Penybont manager Rhys Griffiths was delighted with his side’s 3-0 victory over Haverfordwest County last night, but was keen to downplay the significance of the victory in securing the Division One title.
A brace from Cullen Kinsella and a goal from Kostya Georgievsky gave Penybont the crucial victory over their title rivals, that has seen them edge eight points clear of County in second place.
But, despite the big win over their nearest challengers, Griffiths was keen to ensure celebrations were tempered with a long way to go yet in the 2018-19 season.
The former Llanelli frontman highlighted, however, that it is their hard work so far that has made the tie a big game.
“It was (an important game). But, how important we do not know yet. You can tell it’s an important when everyone wants to ask you questions before the game, everyone’s wishing you luck when you don’t get it so often. But it’s nice to go into big games, it’s why we play. If we were losing, if we were 4th, 5th, 6th, it wouldn’t have felt so big.”
But, despite a comfortable 3-0 victory, the manager of the Bridgend based outfit insisted that it was a game that required very efficient performances from his players and if they were not on top form, they’d not have secured a result.
“If you’re not eight or nine (out of 10) today, you won’t win the game. I thought first half, we were nine or ten out of ten in terms of the effort and commitment. But perhaps not so good with the ball,” Griffiths said.
“But every game is frantic for the firs 15 minutes, the first half was frantic today. Second half we settled down and I thought, we were an eight or nine with the ball and I thought without it, second half we were excellent. “
The former Football League striker has guided his side to top spot in the Welsh Football League Division One. The club are yet to lose a game in the process, and last night’s victory extends the run even further.
But, the former striker insisted that much of the praise must be given to his players for their dedication in ensuring they could extend their unbeaten run.
“There’s a desire among the group and a commitment in the group, and the reason why we are on a run we’re on is not because of anything that myself or Martin Giles do, perhaps we’re a good side because of that but we’re not on this run because of that, but we’re on this run because the players never give up. Their resolve is unbelievable, and there’s games where we should have lost this season perhaps, but didn’t because the players never give in.”
With an eight point gap over their nearest rivals, Griffiths could be forgiven for breathing a sigh of relief come full time yesterday evening. But, the manager is looking ahead to the next game already and was determined that there is a long way to go yet in the title race.
However, he is encouraging his players to enjoy the experience of the title race.
“There’s a long, long way to go. It’s not insurmountable for Haverfordwest, Cambrian or even Afan Lido. We’ve got some tough games ahead, a difficult game Saturday now against Undy, who we’ve come across before and got to keep enjoying the ride.”
FEATURED IMAGE: Lewis Mitchell
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