Penybont learn lessons of watergate row in Andorra

Penybont will be bringing their own water as they look to keep their European dreams alive against FC Santa Coloma in Andorra on Thursday (18:00 BST).

The Cymru Premier side are hoping for a refreshing change of fortunes by keeping their cool in more ways than one against a team that proved awkward opponents in the first leg last week.

Penybont were unable to secure a maiden win in Europe when they were beaten 1-0 in the Uefa Conference League first qualifying round.

After failing to take their opportunities at Cardiff City Stadium – including missing a penalty – they are taking no chances when it comes to the return match after being left short of water against the same opponents three years ago.

"We were given water at the start of the game and were told as soon as we wanted more to let them know," claimed Penybont boss Rhys Griffiths.

"Then just after half-time we asked and they said there was no more. It went to extra time so we had maybe 70 minutes without water when it was 36 degrees.

"It's a learning curve so this time we'll take all the water from the shops in Andorra onto the side of the pitch!"

That 2023 tie in Andorra heated up on and off the pitch as Penybont lost in extra-time after key striker Chris Venables had been sent off.

Griffiths believes the UK's recent heatwave has been good preparation for the Bridgend-based club as they aim to face Austrian side Rapid Vienna in the next round, if they can keep cool heads.

Midfielder Nathan Wood said following the first leg: "It was similar to the last game we played them.

"We had spoken beforehand about how lightweight they are, how they encourage the foul and are not afraid to go down.

"It's frustrating when you're out there, but we were expecting it and we can only control ourselves."

Griffiths added: "I thought some of their antics were really poor, but it's up to them.

"The referee had a good game because they were diving and rolling around on the floor.

"It's the dark arts of football everywhere, not just in Europe. I don't like it, I hate it in fact.

"It's about keeping cool and we didn't have anyone disciplined for dissent, which is pleasing because they could have easily lost their heads. We have taken a lot of encouragement from the second half in particular."

Penybont's pressure did not lead to a leveller, with the Cymru Premier play-off winners seeing Ryan Hill miss a second-half penalty.

Former Newport County midfielder Wood added: "We're fully prepared to go again. We're only halfway and we're going to give it a really good go.

"It's the strongest squad I've been part of here, the club is heading in the right direction and we don't just want to be part of a first round European tour, we want to go to Austria and play Rapid Vienna.

"The carrot is dangling, but we have to go and do the job in Andorra. We've had a hot pre-season which is good preparation – and we'll bring our own water."