Penybont extend lead at the top after win against promotion rivals Haverfordwest

Penybont extended their lead at the top of Welsh League Division One to eight points after a convincing 3-0 win away at promotion rivals Haverfordwest County.

A brace from Cullen Kinsella and a well-taken goal by Kostya Georgievsky helped Rhys Griffiths’ side on their way to a commanding victory.

Penybont came into the game unbeaten against the league’s top scorers, who themselves were looking to close the gap on their opponents.

The result leaves the Bridgend side sitting pretty at the top of Division One, with Wayne Jones’ team facing a tough challenge to try and overhaul them to gain promotion to the Welsh Premier League.

The hosts came out of the blocks fast, with forward Kaid Mohamed having his effort well blocked by the Bont defence.

The Pembrokeshire side looked the most threatening in the first 10 minutes, putting pressure on Penybont’s defensive line, which was holding firm.

The deadlock was broken after a corner from the visitors found the feet of Kinsella, who smashed the ball home to put his side ahead.

The goal buoyed Rhys Griffiths’ side, who straight after the restart looked to add a second with a quick counter-attack from Curtis Hudson, who put his shot narrowly wide.

Elliot Thomas blazed his effort well over the crossbar, as the Bluebirds began to grow into the game.

Ben Fawcett had a great opportunity to level the game not long after, with Ben Fawcett’s shot from 5 yards out blocked by defender Sam Rodon.

Not long into the second half, Jack Wilson forced a good save from Rhys Wilson in the Penybont goal, as the hosts continued to search for a leveller.

Their chances were dented just moments later, however, after a floated cross to the back post found Georgeievsky who took the ball down and slotted it into the far corner to double Penybont’s lead.

The result was all but secured in the 64th minute, when Kinsella dribbled past a couple of Bluebirds defenders and put his shot underneath Steve Hall to give his side a commanding lead.

Haverfordwest nearly found a way through when a corner kick met the head of captain Sean Pemberton, however the skipper was denied by the crossbar.

For the league leaders, this was a commanding victory at the home of their closest rivals. 

The Bluebirds drop down to third place after Cambrian & Clydach Vale won 3-0 against Taff’s Well at Rhiw’r Ddar.

County’s next game is home to Goytre United on Saturday, while the league leaders Penybont entertain Undy Athletic at the KYMCO Stadium.

(Featured image: Lewis Mitchell)