JD Cymru Premier – Play-off Conference:

Cefn Druids 2 - Haverfordwest County 1

Substitute Charley Edge curled home an 89^th minute winner for Cefn Druids who cruelly snatched victory against heartbroken Haverfordwest County at The Rock.

This defeat meant that Wayne Jones’ Bluebirds have suffered disappointing back-to-back defeats, despite this being an entertaining clash.

Both sides have already played each other twice this season with the Druids taking four points, with a win and a draw over the Bluebirds, this clash looked to be heading for a draw until Edge struck on the stroke of full time.

Niall Flint gave the Wrexham based north Wales semi-professional outfit an early lead, midway through the second half Haverfordwest County substitute Danny Williams scrambled in an equaliser.

Following an end-to-end finale, it was the Druids who struck a dramatic late winner through a fine finish by Edge, it secured three precious points in this first game of the bottom half of the Welsh Premier’s split season where games will continue to come thick and fast.

Druids take early lead

The Druids scored the opener in the tenth minute as Naim Arsan’s dangerous low cross was met by Niall Flint inside the box, who smashed the ball first time into the roof of the net.

The visitors reacted positively to going behind, putting the Druids under pressure in search of an equaliser.

Bluebirds’ first sight at goal saw Ben Fawcett headed straight at keeper Michael Jones from an excellent Kurtis Rees cross.

Druids’ Arsan struck a shot from distance which was comfortable for keeper Wojceich Gajda to deal with.

On the stroke of half time the visitors were unlucky not to square matters as Kieran Lewis headed against the post Corey Shephard’s accurate cross in the box.

The Druids contingent must have felt happy to hold onto their slender one-goal cushion at half time.

Shortly after the break the visitors went straight on the attack, Fawcett’s clever flick on fell to Lewis, the midfielder struck his low drive straight at Jones when he should have done better.

Danny came off bench to equalise

In the 54^th minute the Bluebirds really should have equalised. Shepherd’s lovely through ball fell to Fawcett, the teenager struck wide from just six yards out.

Manager Wayne Jones brought on Danny Williams in place of Kurtis Rees in the 56^th minute. Ten minutes later the boss made a double substitution, Daniel Summerfield replaced Cameron Keetch also Marcus Griffiths replaced the injured Jazz Richards.

In the 76^th minute the visitors deservedly equalised when Alaric Jones clipped the ball in the box, following a scramble, Danny Williams drilled home through a crowded area.

The visitors finished the stronger as they mounted a series of attacks which put the Druids under pressure.

Eight minutes from time, Shephard struck a vicious volley over the crossbar, four minutes later, Marcus Griffiths headed wide. Those missed chances proved costly.

Edge curled home late winner

However, there was a dramatic twist as substitute Edge curled home the winner which stunned the Bluebirds who had to settle for defeat when it seemed they were on the verge of a draw or even snatching victory themselves.

Prior to kick off, both teams observed a minute’s silence to remember all the lives that have been lost to COVID-19 over the last twelve months.

On Tuesday night, 13^th April, Haverfordwest County entertain Aberystwyth Town at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Haverfordwest County manager Wayne Jones spoke to Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk shortly after the final whistle.

“Obviously gutted with the result. If I’m honest we were the better side on the day, but we didn’t take our chances.

“They caught us with a late counter attack and the boy Edge took his goal well. We should have defended better.

“The performance was good today; I can’t fault the boys for their efforts.

“In November we got stuffed here, but today The Druids grabbed a smash and grab victory.

"It's a harsh lesson to lose so late in the game, but that’s what can happen in football, great when you get a late winner not so great when you suffer a late defeat.”

Cefn Druids:  Michael Jones (Captain), Naim Arsan, Phil Mooney, Aaron Simpson, Ethan Cartwright (Jacob Wise 90), Alex Darlington (Harry Brazel 64), Sam Phillips (Charley Edge 75), Niall Flint, Iwan Cartwright, Kieran Smith, Stefan Edwards.
Substitutes not used: Jonathan Taylor, Harry Fuller, Ben Edwards, B. Knight.

Haverfordwest County: Wojceich Gajda, Jazz Richards (Marcus Griffiths 66), Ricky Watts (Captain), Scott Tancock, Alaric Jones, Kurtis Rees (Danny Williams 56), Corey Shephard, Ben Fawcett, Kieran Lewis, Cameron Keetch (Dan Summerfield 66), Elliot Scotcher.
Substitutes not used: Trystan Jones, Sean Pemberton, Josh Le Grice (GK).

Referee: John Jones.
Assistants: Harry Hendricks & Connor Fowler.
Fourth Official: Ryan Kenny.
Observer: Ryan Stewart.