Former Arsenal star Paul Merson returned to the pitch on Wednesday night five years after last hanging up his boots - but his dream comeback didn't end quite as planned.

The two-time First Division winner, who made 327 league appearances for the Gunners, turned out for Welsh League football club Caerau FC.

But despite impressing at the age of 49, a technical fault ruined the ex-England man's big night, reports Wales Online.

With the home side leading 3-2 in their Division Three clash with Pontyclun at the Caerau Athletic Ground, the arena in Maesteg was plunged into darkness as all four of the floodlights along one side of the pitch shut down.

Paul Merson back in action (
Image:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk)
The former Gunners star shares a joke with the ref (
Image:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk)

And although there were still some lights illuminating the pitch, the match referee deemed conditions unplayable, meaning the match had to be abandoned.

Merson played his part in Caerau's third goal, curling in a cross with the outside of his right foot before the hosts extended their lead after a mix-up in the Pontyclun defence.

Merson in action (
Image:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk)
Game face: Merson prepares for his return to the pitch (
Image:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk)

He left the pitch midway through the second half to a standing ovation from the 400 or so locals who attended to catch a glimpse of the 21-cap former England ace.

And while his first appearance for the club didn't end in the way he'd have liked, the good news for Caerau is that Merson has vowed to play for the club on a regular basis this season, providing that their fixtures don't clash with his Sky commitments.