Pen-y-Bont clinch promotion to top flight as rivals suffer defeat

Welsh Football League Division One runaway leaders Pen-y-Bont today had their place in next season’s JD Welsh Premier League confirmed.

Rhys Griffiths’ side were not in action this afternoon, however Cambrian and Clydach Vale and Cwmamman United – the only teams that could have overhauled them – both suffered defeat.

This season has been one to remember for the Bridgend side, who are still undefeated in the league, having won 19 and drawn five of their 24 games.

After finishing third last season, behind Haverfordwest County and champions Llanelli Town, Pen-y-Bont have re-grouped this term and are now set to compete in Wales’ top flight league in 2019/20.

The team – who play at the KYMCO Stadium – have conceded just 20 goals in the league to date, netting 59 at the other end during a campaign which will live long in the memory.

Prior to their previous two encounters, which were draws against Taff’s Well and Haverfordwest County, Pen-y-Bont had gone on an eight-game winning run, which helped to put them into an almost unassailable position at the top of Division One.

A prolific goal-scorer in his playing days with Llanelli and Port Talbot Town, Griffiths took over the reins from Francis Ford in May 2016, and has played a pivotal role in the upturn in fortunes at the club.

The club will compete in the JD Welsh Premier League for the first time next season, after forming in 2013 when Bridgend Town and Bryntirion Athletic merged to become Pen-y-Bont.

(Featured image: Lewis Mitchell)