Venables settles pre-Europe friendly
Tuesday 23 June 2009
A 37TH-MINUTE goal from new signing Chris Venables gave Llanelli a narrow victory at sun-soaked Parc Y Scarlets, writes John Edwards of the Western Mail.
The match was arranged to give both clubs pre-Europe match practice ahead of their Europa League ties on July 2 and Reds’ new manager Andy Legg will be very content with two wins in four days, Port Talbot having lost 3-0 at the same venue on Saturday.
Rhys Griffiths began the winning move with a delightful far-post cross to Antonio Corbisiero, who linked with Venables, who blasted a fine drive past Paul Harrison.
Alex Darlington nearly gave TNS a third-minute lead, but his 20-yard shot was well saved by Craig Morris.
Legg’s crosses caused constant anxiety in the visitors’ defence and from one pin-point effort, Griffiths headed narrowly wide.
But it took a brilliant full-stretch parry from Llanelli substitute keeper Ashley Morris to deny Barry Hogan’s rasping 80th-minute drive as the players noticeably tired in the heat.