Penybont thrash Newtown to reach play-off final

Two goals apiece from Gabe Kircough and Chris Venables saw Penybont brush aside Newtown 5-0 to seal their place in the Cymru Premier European play-off final.

Kircough gave Penybont an early lead before two goals from veteran Venables put the visitors firmly in control.

A second from Kircough after the interval and Mark Little’s first goal for the club sealed Penybont’s final spot.

Rhys Griffiths’ side will be away to Caernarfon Town in the final on Saturday, 18 May with the winners qualifying for next season’s Europa Conference League.

Penybont will be aiming to reach Europe for the second successive season while a Caernarfon win would see them play in European competition for the first time.

At a sunny Latham Park, Penybont – who finished the season in seventh spot - went ahead inside the first six minutes against the side who had finished fourth.

Venables’ cross into the area was headed down by Mael Davies and Kircough fired home on the turn for his second league goal of the season.

Bont doubled their led 12 minutes later when captain Kane Owen’s deflected cross was headed home at the far post by Venables.

Venables scored his second of the game and 20th of the season to extend his side’s lead, pouncing from close range after Newtown failed to clear Owen’s cross.

Kircough combined neatly with Lewis Harling before slotting home his second of the afternoon.

Little sealed the win and a place in the final by finishing off a fine individual run.