Nathaniel Cup – Round 2:

 

Haverfordwest County 3 – Goytre United 0

Haverfordwest County grabbed three late second half goals to secure their safe passage in the Nathaniel Cup at the expense of gritty ten-man Goytre United at the Bridge Meadow in front of fans which created a proper atmosphere, writes Gordon Thomas.

Goytre United, near Port Talbot, play one league below in Cymru South, it’s fair to say they gave the hosts a battle until goals in the final quarter by Kieran Lewis, Henry Thomas and Corey Shephard settled this affair.
 

Mixed pre-season results

Haverfordwest County have had mixed results during the pre-season warm-up games, their latest clash was a narrow 3-2 defeat at Merthyr Town.

Haverfordwest County manager Wayne Jones started this cup clash with a 4-5-1 formation, also the hosts were without the experienced services of goalkeeper Lee Idzi, back for a second spell plus in form striker Ben Fawcett in the warm-up games.

Neither side created any decent scoring opportunities in the first period, and it wasn’t until the 74^th minute that the hosts finally broke the deadlock.

Lewis broke deadlock

A ball in the United box caused mayhem, it fell kindly to Lewis who drilled home from close range.

On the stroke of full-time lone striker Jack Wilson did superbly to hold up play, a teasing cross from the right by Jazz Richards fell to Henry Jones who coolly slotted in at the far post with a neat finish.


 

Visitors down to ten men

The visitors were reduced to ten men when Callum Bateman received a second yellow for clattering Haverfordwest County skipper Dylan Rees.

Haverfordwest County added a third goal deep in injury time as Shephard struck from inside the box to secure victory.

This was a true test for the Bluebirds, as Alaric Jones alongside Elliot Scotcher were outstanding in heart of defence, plus Daniel Summerfield, Ricky Watts and skipper Daniel Rees all put in a decent display.

Jack Wilson worked hard as the solitary striker, also Shephard shone in midfield alongside impressive Kieran Lewis, Kurtis Rees, and Henry Jones.




Shortly afterwards Wayne Jones spoke to Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk

“We played well today, but have been poor over pre-season, we changed the system a little bit more defensive minded as we put a few round pegs in square holes.

“As the game went on, we got stronger and stronger, in all honestly I didn’t expect any other result.
“Once we got the first goal we just grew in confidence and that set us up for victory.”

Next Saturday, 14^th August, Haverfordwest County travel to Caernarfon Town to kick off their Welsh Premier campaign, then on Friday, August 20^th the Bluebirds are home against Cardiff Met, kick off 7.45pm.

Haverfordwest County: Wojciech Gajda, Ricky Watts, Daniel Summerfield, Alaric Jones, Kurtis Rees, Elliot Scotcher, Jack Wilson, Dylan Rees (Captain), Henry Jones, Kieran Lewis, Corey Shephard.
Substitutes: Mason Thomas-Jones, Scott Tancock, Jazz Richards, Josh Le Grice (GK).

Goytre United: S. Coughlin, S. O’Sullivan, D. Birch, L. Gerrard, N. Glendon, J. Baker, B. Flay, K. Steadman, L. Griffiths, J. Hopkins, C. Bateman.
Substitutes: M. Thomas, J. Roberts, J. Pike, R. Dix.

Referee: Cristian Nemes.
Assistants: Huw Oliver and Cilan Thomas.