Back to League for Bont

PENYBONT boss Rhys Griffiths can now switch attention back to Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One after the J D Welsh Cup exit at Barry Town United, writes Tony Poole.

With that in mind, they resume league action on Saturday at the Kymco Stadium against a Llantwit Major side packed with former Bont stars out to prove a point.

When the sides met at Windmill Lane back in August it finished goal-less, but the Bridgend super club had a chance to win it close to time only for Marcus Griffiths to fluff a penalty.

The Windmillers this term are the only side to take points off second-placed Bont, who have won their other eight games and are a point shy of Afan Lido with four games in hand.

Following the 4-1 extra-time cup exit at Jenner Park, sentiment from Bont player-manager Griffiths reiterated the Welsh League title as the main aim for the season - and with it associated elevation into the Welsh Premiership.

He said: “We remain fully focussed on the league and in all honesty the Welsh Cup-tie with Barry Town was a free hit.

“It was a chance to measure how close we are to top Welsh Premiership opposition – and ultimately we nearly pulled off what would have been a famous Welsh Cup win.’’

This latest Welsh Cup loss bore a striking resemblance to two seasons ago, and a similar 4-1 extra-time defeat at Welsh Premiership Bala Town after it ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.

On that occasion Cullen Kinsella just failed to get anything on an 89th-minute pass from Josef Hopkins, and the ball drifted agonisingly the wrong side of the far post.

Last Friday with the tie again locked on 1-1, a fierce 89th-minute shot from Kieran Howard was brilliantly saved by Mike Lewis in the home goal.

Barry led via a 28th-minute goal from Macauley Southam, but a minute later Luke Borrelli punished an error to equalise. It was 1-1 after 90 minutes and with the rain getting heavier, Barry lasted the pace better to prevail 4-1, with goals from ex-Bont star Jonny Hood, Mo Touray and substitute Louis Gerrard.