DIVISION ONE
PENYBONT .................... 0 GOYTRE UTD ................ 0
PENYBONT dropped two points during this goalless stalemate with Goytre United at the Kymco Stadium, writes Tony Poole.
And table-topping Bont were kicking themselves even harder after establishing title favourites Llanelli Town had slid to a shock 1-0 defeat against Undy Athletic at Stebonheath Park.
Having taken six points the week before out of games involving Cwmamman Utd and Haverfordwest County, on this occasion Bont lacked a ruthless approach in the goalmouth.
Top scorer Marcus Griffiths and Cullen Kinsella both went close for Bont during the early stages while a Goyt free kick from Aaron Richards led to Tom Walters and Adam Richards almost giving the Port Talbot suburbanites the lead.
A fine Luke Martin save denied Marcus Griffiths just before the break, but player-manager Rhys Griffiths exited early through injury and was replaced by Owain Warlow.
Early in the second half, two Kane Owen crosses caused Goyt all kinds of problems, but the stalemate rattled on.
Ben Symons then fed Owen, but his shot hit the juncture of cross bar and post – and crucially stayed out.
Walters then clattered the woodwork for the visitors with Rhys Wilson beaten and late on, Kieran Howard had a shot clutched by goalkeeper Martin.
And close to time, it was the turn of Kostya Georgievsky to test goalkeeper Martin on two occasions.
But at the end of the day with both sides missing a hatful of chances they both got what they deserved – 0-0.
Penybont, who were due to host Cwmbran Celtic last night (Tuesday), travel to Aberavon Beach on Saturday to take on second-placed Afan Lido in a real top-of-thetable encounter.
That will then leave Bont with just five remaining matches – home to Port Talbot Town and Haverfordwest County together with trips to Llanelli Town, Cwmbran Celtic and Ton Pentre.
With the clock ticking down towards the brave new world for the Welsh domestic game in season 2019/20, it’s worth considering how the current 16 clubs in Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One would fare.
As it now stands even Penybont would fail to secure a Tier 2 Licence, as they cannot offer a 250-seater grandstand.
Moves are afoot, however, at the Kymco Stadium to bring the ground up to the required level as soon as possible while Ton Pentre also have work to complete 250 seats for next season.
But it’s unlikely if Caerau Ely, Cwmamman United and Monmouth Town could implement ground improvements.
It leaves 13 current Division One clubs likely to play in Championship South & Mid in 2019/20 – Afan Lido, Briton Ferry, Cambrian & Clydach, Cwmbran Celtic, Haverfordwest County, Goytre United, Goytre (Mon), Llanelli Town, Penybont, Port Talbot Town, Taffs Well, Ton Pentre and Undy.
That means three clubs outside the current top flight might get jettisoned into the Championship on ground criteria, as opposed to their position in the FAW pyramid.
Outside Division One four clubs spring to mind – Aberdare Town, Caldicot Town, Pontypridd Town and Risca Utd.
Caldicot have recently received confirmation of grant money to construct a grandstand while Pontypridd wouldn’t have to perform too much work in order to bring their new USW Sports Park ground in Treforest base up to scratch.
Aberdare Town spent a lot of money many years ago under the Aberaman brand in the hope of getting into the Welsh Premiership, and would form a likely candidate.
Risca play out of the Ystrad Mynach Stadium – and it’s also possible that another club could ground-share.
For next season, existing Division One clubs have to offer 250 seating capacity while it’s only 100 for those promoted from Division Two at season’s end.