Non League is a consistent hot-bed for talent. For years we have seen players signed from the depths of non-league to excel in the Football League or even the Premier League and Europe in Jamie Vardy’s case. Here, we take a look at two non-league hotshots playing in Step Two.
Ricardo “Rico” Rees has emerged as one of Merthyr Town FC’s most influential attacking talents. Born on 29 December 1999, Rees came through the youth ranks at Bristol City, where he developed a reputation for sharp movement and clinical finishing. His early career included productive loan spells at clubs such as Bath City and Salisbury, helping him adapt to the physicality and pace of senior football. In June 2022, he made the switch from Yate Town to Merthyr Town, a move that would prove transformative for both player and club.
Rees’s arrival at Merthyr Town marked the beginning of a prolific period in his career. He quickly became a consistent and feared goal threat, scoring 38 goals during the 2023/24 season, followed by 33 more in 2024/25. His reliability in front of goal established him as one of the most lethal forwards in non-league football. Among his standout performances was a remarkable four-goal display in a 4–1 away victory over AFC Telford United, a match that showcased his decisiveness in big moments.
During the 2025/26 National League North season, Rees continued his exceptional form, surpassing 20 league goals before the halfway stage. His consistent output helped keep Merthyr Town competitive against strong opposition, and his performances began attracting attention from clubs higher up the football pyramid. Recognizing his value, Merthyr Town secured him on new terms for the season, reaffirming their commitment to building around his attacking quality.
Rees combines intelligent movement, physical strength, and sharp finishing, making him the focal point of Merthyr’s attack. His ability to create and convert chances has made him a fan favourite at Penydarren Park, where supporters regularly celebrate his energetic style and trademark goal celebrations. Rees continues to play a pivotal role in the team’s ambitions and remains one of the club’s most exciting talents
Brad Dolaghan (born December 30, 2004) is an emerging English forward recognized for his remarkable goal-scoring skills and swift ascent through the ranks of non-league and youth football. As a product of the Worthing FC academy, he has demonstrated prolific scoring from an early age—most notably achieving 29 league goals for the U18 team and netting 43 times in just 23 appearances for the U19s, thereby establishing himself as one of the club's most promising young talents.
Dolaghan’s impressive goal-scoring performances garnered attention from higher-tier clubs, leading to his transfer to West Ham United in August 2024. He joined their development program and played for the U21 squad, participating in various competitions including the Premier League International Cup. During the 2024/25 season, he also went on loan to Aldershot Town, where he experienced his first opportunity in senior National League football.
Following his stint with West Ham, Dolaghan returned to Worthing, quickly becoming a pivotal attacking player in the National League South. Throughout the 2025/26 season, he has been highly productive on the field, consistently scoring goals that have propelled Worthing towards the upper reaches of the league table—highlighted by two goals in a crucial 2–1 victory against Slough Town and significant contributions in cup matches.
Dolaghan’s outstanding performance in late 2025 earned him the title of National League South Player of the Month after scoring ten goals across six league fixtures, placing him among contenders for the league’s Golden Boot. Known for his precise finishing, astute movement off the ball, and keen instinct for finding opportunities to score, this 20-year-old continues to attract attention as one of non-league football's most exciting young strikers.
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