A muddy marvellous show from Pencoed

BETWS ............................ 1 PENCOED ATHLETIC ... 3

PENCOED Athletic revelled in muddy conditions to wear down bottom club Betws at North Site, writes Tony Poole.

In the end it was a case of superior fitness telling its own story with the Felindre Road boys emerging with a sixth league win of the season to go ninth.

After the heartbreaking FAW Trophy exit to Trefelin on penalties, and then losing 4-0 at home to leaders Pontyclun, the Pencoed brief was a return to winning ways.

With Betws having previously played in the South Wales Senior League and Pencoed in the corresponding Amateur League, the clubs in modern times had never previously crossed swords.

But a first derby clash got off to a drab start with some undistinguished play on offer during the first half.

All Pencoed could muster was an on-target Marc Turner header, and they opted to devour half-time oranges on the pitch while Betws opted for a toasty changing room.

Once more manager Mark Powell had to insist on more urgency, and using the wide open spaces to stretch the home side.

It led to them dominating the second period, as Betws gradually ran out of puff.

The sting was taken out of their challenge by a 10 th goal of the season from top hitman Kyle Owen.

That settled Pencoed nerves and with jack in the box Jack Delve an absentee, his replacement, Keegan Rees, made hay.

Two goals from on-fire Rees settled the destination of the three points, but Pencoed were then guilty of extravagant finishing.

Adam Brimble did show some gloss in working the goalkeeper, but the final word went to Betws with ex-Pencoed star Craig Phillips netting a consolation goal via sharp shooting.

On Saturday Betws visit improving Ton & Gelli while Pencoed take on Cardiff Corries at The Riverside in Radyr.