Mendes' second half strike earns champions the spoils

JD Cymru Premier

Connah’s Quay Nomads 1 – Haverfordwest County 0

 

Connah’s Quay Nomads gained a slender victory against battling Haverfordwest County at the Deeside Stadium.

Paulo Mendes scored early in the second half to seal three points for the champions, but The Bluebirds can take heart with another competitive display.

The visitors nearly broke the deadlock as early as the fifth minute when Elliot Scotcher’s powerful free kick from the edge of the box crashed against the crossbar.

With only eight minutes played Alaric Jones left the pitch injured and the young  defender was replaced by Kurtis Rees Ten minutes later Mason Jones-Thomas was also forced to limp off, and he was replaced by Alhagi Touray Sisay.

The Nomads created a couple of decent chances as Declan Poole and Aron Williams’ menacing shots both missed the target.

Mendes dragged his low shot straight to keeper Lee Idzi, and on the overall balance of play it justly remained 0-0 at half time.

Shortly after the interval Danny Williams had a sight at goal, but the striker skied his effort well over the bar.
 

Mendes breaks deadlock

The champions crucially broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Mendes got on the end of Poole’s cross; the striker took a touch inside the box before calmly placing the ball home from close range.
 

Another injury worry

It was always going to be a big ask for the visitors to get back in this game, and matters got even tougher when substitute Kurtis Rees picked up a knock and had to be replaced by teenager Iori Humphreys.

There was no further drama as the hosts held firm for victory as the Bluebirds tasted their ninth defeat of the season and stay second from bottom.

Over the festive period The Bluebirds have an important double-header derby clash with Aberystwyth Town, who are only a point ahead of Haverfordwest County in the table. On Boxing Day they travel to Park Avenue  and the return game is on New Year’s Day at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Connay’s Quay Nomads: O. Byrne, J. Disney, R. Harrington, G. Horan (Captain), A. Fernandes Mendes, C. Morris, J. Insall (81, J. Owen), D. Poole, K. Owens, C. Curran, A. Williams (77, J. Mullan).
Substitutes not used: B. Harrison, A. Edwards, K. Calderbank-Park, J. Williams, H. Owen.

Haverfordwest County: L. Idzi, J. Richards, E. Scotcher, A. Jones (8, K. Rees, I. Humphreys 82), R. Watts, B. Fawcett, J. Wilson, D. Rees (Captain), M. Jones Thomas (A. Touray Sisay 19), K. Patten, D. Williams.
Substitutes: not used: W. Gajda, L. Davies.

Referee: Thomas Owen.
Assistants:  Martin Roberts & Connor Fowler.
Fourth Official: Alex Livesey.