Griffiths calls on improved performance from Penybont ahead of Major derby clash
Rhys Griffiths has called for his Penybont side to better their performance against local rivals Llantwit Major at the KYMCO Stadium this afternoon.
Earlier on in the season, the promotion hopefuls played to a goalless draw at Windmill Lane, in the first meeting between the two sides at this level.
But having seen his side put an encouraging performance in against Welsh Premier League side Barry Town United in the Welsh Cup, he wants a better showing than last time.
The experienced Welsh Premier League forward turned manager said: “If they beat us Saturday which I know they’ll be desperate to do, they can move into the top half which will be a good first season if they can stay there.
“When we drew at their place I was impressed with them. Their intensity and desire caused us issues and they had a quite a few good spells in the game.
“They certainly deserved at least a draw. Of course, playing on our pitch will suit our game more than theirs did and at this stage of the season, I expect a better performance from us.”
Defeats to Barry Town United and Newtown in the Nathaniel MG Cup and the Welsh Cup haven’t deterred Penybont from their end goal of promotion this campaign.
As Penybont currently sit second with a number of games in hand over league leaders Afan Lido, the Bridgend club will have a tough task of playing the rescheduled fixtures.
Rhys Griffiths’ side are the only side left in the Welsh Football League yet to taste defeat in the league.
“Being undefeated gives us added motivation to win each game.
“Obviously we will lose eventually, but until we do we’re eager to maintain the run and that will hopefully stop us taking our eyes off the ball.
“There’s a flip side though, it gives our opponents added incentive too. Everyone will want to beat us even more now.”
Having only been promoted to the Division last season, Llantwit are relative newcomers to the division.
Karl Lewis who previously was manager of the reserves side of Penybont, has his side currently in tenth position.
They can move towards the top five with an unlikely win, but Penybont may have the experience in this one.
“My job is the try and make sure we impose our quality on the game. Whether there is a gap or not is not for me to say.
“I’m only concerned with getting the best out of my players and making sure we perform as close to our best as possible.”
“Our game plan rarely changes. We have specifics that we work on each week but we basically look to keep possession and move the ball quicker than our opponents can cope with.
We’ve managed to do it well in most games so far which is why we’re doing quite well.”
