Miners boss Mullins excited for quarter-final tie as Penydarren look to create history

It’s been a brilliant season so far for Penydarren Boys and Girls Club, who are unbeaten in the South Wales Alliance Premier Division, and are still in contention in the WJ Owen Cup, the FAW Trophy and face Bangor City in the Welsh Cup quarter-final this weekend.

After a dramatic win in the last round against Pontypridd Town, who are three divisions higher, ‘Pen’ have the opportunity to cause a giant killing when they travel north to face Bangor, who currently sit second in the JD Welsh Premier League.

Penydarren’s 1-1 draw away at Brecon Corries a fortnight ago was the first time that they had dropped points this season. Their heroics in the cup competitions mean that they have played the lowest number of games in the league, having as many as 11 games in hand over second-placed Sully Sports.

When asked how proud he was of Penydarren’s efforts so far this season, manager Kerri Mullins stated his pride in the efforts of his squad this season.

“I’m extremely proud, they have always had potential for good things and this season so far it has all come together.”

Penydarren have been heavily lauded in the press for their remarkable run to this stage of the competition, and find themselves just two victories away from a potential JD Welsh Cup final berth. But, the former Merthyr Saints boss wanted to reiterate what the main priority for the season is for the club.

“As far as what is achieved, promotion was always our priority so if we don’t achieve that it will be a massive blow.”

The Merthyr-based side have only conceded four times in their 11 games thus far in the South Wales Alliance Premier Division.

When asked if the pressure is off for the upcoming game at Nantporth, Mullins said he was elated with how his team had done so far to reach this stage of the competition they had never previously entered, but stated that the presence of the S4C cameras for live Sgorio coverage placed a bit of extra pressure on the side.

“Earlier rounds, yes, but you just fear the rift in levels this time round. The fact it’s live makes me a bit apprehensive, but whatever the outcome the quarter-finals for us amongst seven all Premier League teams is amazing.”

Penydarren face Conwy Borough in the semi-final of the FAW Trophy on Saturday 10th March.

A possible advantage for Pen is that they have the option of watching highlights of Bangor’s games on Sgorio. Mullins agreed that this could lead to preparations being different.

“I have travelled to watch them as I did for the previous two opponents, but in general, away from the JD Welsh Cup we concentrate on our strengths. I have though been an avid Sgorio fan throughout our cup run, so the answer is yes.”

The club have been well supported throughout their run in this season’s Welsh Cup, and Mullins was full of praise as it was announced that they will be followed by six travelling coaches.

“We have great fans who watch us home and away, but as the circus surrounding our run has grown, so has the crowds.

They have individual songs for most of the players and generally enjoy themselves.

There are young members who have started watching us this season which hopefully will make them fans for life.”

You can watch Bangor City vs. Penydarren BGC live on Sgorio on Sunday, with kick-off at 2.15pm.

Featured image: Jordan Jones