Bont ready for Bala
FOOTBALL
CUP excitement is building at Penybont, as they focus on a giant-killing act at Bala Town on Saturday, writes Tony Poole.
The Bridgend super club has never reached the JD Welsh Cup quarter-finals and standing in their way is one of the best teams on the Welsh Premiership scene.
Over the past two seasons, the Lakesiders have twice been league runners-up to TNS and this time around they reached the halfway cut in third spot.
They have only been beaten once at their Maes Tegid base in the league this term – TNS winning the day 2-0 back on September 20 – and they will enter the tie as massive favourites.
But Bont have enjoyed a splendid cup run, initially defeating AFC Porth at home 3-1 back in October before downing Barry Town Utd 3-0 at Jenner Park.
And in the last round, they stormed to a 4-1 victory at The Kymco Stadi- um over Welsh Premiership side Airbus UK.
But as Barry Town found to their cost against TNS last Saturday in the Nathaniel MG Cup final, you have to maintain maximum concentration for 90 minutes.
It was 0-0 after 75 minutes until the professional side lasted the pace much better to run out 4-0 winners.
“Penybont are now in their fourth season, and there’s more excitement attached to the Bala Town cup-tie than anything we’ve previously encountered,” said Penybont chairman Emlyn Phillips.
“A 50-seater coach is already fully booked, and it’s fair to say that we’ll have more support in Bala than at a normal home league match.
“Some fans are also going up in cars and all in all the team can bank on plenty of support.
“But make no mistake the clash with Bala is a big step up in class, as they are a top-three Welsh Premiership club.
“But win or lose I’m sure everyone will have a memorable day in north Wales.’’