What we learned after Penybont claim victory at The Rock

Back to winning ways for Bont

It’s four wins from five games for Rhys Griffiths’ men. Their solitary defeat in this period has come against TNS so one could argue that doesn’t really count.

Clear cut chances were few and far between but Penybont definitely created the better of them and took them when they came.

It was far from a classic but you can only beat what’s put in front of you and the South Walians will be delighted with the result.

Next up is Haverfordwest and I wouldn’t bet against them going on another run.

Cefn Mawr, Wrexham, Wales. 26 September 2020. JD Cymru Premier match between Cefn Druids and Cardiff Metropolitan University.

A home win still alludes Bruno Lope

Despite the win on the road, Druids’ home record under Bruno Lopes stands at one point from a possible twelve.

Next up at the Rock is Barry Town so it’s a safe bet that the wait will stretch into November.

If they’re going to start picking up points, Druids seriously need to address…

Cefn Mawr, Wrexham, Wales. 26 September 2020. JD Cymru Premier match between Cefn Druids and Cardiff Metropolitan University.

A lack of end product

Goals win football matches and Druids have scored just two on their own turf. They’ve now gone three home games without finding the net.

It’s hard to see where the goals are going to come from as they don’t record many shots on target either.

They didn’t test Ashley Morris today and Lewis Brass only had the ball in his hands when taking a goal kick for Connah’s Quay a fortnight ago.

You can’t win if you don’t score and you can’t score if you don’t hit the target.

You can see that Bruno Lopes is trying to play an attractive passing game from the back, but at times Druids were just two relaxed coming forwards and put themselves under needless pressure.

New systems take time to bed in and it’s not clear Druids have enough time to get this right.

Kane Owen of Penybont in action against Cardiff Met. Penybont v Cardiff Metropolitan University at Bryntirion Park in the JD Welsh Cup on the 24th January 2020. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.

Kane Owen runs the show

By far and away the man of the match was Kane Owen.

The Rock is a happy hunting ground for him, having scored the winner on last two visits.

He pretty much dominated the midfield battle, sparking all Penybont’s forward momentum, popping up all over the shop. He was pushed further forward as the game progressed despite the 2-0 lead.

Ian Traylor makes his bow

Ian Traylor came off the bench for a half hour debut following his move from Merthyr.

Within minutes he nearly set up a goal for Benjamin Ahmun. Only the width of the post kept the score at 2-0.

He didn’t really have much of an opportunity to show what he could do, contained by Naim Arsan down the right flank. It was a contest that got quite heated at times, with Traylor going into the book for kicking out at the Druids’ left back.

Penybont could have a case that he should have been awarded a penalty towards the end. Arsan was shepherding the ball out before using what looked like excessive force to keep him at bay. The referee disagreed and it was just a goal kick.

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)

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