NATHANIEL CARS
PENYBONT .................... 2 MONMOUTH TOWN ..... 1
PENYBONT came from a goal down against dogged Monmouth Town to record only a second opening day win in the history of the Bridgend super club, writes Tony Poole.
The only other day one win since the Bont brand was born back in 2013, came three years ago when they beat Pembrokeshire giants Haverfordwest County to the tune of 4-3.
Two goals from the prince of strikers Robbie Walters along with strikes from Anthony Rawlings and Nathan Jones did the trick.
Bont, who allowed top defender Tom Atyeo to sign for Goytre Utd, paraded just two newcomers in ex-Merthyr Town defender Gethin Jones and midfielder Bradley Flay from Monmouth.
During a goalless opening half that failed to get pulses racing, Bont had an Owain Warlow goal turned down by Barry referee Dan Richardson for a none too obvious foul in the box.
James Parry headed over the top while the Kingfishers went close with a Rob Laurie header.
But they broke the ice in the 55th minute when home goalkeeper Rhys Wilson could only parry a Sean Palmer shot.
Elliot Ford motored on to the loose ball, and duly drove the Mon men into a surprise lead.
But they only had the lead for 10 minutes with first): 0-1, 1-1, 1-2, 2-2, 2-3, 3-3 (half-time); 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6.
Both sides were guilty of making schoolboy howlers at the back, but in fairness to Whitchurch they were more inventive and possessed a deadly finisher in hat-trick hero Josh Spencer.
Cornelly welcomed back Shazhad Khaliq, following a long absence, and conceded a sucker fifth-minute goal to Josh Spencer.
But they soon equalised from a Kieran Jeffreys throw in that Shaun Duffy cushioned for Callum Jones to lob Phil Harrison. Bont levelling from a Kane Owen corner that Rhys Griffiths headed home.
Dan Jones then went close for the Kingfishers, and what turned out to be the winning goal arrived on 79 minutes.
Once more a beefy Kane Owen corner caught Mon out, and this time it was Josef Hopkins who headed past Asa Kirkwood.
However, Bont were
However, both sides were then guilty of conceding horror goals – Josh Spencer for the visitors and a Dale Smith dink for 2-2.
An exchange of passes between Josh Spencer and Tom Fry resulted in a Fry sizzler giving Whitchurch back the lead.
But in the final move, Shaun Duffy headed a Callum Jones corner through a crowd of players to make it 3-3 at the break.
And it was the Meadow Street boys who had the lead for the only time in the 58th minute when an unmarked Duffy on the back post headed in a reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute when Parry saw red for a reckless challenge.
But they went closest during dying embers when Flay pressurised Kirkwood into making an error only to shoot wide.
Next up for Penybont this Saturday is another Kymco Stadium league engagement, this time against Undy Athletic. Carl Owen flag kick.
They clung on to the 4-3 lead for seven minutes before an arcing shot from Corey Spencer once more restored parity.
It remained 4-4 until 83 minutes when goal poacher Josh Spencer completed a hat-trick from an acute angle.
And during final play, they won a penalty that substitute Alex Bould trickled over the goal-line to complete the scoring.
Cornelly, who were due to visit Cefn Cribwr last night (Tuesday), have another league fixture on Saturday this time away to Cogan Coronation.