Penybont: Rhys Griffiths’ men are the story of the season so far
Bridgend, Wales 05 December 2020. JD Cymru Premier League match between Pen-y-Bont FC and Caernarfon Town
There is no sign of second season syndrome for Penybont as they are arguably the story of the season, argues Jordan Jones.
Rhys Griffiths’ men have found their feet in the division and the future looks bright for the Bridgend side.
The biggest indicator of their progress this season is their points tally.
Penybont are on 21 points already and reached that in their 13th game. Last season when the the league was curtailed, they had the same points with 25 games played.
To achieve last season’s points tally with 12 games fewer played, highlights the culmination of years of hard work, as well as perhaps a change in expectations for this side.
In Penybont’s last match before the league was locked down, they narrowly lost to league leaders TNS and could have drawn but for Snaith’s goal being ruled offside.
Their only defeats this season have come at the hands of the top three teams in the division and their most recent fixture is proof of the the narrow margins between them and the elite sides in the Cymru Premier.
The result may have placed them in sixth place but it doesn’t tell the full story of the Blues’ season so far.
Penybont have either two or three games in hand over those above them, which shows when they have played, they’ve been a hard team to beat.
If they can turn those games into points then they’ll soon be able to secure a top six spot as well as gain ground on those in a higher position.
It was a shame that their festive double header with Barry Town United was postponed as it could have proven a real indicator in their ambitions for the season.
Last season, Penybont began the season by sticking to their beliefs of attractive football, but ultimately it was costing them. They would either be on the end of a heavy defeat from the top sides or they would let slip a result through individual errors.
In this campaign however, Penybont have been able to mix it up by playing passing football and opening teams apart. An example of this is their 6-0 victory over Caernarfon, in which they could have scored more goals. The performance stood out in the eyes of many because of how clinical they were and how it wasn’t just one individual performance which shone, instead it was a team effort.
The season may still be in its early stages, but should we move into Phase Two, it is the performance of Penybont, which arguably puts Rhys Griffiths as perhaps the Manager of the Season so far.
Griffiths, a legend on the pitch for his goalscoring exploits has brought his professionalism as a player to the dugout.
The 40-year-old bided his time in the Welsh League, dealing with near misses to inspire his team to an unbeaten title winning season.
He then solidified their place in the division by keeping them up, albeit on a points-per-game basis, however you may have fancied them to have done the business in normal times.
Moving on to the praise who are doing the business on the field, it comes as no surprise to see Lewis Harling heavily involved in Penybont’s eye-catching season.
After moving from last season’s relegation rivals Carmarthen Town, Harling has found the SDM Glass Stadium to be the home which he’s needed.
The 28-year-old is joint top scorer this season with Ben Ahmun, highlighting his goalscoring ability, but he’s also been heavily involved in the bridge between defence and attack.
This is also the season where their longer-serving players have been rewarded for their loyalty.
Kostya Georgievsky, who had brief stints in the league with Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Port Talbot, has found a place to settle.
He’s already equalled his tally of three goals last season, in seven less games. The difference for him this season is that his performances have seen him merit a starting spot, rather than occupying the substitutes bench.
The transfer business has also been effective. The permanent signing of Ashley Morris has brought some solidity across the backline.
Mael Davies has also been a key figure in a number of Penybont’s performances this season for his creativity.
Add to that the signing of Connor Davies, who is still only 18, as well as Ian Traylor, who has recovered from injury, you could perhaps see that this Penybont team could be onto something.
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
