Penybont hope history will repeat itself in Cup

PENYBONT will be hoping JD Welsh Cup history is repeated on Friday night in the third round when they challenge Barry Town United at Jenner Park (7.45pm), writes Tony Poole.

Two years ago, Bont dumped Barry out of the cup, triumphing 3-0 during the campaign that saw the Seasiders crowned Welsh League champions – and with it an associated return to the Welsh Premiership.

Since then, Gavin Chesterfield has returned to the Jenner Park helm and they have consolidated in the top flight while the Bridgend super club are pushing hard to follow them into the top tier.

The last time the sides met in the cup back on November 5, 2016, it was goalless at the break; all the second-half fireworks came from Bont.

Free-scoring Marcus Griffiths netted twice and Cullen Kinsella was also on target, and Bont went on to beat Airbus (UK), 4-1, in the next round before bowing out, 4-1 after extra-time, away to Bala Town.

That’s all in the past but this Friday, eight members of the Bont matchday squad that beat Barry two years ago could again figure – captain and goalkeeper Rhys Wilson, Kane Owen, Kieran Howard, manager Rhys Griffiths, Cullen Kinsella, Marcus Griffiths, Billy Borge and Adam Carpenter.

But last Saturday, Afan Lido knocked Bont off the top after gaining a 4-1 win over neighbours Briton Ferry Llansawel.

Though Lido now head Bont by point, they have completed four more fixtures.

Looking further ahead, Penybont will resume league duties on Saturday week against Llantwit Major at the Kymco Stadium.

Ironically, the only points Bont have dropped this season came back in August when the Windmillers held them to 0-0 – and Bont wide man Marcus Griffiths failed to convert a late penalty.