Kane proves he’s an able leader

PENYBONT boss Rhys Griffiths turned the spotlight on youth last Saturday, and they shone through in reaching the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup quarter-finals

Bont came late to gain a 2-1 win over Cwmamman United at Grenig Park with three 17-year-old players included in defence. Fine displays came from goalkeeper Evan Penny and Bridgend College centre-back Evan Thomas, who both hail from Maesteg, along with home-bred MacKensie Kay.

Polished left-back Kane Owen took the captain’s armband, and he played in a solid back four alongside bustling Billy Borge.

Bont led via a 15th-minute goal from top scorer Cullen Kinsella – his eighth this term – and it separated the sides at the break. But the Carmarthenshire side then won a penalty on the hour after Ashleigh Curtis was taken out on the edge of the box.

Though young Penny got a hand on the spot kick from Ryan Thomas, it possessed too much power and went in.

With the score still on 1-1 and extratime looming, substitute Curtis Hutson delivered a pinpoint cross into the box.

It travelled towards Stephen Morris, who was lurking on the back post, and the Spanish import duly got the match winner.

They will now go in to the hat for the quarter-final draw on Monday along with Division One rivals Haverfordwest County, Port Talbot Town and Undy Athletic together with four clubs from the lower divisions – STM Sports, Penydarren, Trefelin and Ynysygerwn.

This Saturday manager Griffiths, who was unavailable to travel to Cwmamman United and placed assistant Martyn Giles in charge, is likely to revert back to proven stars for the J D Welsh Cup showdown at Aberbargoed Buds (1.30pm).

It’s likely to involve recalls for captain and goalkeeper Rhys Wilson, defenders Sam Rodon and Olly Dalton along with proven scorer Marcus Griffiths.

Though Buds bowed out of the League Cup last Saturday, losing 2-0 at Port Talbot Town, they are unbeaten in Division Two and are expected to give Bont a severe Bedwellty examination.