JD Cymru Premier:

 

Bala Town 1 – Haverfordwest County 2

Haverfordwest County gained their first win in the top flight as super-sub Jack Wilson dramatically steered home a late winner, deep in injury time at Maes Tegig.

Manager Wayne Jones was delighted his side dug deeply, coming from behind to level matters and then snatch the all-important points with a late breakaway goal.

The visitors had drawn two and lost two going into this clash, so it was a case of fifth time lucky as they sealed the vital points at Lakesiders’ fortress.

Bala Town took the lead early as skipper Chris Venables struck from the spot, but just before the break Danny Williams equalised. In a nip and tuck second half it was the visitors who dramatically sealed victory right at the death as Wilson pounced deep in stoppage time.

Will Evans gave the Bluebirds an early scare as he headed over the bar from a corner and excellent goalkeeping from Steve Hall, whilst the keeper was also alert as he quickly blocked Venables’ lob from the edge of the box.

From a half-cleared corner Oliver Shannon struck a fierce drive which crashed against Hall’s bar as Bala pressed hard for the opener.

The visitors thought they had opened the scoring when Kieran Lewis’ neat through ball set-up Danny Williams, and the lively striker slotted past Alex Ramsay, but it was ruled out for offside.

Hall then pulled off a terrific save to deny a Venables' header from point blank.

Midway through the first period the Lakesiders were awarded a penalty when Scott Tancock was perhaps harshly adjudged to have shoved Venables. The skipper took responsibility and made no mistake from 12 yards.

In the 31^st minute the visitors could have levelled matters when Cameron Keetch’s free kick found Williams who volleyed over the bar.
 

Dan used his head

However, a couple of minutes later Williams equalised with a superb header from the edge of the box which completely caught Ramsay off guard as newcomer Dan Somerfield put in a superb cross  from the right that allowed Williams to head home from just inside the box.

The second half was a far cagier affair as both sides were cautious of being hit on the break, and although the Lakesiders had the better of territory and possession they never really threatened or hurt the visitors.
 

Bluebirds battle hard

On the hour mark the visitors made a substitution as Jack Britton replaced Kurtis Rees, and nine minutes later Jack Wilson came on for the industrious Ben Fawcett, and immediately made a good run which saw him brought down and a yellow card issued.

Corey Shephard volleyed wide as he got on the end of another peach of a cross from Keetch and dangerous striker Williams struck a fierce effort over the target.

Dan Summerfield, making his debut for the Bluebirds, won a crucial tackle in midfield, cleverly playing in Wilson, who dragged his left footed shot wide.

Jack stuns Lakesiders

Twelve minutes from time Marcus Griffiths came on for goal-scorer Williams as manager Jones went for glory.

Venables drew another cracking save from Hall, then right at the death the visitors snatched victory, a swift counter was led by Kieran Lewis and his clever pass saw Wilson cut in from the left, striking a beautifully curled right-footed shot past Ramsay to end an excellent day at the office for Wayne Jones’ ecstatic men.

On Tuesday, 6^th October, Haverfordwest County entertain Penybont at the Bridge Meadow Stadium, kick off 7.45pm.

Quotes:

Manager Wayne Jones:
It was a huge win for us and to be honest it hasn't quite sunk in yet - but we fully deserved the three points for the way we stuck to the task. It's been coming and I really thought we had a chance this morning as we travelled up. Wilson's winner was superb but this was a real squad effort and this win has finally got a monkey off our backs as we look to move forward!

Captain Sean Pemberton:
It was a very tough battle and they threw everything at us late on - but we kept our shape, didn't make basic errors and showed we can compete against the best in this top division. It was even more pleasing because we didn't let our heads drop after conceding that penalty and Jack's winner was amazing. My old legs are killing me but it's worth it - and I hope I can still play a part on Tuesday at home to Penybont!

Match-winner Jack Wilson:
To be honest it was hard work waiting to go on but I felt good from the start as I was keen to run at the opposition and got involved straight away. I had one chance which I didn't take but then Kieran Lewis made a strong run and after making a run across the face of their back four I was able to latch onto his final pass and it was brilliant to see my curled shot go the right side of the post and into the net for my first Welsh Premier League goal!

Chairman Rob Edwards:
This win was unbelieveable and believe me, it was thoroughly deserved after we had been robbed in midweek against Barry Town! They bombarded us in the last 15 minutes but we stayed strong as our outstanding skipper Sean Pemberston soaked everything up at the back. Both our goals were classy and Jack's vital finish belied the fact that he is only 19 years old. Dan Somerfield made an excellent debut at the back and the whole squad deserve every credit for this performance.

Bala Town: Alex Ramsay, Sean Smith, Nathan Peate, Anthony Stephens, Jonny Spittle, Will Evans, Raul Correia, Kieran Smith (Henry Jones 57), Anthony Kay, Chris Venables (captain), Ollie Shannon.
Substitutes not used: Andrew Burns, Llyr Morris, Liam Davies, Steve Leslie.

Haverfordwest County: Steve Hall, Dan Summerfield, Ricky Watts, Cameron Keetch, Sean Pemberton (captain), Kieran Lewis, Scott Tancock, Corey Shepard, Ben Fawcett (Jack Wilson 69), Kurtis Rees (Jack Britton 56), Danny Williams (Marcus Griffiths 78).
Substitutes not used: Alaric Jones, Josh Le Grice (GK).