Five talking points from Penybont’s goalless draw with Connah’s Quay Nomads
Penybont celebrate at full time Penybont v Connahs Quay at Bryntirion Park in the JD Cymru Premier on the 13th March 2021.Lewis Mitchell/Penybont FC
Penybont held champions Connah’s Quay Nomads to a bore-draw at the SDM Glass Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts now sit fifth in the table – albeit with a game in hand against fourth-placed Barry Town United, who they host on Tuesday night.
The Nomads could have lost their spot at top of the Cymru Premier, however, The New Saints have since fallen short to Haverfordwest County, meaning Connah’s Quay have extended the deficit between the two sides.
Strong defences
The lack of clear-cut chances for either side showcased the defensive ability on show on Saturday afternoon.
Penybont’s Billy Borge stood out as one of the strongest performers. Despite usually playing in midfield and playing limited minutes so far this season, Borge looked comfortable at centre-half and didn’t put a foot wrong throughout.
Similarly, Nomads captain George Horan commanded his back line and nullified Penybont’s aerial threat in Ben Ahmun and Sam Snaith.
The goalless draw was more due to the strong defensive capabilities both sides possess rather than a lack of attacking prowess.
Conditions played a factor
The wind – more so in the first half than the second – played a huge part of the game.
Connah’s Quay, who played with the wind in the first half, struggled finding the right weight of pass, with balls often running too far and out for a goal-kick.
As for Penybont, they struggled to get out of their half initially, with the wind constantly putting them under pressure.
Bont subs made an impact
Rhys Griffiths used his subs effectively on Saturday afternoon.
The triple substitution of lively trio Kostya Georgievsky, Nathan Wood and Kane Owen increased the side’s intensity, as they applied more pressure to Connah’s Quay, who were thus forced to make mistakes.
Griffiths also introduced Ismail Yakubu in the 67th minute, opting to play with three centre-halves in an attempt to limit the Nomads’ attacking threats.
Wilde effective
Despite not bagging his 200th goal in the top-flight in Wales, Michael Wilde showcased his ability when presented the opportunity.
Wilde arguably had the best chance of the game, as he slipped off from his marker to head at goal in the first half, but Ashley Morris saved fantastically.
His movement in the box, despite not leading to a goal, was superb, as he always gave the opposition defenders something to think about.
Prior to Saturday afternoon, Wilde had scored in each of his last three appearances, so he will no doubt exceed the landmark sometime in the next few weeks.
Lewis Clutton was fantastic
19-year-old Lewis Clutton is another who stepped up when his side needed him on Saturday afternoon.
Despite playing only 53 minutes, the winger was arguably one of the best performers on the pitch.
Playing in a somewhat deep role for a winger, Clutton defended superbly, but his pace in behind helped relieve Penybont of pressure on multiple occasions.
The ex-Bristol Rovers academy player was unlucky not to open the scoring in the first half, but his left-footed shot was fired over the crossbar.
