IN April1948, seven buses were required to coach supporters from the small north Ceredigion village of Pontrhydfendigaid to Aberystwyth, to watch their team play in the final of the Reserve Cup.

Bont FC, who went on to beat Llanrhystud 2-0 at Park Avenue in the final, have managed to maintain a level of support disproportionate to the village’s population size — 712 at the last Census — since it was established in 1947.

Bont FC played their first competitive league game away to the Army Cadet Force on 10 October, 1947, which they won 3-0.

After a successful league campaign, they were crowned champions of Division Two.

Through a mixture of passionate and talented villagers and good networking, particularly with students at Aberystwyth University, the club has managed to keep going for 70 years.

Along with several successful seasons, the club has also seen some very difficult seasons. But through the trials and tribulations, the club has managed to keep going.

Bont FC had a golden era from the mid-60s to the mid-70s, winning the Division One title four times, plus the League Cup on three occasions, and finishing runners up five times.

They have also won the South Cards Cup twice, won the Len and Julia Newman Cup once, and finished runners up four times.

Bont FC chairman Richard Jones, or ‘Dicky Mint’ to those familiar with him and the club, said: “We are asking all players, committee members, managers and supporters, past and present, to attend an anniversary dinner at the club next month."

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online tomorrow