Pressure is on Haverfordwest to get victory says Penybont boss Griffiths
Bridgend, Wales. 18th July 2018. Penybont host Newport County in a Pre-Season freidnyl at the KYMCO Stadium. Lewis Mitchell/Alamy Live News.
Penybont manager Rhys Griffiths says opponents Haverfordwest County need a victory more than themselves this evening in their top of the table clash.
Griffiths is taking his unbeaten Penybont side to West Wales, in the first meeting between these two sides this season.
Penybont are top of the table with a fifteen game unbeaten run in the league, knowing a victory would open up an eight-point gap on the Bluebirds.
The 38-year-old said: “We will go looking for the win, no question. However, it’s probably Haverfordwest who feel they need to win not us.
“At this stage of the season five points is not a great deal and eight wouldn’t be insurmountable either, but it would make us favourites.”
Despite the departure of former Swansea City striker Lee Trundle and young prospect Danny Williams, opposition manager Rhys Griffiths has still praised Haverfordwest County’s squad, ahead of tomorrow’s clash, alluding to the possible selection of Former Football League attacker Kaid Mohamed.
“They are a good side. They lost him (Lee Trundle), only to replace him with Kaid Mohammed. The biggest name in the league followed by the next one.
“They have other excellent players too. A point would be a positive result for us at their place, a win even better of course.
“Whatever the result, I’m under no illusions that there is a long way to go with disappointments and positives along the way.”
Penybont’s unbeaten run has seen them reach the halfway stage, as the only team to not taste defeat in the Welsh Football League Cup.
They’ve also battled well with Welsh Premier League opposition in Cup competitions this season. They narrowly lost to top six sides Newtown in the League Cup, as well as taking Barry Town United in Extra Time.
But it’s in the League that they’ve shown their true resolve. Having been in losing positions like two down at the break and losing in the last minute and with ten men, Penybont have found a way to ensure their unbeaten run has remained intact.
“The run we’re on has been terrific, and we’re all eager to keep it going for one more game. We take one game at a time. That said, the run makes any pressure ease.”
“The players do not and will not give up. Martyn Giles and I have worked hard to prepare the group for each game, but the players deserve the credit for the run because it’s their resolve and collective determination that’s maintained it.
“There’s a degree of pressure going into every game, but knowing that the players will never give up or let the club down makes it less so.”
During a two-year spell with Haverfordwest County, Griffiths who was starting out his career with the Bluebirds remembers playing alongside opposition manager Wayne Jones.
Griffiths went on to score over 250+ goals in the top flight of Welsh football, winning a Welsh Premier League title.
“I played with Wayne at Haverfordwest many years ago. Wayne was a good up and down let back. He could get beyond the midfield and deliver crosses.
“We were in Haverfordwest County’s most successful side but the team was largely made up as unknowns, including myself.
“Wayne was a good laugh around the changing room and very social. I probably took myself a bit too seriously in those days. “
You can follow live updates of today’s game which is being played at the Bridge Meadow Stadium over on our live blog.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
