Penybont: Veteran striker Chris Venables relishes another shot at Europe

Penybont would have been forgiven for watching through gritted teeth as The New Saints beat Connah’s Quay Nomads to claim the Welsh Cup last Sunday.

But ultimately, TNS’ latest trophy triumph meant celebrations for Penybont, given that it secured their place in this summer’s Europa Conference League qualifiers.

The south Wales side are looking forward to a shot at European football for only the second time courtesy of their second-placed finish in the Cymru Premier table, behind treble-winning TNS.

Veteran Penybont striker Chris Venables was among the players, club officials and family members who gathered at their clubhouse to watch as TNS came from behind to overcome the Nomads to send Rhys Griffiths’ team into Europe.

“We’re thrilled to have qualified again,” said 39-year-old Venables, who has previously played in Europe for Aberystwyth Town and Bala Town.

“It was a really strange day. After the game, it was a superb atmosphere, as you could imagine, but during the game it was tense, especially with the way the game played out.

“It could have gone either way and it went right to the end, so it wasn’t the most pleasant of experiences.”