silkmen fans and was voted Player of the Year for the 1969-70 season.

Corfield moved to Altrincham in the summer of 1971 before returning to the Moss Rose for the 1972-73 season. 

Granted a testimonial match which was played on May 9th 1973 when the 'Wembley XI' played a Northern Premier League XI. 

Corfield returned to Wales to see out his playing days and enjoyed spells at  ‘retired’ to at Welshpool and Caersws.