JD Cymru Premier:

 

Flint Town United 0 – Haverfordwest County 2

Haverfordwest County deservedly picked up their second away victory in seven days, much to the delight of manager Wayne Jones.

Both sides were promoted last season so this result could prove important even at this early stage of the season as super-sub Jack Wilson broke the deadlock in the 78^th minute, before four minutes later Danny Williams drilled home from the spot to secure another precious three points in north Wales.

Earlier in the week the Silkmen bolstered their squad by bringing in four new signings, Alex Jones, and Kai Edwards from last season’s Cymru North champions Prestatyn Town plus Joe Palmer (Airbus UK) and Sam Hart (Colwyn Bay).

The Bluebirds signed Matthew Turner, the goalkeeper joining on loan from Leeds United -  and he made an impressive debut between the sticks.
 

Cadwallader misses a sitter

Flint made a late change to their starting line-up as Mark Cadwallader replaced Kai Edwards. The hosts created the better chances in the first period as they took advantage of the slope and the breeze blowing down it. however, Cadwallader really should have opened the scoring early on as he blazed a shot over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

Marcus Griffiths went inches away from scoring for the visitors as he narrowly failed to latch onto a terrific Danny Williams' cross,  and minutes later Griffiths’ fierce strike was well saved by Aaron Jones.

Just before the break Rob Hughes struck a direct free kick for Flint into the side netting as it stayed goalless at the break, with the Bluebirds more pleased with the stalemate.

Midway through the second period Turner pulled off a top-drawer save to deny a Rob Hughes' drive from distance and at the other end Williams got on the end of a dangerous cross from Wilson, but the striker was denied by another good Jones' stop.

In the 77^th minute Hughes missed a golden chance to open the scoring at the far post.
 

Wilson strikes

With the very next attack the Bluebirds scored as Danny Williams played a terrific through ball to Fawcett, the latter’s low cross buried by Wilson at the far post.

Turner denied Hughes from a 35-yard free kick, and a minute later livewire Wilson was brought down inside the box by Ben Lockley. Danny Williams duly made no mistake with the resultant penalty.

That second goal killed off the game as the Bluebirds stood firm, with Cameron Keetch, Ricky Watts, Alaric Jones and especially skipper Sean Pemberton staying strong until the final whistle before heading back west with another vital three points.




Haverfordwest County manager Wayne Jones:

“They missed an early sitter, but we stuck to our game plan which was staying compact, then brought on the young guns Jack Wilson and Ben Fawcett, who caused havoc for the last 25 minutes.

In these tight games it’s important to score the first goal and we managed to do that today and if I’m honest we could have won by three or four in the end.”









Sean Pemberton (Captain):

It was a cracking win because every match is physically competitive and we never took a backward step. We could have gone behind in the first half as they used the wind and slope - and to be honest we had a little bit of luck.

But we had by far the better of the second half and are delighted by our second away win on the bounce. Our new keeper was good and our subs made a big impact so it's on to anthother hard match next week so at least we have a bit of time to recover.







Jack Wilson (Scorer again from the subs' bench):

It was a great win for us after last week's home defeat but we deserved it because we really worked hard for it. Staying  in Chirk, near Wrexham, was great because we went in feeling relaxed and it paid off.

I was relieved with my goal because I had scuffed an earlier effort at 0-0 and it was nice to have a simple tap in after good work by Danny and Fawcie because I don't seem to score many like that!

I also got brought down to get the penalty and so I was pleased with my job on the day!



Next Saturday the Bluebirds have home advantage against Caernarfon Town.


Flint Town United: Aaron Jones, Wes Baynes, Ben Nash, Rob Hughes, Richie Foulkes (captain) (Ben Steer 67), Alex Jones, Callum Bratley, Joe Palmer, Ben Lockley, Les Davies (Conor Harwood 58), Mark Cadwallader.
Substitutes not used: Andrew Brown, Mason Blackwell, Harry Lockley.

Haverfordwest County: Matthew Turner, Dan Summerfield (Jack Wilson 57), Ricky Watts, Cameron Keetch, Sean Pemberton (captain), Alaric Jones, Jack Britton, Corey Shephard, Marcus Griffiths (Ben Fawcett 73), Kurtis Rees, Danny Williams (Scott Tancock 85).
Substitutes not used: Nicky Palmer, Steve Hall, Josh Le Grice.

Referee: Nicholas Pratt.
Assistants: Connor Fowler & Richard Dolphin
Fourth Official: Aaron Jones.