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Steffan’s a hit at the Bridge Meadow Stadium
Steffan Williams has made himself a popular figure amongst the supporters at the Bridge Meadow Stadium this season with his ability to create and score goals for Haverfordwest County – which is something of a feat since Steffan is only 17 years old and is still eligible to play for the Bluebirds’ youth team!
Perhaps even more remarkably, he is the smallest player in the squad but he makes up for that fact with his speed off the mark, willingness to take on defenders much bigger than himself, and that rare quality of having a natural nose for the half chance which can be turned into goals.
And Steffan doesn’t only score goals himself but makes them for others with his ability to create space by his running off the ball, which pulls defenders all over the place, and the penalties he can create from desperate defenders making a lunge at him as he turns them on a sixpence.
Try scoring winger and useful sprinter
The hardy band of supporters at the Bridge Meadow might be surprised to learn that Steffan was also a more than useful rugby player as he went through the junior ranks with Robin Davies at Crymych RFC, playing as a try-scoring winger in a good side led by scrum half Rhodri Davies – but perhaps less surprised at the fact that Steffan was a good sprinter at Ysgol y Preseli and ran in the 100 metres.
Recent recruit
He only joined the Bluebirds’ youth squad last season and was soon creating a name for himself under the watchful eye of Ronnie Beynon, who knows raw talent when he sees it – and wasn’t long before young Steffan was called into Derek Brazil’s senior squad for the Loosmore’s Cup match against high-flying Llanelli. A long ball out of defence by Jason Grimes allowed Steffan the space he needs and he slotted a low shot past the advancing keeper for a goal which showed all the aplomb of a seasoned goal scorer. This goal earned him inclusion in the squad but he sustained a few injuries like shin splints and a groin strain that set him back for a while.
Back with a bang
But he’s come back with a bang this campaign and after missing the first couple of matches has been involved ever since, often coming on as an impact player and doing well, scoring cracking goals against Llanelli, Port Talbot and Taff’s Well in the Welsh Cup.
Ask Steffan about his rapid rise through the Bluebirds’ ranks and it is easy to see what a modest young man he is.
“Playing for the youth was great but being in the first team is brilliant because there are so many good players I can learn from. The gaffer (Derek Brazil) is always ready with good advice and so are Mark Evans and Micky Ellis,” says Steffan. “On the field, Terry Evans and Damon Searle are very experienced and Jack (Gareth Elliott) gives me good advice which has been a help – and the chairman, Rob Summons, is a nice guy who is there if I need advice.”
Total support
He also has the total support of his family since parents John and Morwen watch almost every match whilst brother Phillip (22) is a regular onlooker – and sister Natalie watched him play at Aberystwyth on Boxing Day.
“The supporters have also been great, especially when I’ve come on as sub and they give me a big cheer – that is a real thrill and I really enjoy being part of the squad.”
Clarbie Road start – and trials up the line
It all must seem a long way from the time he joined Clarbeston Road junior section under the guidance of Steve Brown and scored lots of goals in a talented team that also included Jack Jones and Rhys Dalling as they won the double of under 16 league and cup winners – and created a historic treble for a Pembrokeshire side as they also won the West Wales Cup for their age group, with Steffan scoring two goals in the final at Llanelli.
It was whilst playing for Clarbie Juniors at the Aberystwyth Tournament that he was invited for trials with Aston Villa and he enjoyed his time there until he sustained an injury in the final trial and so missed out. Steffan also trained with Cardiff City for a while but was less than impressed by his time there.
So he joined Haverfordwest County Youth where Ronnie Beynon and Steve Briers were his coaches as he played alongside other talented youngsters like Jack Jones, Ricky Watts and Craig George, who have already forced their way into contention at senior level.
Looking forward
Talk to Steffan about his future and he again shows a level head on young shoulders:
“I would love to play at a higher level and I am ready to work hard for that chance but at the moment I am enjoying being part of the Haverfordwest team There are things I need to sharpen up on and I want to score more goals,” admits Steffan, “so it is up to me now.
I don’t mind all the travel and I really enjoy attacking big defenders who find it hard to turn.”
And finally...
Ask Derek Brazil and chairman Summons and they both feel strongly that their young charge doesn’t need to be over-rushed because he is one to attract attention at the Bridge Meadow for a long time to come. He is already a firm favourite with the supporters, who love his willingness to be involved and readiness to compete with much bigger opponents – and PembrokeshireSport.co.uk wishes this talented young player continuing success because he deserves to do well.
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