Cardiff City edged out a valiant Penybont 2-0, as Bont continued their UEFA Conference League preparations.
Goals from Mark McGuinness in the 12th minute and Ollie Tanner in the 79th minute were enough for the Championship side in Erol Bulut’s first game in charge.
Despite the scoreline, Penybont enjoyed large spells of possession and could have scored themselves if Chris Venables had been more clinical.
For Bont, this was a good performance against a professional side as they look towards their UEFA Conference League clash with FC Santa Coloma from Andorra on July 13.
Penybont started brighter than their hosts, pinning them in their own half for the opening exchanges. Chris Venables, recently signed from fellow JD Premier side Bala Town, threatened by winning multiple headers in the box, but could not guide any towards Jak Alnwick.
Despite a bright Bont start, it was Cardiff who struck first as Mark McGuinness powered home a header from a corner. Kion Etete threatened to double the lead, if not for Mark Little thwarting him at the last second.
This seemed to give Bont a new lease of life, as a few minutes of high-pressing saw some promising attacks, led by Kane Owen’s set-piece ability.
This was to no avail as Cardiff had a spell of six corners in a row, with all of them threatening to add to the score. Etete came close heading against the post, but Isaak Davies’ rebound was superbly saved by Alex Pennock.
The first half was rounded off by Penybont threatening yet again, but their possession did not lead to any clear-cut chances.
The second-half started slower, with both sides looking to enjoy extended spells of possession. Penybont had the best chance of the half as Ryan Reynolds pinched the ball in the Cardiff half before feeding Venables through. The striker could only drag his shot wide.
Cardiff eventually doubled their lead in the 80th minute as Kieron Evans’ cross was headed home by OIlie Tanner. That was enough to see the game out for the Bluebirds.
Cardiff City (first half): Alnwick, Romeo, McGuinness, Simpson, Bagan, Ralls, Wintle, Ojo, Robinson (R.Colwill, 32), Davies, Etete.
Cardiff City (second half): Turner, Tanner, Denham, Adams, Campbell (Benjamin, 70) , King, R.Colwill (J.Colwill, 70), Rinomhota, Watters.
Goals: Mark McGuinness 12’, Ollie Tanner 79’
Penybont: Pennock (Harris, 45), Little (Evans, 61), Owen (Jefferies, 69), Davies (Carson, 84), Harling (Borge, 61), Reffell (Brown, 61), Yorwerth, Clutton, Reynolds (Flay, 90), MacDonald, Venables (Griffiths, 61).
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