By guest columnist, Peter Ryan

Following another good season, Pen-y-Bont FC will be looking to make a run in the Europa Conference League qualifiers for the third straight campaign.

Rhys Griffiths’s side have had some crucial games in the competition to date and will be looking for another big result this summer.

While the countdown continues to 9 June, it’s worth looking back to a special chapter in the club’s history, when the lights of European football shone on the Brewery Field.

On 13 July 2023, Pen-y-Bont made their European football debut as they welcomed FC Santa Coloma to the iconic Brewery Field.

The venue has hosted many great sporting occasions, having been the home of the Bridgend Ravens and, most recently, the temporary home of the Ospreys.

However, that July night it was all about football. There was a buzz around the town as the home side looked to make history.

As kick-off approached, anticipation built around the Brewery Field, with a vocal crowd eager to witness a historic occasion.

Both teams created opportunities early on; the first goal came late in the first half, with Mario Mourelo scoring a beautiful free-kick to put Santa Coloma in front.

As the contest wore on, the Pen-y-Bont faithful grew increasingly desperate for an equaliser.

Their reward arrived when Chris Venables found the back of the net. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, and the team ultimately lost the next leg, but it was truly a day to remember.

It has been another memorable campaign for Pen-y-Bont, who finished fifth in the Cymru Premier.

In their 34 games, they won 12, drew eight, and lost 13, struggling to find consistency.

The stats demonstrate their inconsistency: 41 goals scored and 49 conceded. However, they secured another European adventure with a 2-0 win over Haverfordwest.

All of the attention will now turn to the qualifier in the summer as they look to do better than last year, after a two-legged defeat to Kauno Žalgiris.

As stated before, the draw to determine Pen-y-Bont’s opponent will take place on 9 June, and the tie will be played at Cardiff City Stadium.

Fans and players alike will be hoping for two strong performances that can propel Pen-y-Bont into the second round of Europa Conference League qualifying.

The stage is set and the spotlight awaits as Pen-y-Bont prepare for another opportunity to make their mark on the European stage. As they head to the Welsh capital this summer, belief and ambition will travel with them every step of the way.

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