Veteran Venables relishes another shot at Europe

Chris Venables is a former Wales C international

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."

Penybont's prospects were dealt a blow when Nomads took an early lead in the Rodney Parade final through Declan Poole.

But nerves turned to relief for Bont as goals from Rory Holden and Jordan Williams turned the game around.

"It was the worst-case scenario that Connah's Quay scored early," Venables said.

"We were aware that there was time left for TNS to equalise and get a winner for us, but Nomads going 1-0 up certainly wasn't what we wanted to see.

"Relief was the feeling, without a doubt. There was still a lot of time after TNS' second goal, but it was a surge of relief."

Penybont previously competed in the Europa Conference League qualifiers in 2023, when they lost 3-1 on aggregate to Andorran outfit Santa Coloma.

Venables, who netted in the first leg of that tie to become the club's first ever European goalscorer, hopes the side can draw from previous experience in the 2025-26 competition.

"It was a tight affair in both legs [against Santa Coloma]," he said.

"For me, I had only just joined the club and made my debut in the home leg, so I have fond memories of scoring Penybont's first goal in Europe.

"It was superb to play it in Bridgend in front of a good crowd, the atmosphere was great and it's something I'm drawn to and looking forward to for this campaign."

'Not many more European games left'

Venables, who has more than 200 Cymru Premier goals to his name, is by his own admission nearing the end of his time at the top level of Welsh domestic football.

Given that Venables will turn 40 in July, European qualification is extra special.

"It means a lot," he continued. "You can never take it for granted. For me on a personal note, I'm thrilled to have another campaign in Europe at this stage in my career.

"Over the last two seasons since I've signed for Penybont, I've had it at the forefront of my mind when I step out on to the pitch that there aren't many more times that this is going to be happening.

"It will come to an end for me at some point, so I'm just trying to savour it and enjoy it."