DIVISION ONE

PENYBONT .................... 1 TAFFS WELL ................. 0

A MAGNIFICENT seventh goal of the season from player-manager Rhys Griffiths set up this slender win for Penybont over Taffs Well at the Kymco Stadium, writes Tony Poole.

Considering Griffiths – in a first term at the Bridgend super club helm – has opted to play at the back as opposed to striker, his goals are fast becoming worth their weight in gold.

The second-highest scorer in Welsh Premiership history struck in the 63rd minute when his million dollar forehead di- verted home a beefy Kane Owen corner.

It bore a striking resemblance to the week before when he got the first goal in a 3-1 win home over Cambrian & Clydach.

Bont were without Josef Hopkins, and it led to Timmy Georgievsky coming into the team alongside his brother Kostya.

But during an uneventful first clash of the season with the Cardiff suburbanites, there was precious little for home fans to get excited about.

Taffs Well fielded three ex-Bont boys in goalie Wyn Walters, midfielder Ricardo Hodge and front man Simon Prangley.

During the opening half, top scorer Marcus Griffiths, Adam Carpenter and Kostya Georgievsky went close for Bont, and Louis Feeley for the visitors.

Half time arrived with a blank scoreline and on the resumption, Joey Evans shot wide and Kostya Georgievsky brought out the best in goalie Walters.

The header from Griffiths just past the hour left Bont in the box seat, and Taffs Well had to push for an equaliser.

But the game fell away badly, and it came as general relief when the final whistle sounded.

Penybont visit Cwmbran Celtic tonight (Wednesday) bidding for a double after taking the reverse match, 5-2, in February.

This Saturday they return to the Kymco Stadium to face Caerau Ely, who thumped Bont, 5-1, at Cwrt-yr-Ala back in December.