Griffiths grabs vital goal to ease pressure on Penybont
PLAYER-MANAGER Rhys Griffiths got the goal that mattered against his old club Port Talbot Town to leave Penybont in a more secure mid-table slot, writes Tony Poole.
With the game seemingly drifting towards a goal-less draw, Griffiths headed home a 78th-minute Kane Owen free kick.
The Bont camp celebrated an ugly but vital three points in the context of a slow start to the season.
With both clubs coming into this Kymco Stadium showdown hovering just above the relegation area, a three-point return for either was viewed as a release of the pressure valve.
The Steelmen fielded four former Bont men – goalkeeper Rory McCreesh, defender Rob Thomas, wide man Jonny Hood and ace marksman Anthony Rawlings.
But during a listless opening half - in which neither side stamped their authority on proceedings - the Bridgend super club received a massive setback.
Top scorer Marcus Griffiths pulled up lame in the 30th minute, and was replaced by Newport County scholar Kyron Tolland.
The Steelmen went close through Luke Bowen and Rawlings during rare occasions for either defence to come under pressure.
For the second half, Owain Warlow replaced Kurt Thornbury and goalkeeper Wilson was called on to make two smart saves.
But as time dragged on, so Bont lasted the pace better and gradually Port Talbot came under the cosh.
Gorseinon referee Ryan Kenny ruled out two Bont goals – and the one that Tolland tucked away was for a debatable foul on goalkeeper McCreesh in the build up.
In the 65th minute, the visitors again went close through Bowen but a 78th-minute free kick signalled the end of the line for their victory hopes.
Kane arced the ball into the clubhouse end penalty area and Griffiths was in the right place at the right time to get the second goal of his Bont career.
Bont were energised late on, bringing on Adam Carpenter for Billy Borge and successfully wound down the clock during a lengthy stoppage time.
It stretched an unbeaten run – dating back to a 3-0 home loss to Afan Lido on September 23 – to six matches in league and cup.
Next up is a difficult away league fixture on Saturday against Cambrian & Clydach.