PHOTOS:
Liam Fawcett worked hard for Haverfordwest County up front against Barry Town
Elliott Thomas whips in a cross and was Haverfordwest County's second goal scorer

Pre-season friendly

Haverfordwest County 4 – Barry Town 1

Goals from Sam Wilson, Elliott Thomas, Nicky Palmer and Greg Walters secured a thoroughly deserved victory for Haverfordwest County against Barry Town at the Conygar Bridge Meadow.

Wilson and Thomas scored late in the first half before Tom Billings pulled a goal back shortly after the interval before Palmer slotted home and a terrific Walters strike put the result beyond doubt.

Barry Town have a proud history and despite a difficult period Gavin Chesterfield’s team gained promotion to Welsh League Division Two last season. Haverfordwest County came into this friendly with a mixture of youth and experience and were given a decent match.

Two quick finishes

The first half looked to be heading goalless, but the Bluebirds grabbed two goals in the space of a minute to lead 2-0 at half-time.

The visitors put the homesters under early pressure, but the Bluebirds’ defence consisting of Ricky Watts, Spencer Williams, Sam Rodon and Sean Pemberton stayed solid and keeper Craig Morris had a quiet first period.

Former Bluebird Tom Billings volleyed wide from 18-yards out and Jordan Cotterill drove a right foot shot wide that gave the defence a reminder to concentrate.

Jack Britton was industrious in the heart of midfield while Liam Fawcett, Sam Wilson, Liam Fawcett and Greg Walters worked tirelessly.

Ten minutes after the break, Dan Evans replaced Craig Morris in goal, within two minutes and Billings pulled a goal back for the visitors.

Haverfordwest were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty after Wilson looked as if he was tripped inside box, but referee David Badger ignored the players’ appeals.

Late goals

But a few minutes later and a mistake at back led to Nicky Palmer capitalising and showing good composure to tuck the ball into the net from inside the six-yard box.

Just before the final whistle Walters struck with an emphatic left foot shot from 18 yards to complete the scoring.

Haverfordwest County’s last pre-season friendly is next Saturday, 9^th August against Welsh Premier Carmarthen Town at Richmond Park.

The Bluebirds kick-off their first competitive game against Afan Lido on Wednesday, 13^th August, in the first round of the Word Cup at home, and then three days later they travel to face Penybont in their first league fixture of the season.

Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris; Ricky Watts; Spencer Williams; Sam Rodon; Sean Pemberton; Jack Britton; Greg Walters; Nicky Palmer; Liam Fawcett; Elliott Thomas; Sam Wilson. Substitutes: Laurie Haworth; Gwion Howells; Mark Davies; Ben Aldridge; Dan Evans.

Barry Town: Dan Bradley; Geraint Frowen; Paul Morgan; Lewis Coslett; Asif Bashir; Ryan Dorrian; Dale Howarth; Troy Greening; Tom Billings; Jordan Cotterill; Rhys James. Substitutes: Leigh Baldock; James Sadler; Adam Owens; Ethan Palic.

Referee: David Badger.
Assistants: Matt Mercer and Gareth Elliott.