JD Cymru Premier

 





 

Haverfordwest County 3 – Penybont 2

 
Haverfordwest County put on a fantastic first half display as they scored three terrific goals which set up a narrow win against a strong Penybont outfit on a cold Tuesday evening at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium.
 
At the start of the season the Bluebirds lost 2-0 at Penybont, but this time the Bluebirds put on their best display of the season so far to pick up the crucial points.
 
This win moved the Bluebirds up to eighth in the table whilst the Bont are in fifth spot.
 
The hosts led 3-1 at the break, Jack Wilson opened the scoring, Rhys Abbruzzese scored a contender for the goal of the season for the second, plus Martell Taylor-Crossdale drilled in the third, substitute Jonathan Brown pulled one back for the visitors just before the interval. The Bont continued to fight back as skipper Lewis Harling pulled back his side’s second, but they could not find an elusive equaliser.
 
Tony Pennock’s men took the lead in the 12^th minute when Abbruzzese’s accurate through ball fell to Wilson who cut inside before he struck a wicket left footed shot past Alex Harris.
 
At the other end, Zac Jones pulled off an important save to deny Keton Reffell, the visitors were forced to make a change Mark Little picked up an injury and was replaced by Brown.
 
On 36 minutes the Bluebirds doubled the lead with one of the best strikes ever witnessed on the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, Harri John squared the ball to Abbruzzese, he let fly from 25 yards with a left footed screamer which flew off the underside of Harris’ crossbar.






 
Incredibly skipper Ricky Watts made his 350^th appearance for the Bluebirds, the consistent midfielder has proved his worth for more than a decade. Unfortunately, he picked up a knock to his head and was swathed in bandage, but the warrior continued.
 
Taylor-Crossdale got on the end of a through ball by Watts beyond the Bont defence, he ran clear before he confidently drilled into the far corner to put his side 3-0 ahead, just before the interval Brown volleyed in from close range.
 
At the break Pennock made one change as Iori Humphreys replaced Kayden Williams-Lowe, on the 56^th minute Zac Jones pulled of an excellent save to deny a Venables header at a corner.
 
In the 62^nd minute the visitors scored; it was that captain Harling who was in the right place at the right time to set up a tense finale
 
Ben Fawcett made a welcome return as he replaced the industrious Wilson, to their credit they closed the game out to pick up a thoroughly deserved victory.
 
 
Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Rhys Abbruzzese, Ricky Watts (Captain), Daniel Hawkins, Martell Taylor-Crossdale, Harri John  (84’ Rio Dyer), Lee Jenkins, Luke Tabone, Aidan Macnamara, Jack Wilson (65’ Ben Fawcett), Kayden Williams-Lowe (45’ Iori Humphreys).
Substitutes: Ifan Knott, Lucas Davies, Daniel John, Jacob Owen.
 
Penybont: Alex Harris, Mark Little (18’ Jonathan Brown), Ashley Evans, Daniel Jefferies, Mael Davies, Lewis Harling (Captain), Chris Venables, Billy Borge, Gabriel Kircough, Ryan Reynolds (83’ Lewys Ware), Keton Reffell.
Substitutes not used: Alex Pennock, Bobby Zziwa, Rhys Griffiths, Eduardo Bregua.
 
Referee: Ben Williams.
 
Assistants: Johnathon Bebee-Bryant & Cilan Thomas.
 
Fourth Official: Tom Bevan.
 
Referee Observer: Edward King.