For the whole of the JD Cymru Premier season we plan to produce a next-day set of snippets about the things that go on at The Bridge Meadow Stadium – and the marvellous people there in the background who make the club tick. We hope you enjoy it! 

A point gained for the inexperienced Bluebirds with chairman Rob also making his debut match appearance!

Manager Wayne Jones told us this morning that he thought it was a point gained, rather than two points lost, after his young team twice came behind to share the spoils. We would agree with him because the squad was relatively inexperienced – and hopefully they can build on that as they take on three very tough matches in ten days. Also making his debut at the match was new chairman Rob Edwards, who spoke well to the cameras at half time – and we hope you enjoyed the experience too!




 

Unusual times indeed at The Bridge Meadow Stadium

It was an unusual set-up for the match because of the social distancing and so Newtown had to use both changing rooms whilst Haverfordwest had to use the lounge bar, with the curtains closed! Both teams had to take a longer walk out on to the ground at the start and the half-time pep-talks were also delivered on the pitch.

‘Sgorio’ does a very good job

Congratulations to ‘Sgorio’ (S4C) for their live presentation of the game, which was a great help to supporters not allowed to attend because of the pandemic. They set up their extensive equipment the previous afternoon and in Dylan Ebenezer and former Welsh international Owain Tudur Jones had a detailed Welsh commentary, supported by English on the red button from Malcolm Allen and Mike Jones. I saw it today and thought it was good stuff!



 

Danny takes the plaudits – ‘Pembs’ comes so close!

Danny Williams marked his return to the stadium by being chosen as man of the match for his two goals but it was interesting to listen in to the decision-making from the nearby TV pundits because two of them wanted to pick Sean Pemberton for his gritty defence and excellent leadership. In the final analysis the casting vote went to Mr Allen and he chose a fellow forward!



 

Jack catches the eye of a Welsh manager

For the second match in succession Jack Wilson made his appearance as an ‘impact substitution’ and my word did he do just that as his speed flummoxed the Newton defence and his superb cross from wide out on the right wing set up Danny Williams’ second equaliser. Manager Wayne Jones was full of praise for his commitment this season and he also received rave comments from Mark Jones, the manager of the Welsh semi-professional team, who couldn’t believe the Hakin youngster was still a teenager!



 

Older ball boys than usual

The term ‘ball boys’ could only be used very loosely because the average age of those doing a good job was certainly 60+! Former director Alan Thomas and his pal Alan Adams were joined by Tony Jones, whose son Alaric was playing for The Bluebirds, whilst Eddie Bunston did some yeoman work in the car park. Careful lads – you might get the job full time!



 

Parents manage to watch their sons - from a distance

I have already mentioned a parent who managed to get a job in order to watch his boy; well there was further evidence on ‘Sgorio’ of other parents who steadfastly stood outside the far fence to cheer on Ricky Watts and Ben Fawcett. All three are great regular supporters and I really hope you enjoyed a view with a difference from normal!




 

The pitch looked an absolute picture!

The Bridge Meadow Stadium pitch looked an absolute picture and was indeed a credit to Kevin Haldane, who has taken over the care of the hallowed turf. So well done Kev – not bad for a former footballer from Falkirk!




 

Referee Dean stays firmly in control

Taking charge of the match was experienced referee Dean John, who hails from Cwmbwrla, in Swansea, and kept a firm grip on a typically physical JD Cymru Premier match.
His assistants were Bryn Jones and Cilan Thomas and they worked well as a trio.

Gwyn was there to oversee matters

A welcome visitor to the match was Gwyn Derfel, who is general manager of the league and looked resplendent in his grey suit and red tie. He stopped en route overnight in his caravan and told us he was pleased to be there and that it was great to see Welsh Premier football back in Haverfordwest again!



 

Well done Julie and doc Richard

And finally, perhaps the highest plaudits of the day have to go to two very-much unsung heroes in Bluebirds’ secretary Julie Le-Grice and Hon Medical Officer, Dr Richard Thompson. Both had to be at the ground very early and Julie was immensely busy throughout in dealing with the TV cameras, press, teams and others – and did a brilliant job.

Dr Richard had to check everyone’s temperature on arrival and also to fill in a form – and all with a typically cheery smile on his face!