J D WELSH CUP

PONTYCLUN ................. 0 PENCOED ATHLETIC ... 0 (PENCOED WON 8-7 ON PENS)

PONTYCLUN have experienced better days, Pencoed none finer during this Ivor Park gripper, writes Tony Poole.

The Felindre Road boys manned up to the Welsh League Division Three club and in a tie of few genuine chances, they purchased a winning ticket for the penalty lottery.

It compensated Pencoed for last season when in the FAW Trophy they held another Division Three club, Trefelin, to 0-0 only to bow out on penalties.

For a first time this term Pencoed boss Mark Powell fielded his best defence comprising Evan Price (captain), Ashley Beckett, Samuel Brown and Paul Martin.

And with nimble Brimble on a lucrative foreign sortie, the wide role went to Ashley Andrews, a product of the Tenby club.

Pencoed went close through Jack Hopkins during the first half while goalkeeper Matt Roberts came under fire on the restart.

Jordan Burrows and Andrews nearly broke the deadlock while Richie Lewis and Lewis Butler dished up fine showings.

The only difference with extra-time was a slower pace and substitute Nathan Bryn began to cause problems.

Right on time Hopkins missed out with a header that even dynamite Delve would have converted, re- sulting in penalties.

And it looked as if Pencoed had missed the boat when Price missed out on a priceless chance to book a second-round place.

Brown did likewise and it seemed as if Pontyclun would win the day, especially with the goalkeepers lurking at 7-7.

However, it proved third time lucky for Pencoed when Mason Roach stepped up to the plate, and converted the penalty that sent the Felindre Road boys through to the second round.

“Great support and proud of the way the players to a man gave it their all against a strong Pontyclun side,’’ said manager Powell.

Pencoed host Ton & Gelli Boys Club on Saturday in the league.