Penybont win Play-Off final to earn European spot

Penybont win Play-Off final to earn European spotPenybont were formed in 2013 following the merger of Bridgend Town and Bryntirion Athletic

Chris Venables and Mael Davies scored as Penybont beat Haverfordwest County 2-0 in the Cymru Premier Play-off final to qualify for the Uefa Conference League.

Venables, 40, scored only his third goal of the season to give Penybont an early lead at a rain-drenched DragonBet Stadium in Bridgend.

Davies sealed victory in the second half with an excellent curling effort as Penybont reached Europe for the third time in four seasons.

It was Penybont's first ever Play-Off final win having lost in 2024 while Haverfordwest had won the final on two previous occasions, including last year.

Penybont manager Rhys Griffiths had described the game as "all or nothing" with a a six figure sum and a place in Europe at stake.

Haverfordwest went close inside the opening three minutes when Greg Walters' header was tipped over the bar by keeper Luke Armstong.

But despite Haverfordwest's bright start the home side took the lead after 10 minutes.

Nathan Wood's cross wars headed down by Mael Davies and Venables pounced to put his team ahead, despite a suspicion of offside.

Bont took a hold of the game as Venables headed over from Woods' cross, who also set up a golden opportunity for Owain Pritchard, but the midfielder struck the post.

County came back into the game late on in the first half with Dan Hawkins' effort hitting the post before his free-kick was deflected by Bont defender Ash Baker onto the post.

Early in the second half Corey Shephard fired over the crossbar for Haverfordwest, but with the rain continuing to fall the game became scrappy.

But Penybont went further ahead on 63 minutes when captain Davies' curling effort found the top corner of the net.

Support Everyday Chronicle
Global reporting requires independent voices. If you value our coverage, please consider a small contribution to help us grow.
Click the button below to make a secure donation