PHOTO:
Greg Walters worked hard for Haverfordwest County in midfield
Skipper Ricky Watts came close to scoring a superb second

Nathaniel MG Cup

Haverfordwest County 2 – Goytre United 1

Haverfordwest County progressed in the Nathaniel MG Cup after an entertaining victory against Goytre United at the Conygar Bridge Meadow on Tuesday night.

Joe Leahy gave the home outfit the lead before Jordan Edwards equalised, the hosts grabbed the winner with a fortuitous Tim Hicks header and the Bluebirds ended the game with ten-men when centre back Sam Rodon was sent off.

Leahy’s glancing header

The Bluebirds took the lead in the 31^st minute, right back Matthew Broome’s ball in the box was met by a glancing header by striker Leahy that nestled in the far corner.

Minutes later and the homesters were unlucky not to extend the lead, Bluebirds’ skipper Ricky Watts smashing a right foot screamer which just missed the target.

Five minutes later and the visitors equalised when striker Jordan Edwards slotted home past on rushing goalkeeper Nicholas Jones.

The first half finished even at 1-1, with the Bluebirds looking to get on top in the second period.
Greg Walters was unlucky not to find the back of the net, the midfielder broke clear and had his low shot blocked by Luke Martin; minutes later the same player flashed a low volley past Martin’s left-hand post.

Hicks uses head for winner

Haverfordwest County grabbed the winner in the 61^st minute, Kristian Speake’s corner wasn’t gathered by Martin and Hicks headed home from six yards.

Substitute Charlie Davies struck a wicked 20-yard volley which struck the post, five minutes from full time and centre back Sam Rodon received his marching orders, after picking up his second booking on the night.

Bluebirds’ young goalkeeper Jones pulled off a superb finger-tip save to deny substitute Luke Giles. Former Bluebird Dale Griffiths nodded into the back of the net, but his effort was disallowed due to pushing inside the box.

Haverfordwest County: Nicholas Jones; Matthew Broome; Alaric Jones; Tim Hicks; Sam Rodon; Nicky Palmer; Steffan Williams; Greg Walters; Joe Leahy; Ricky Watts (Captain); Kristian Speake. Substitutes: Leon Luby; Charlie Davies; Alfie Stotter; Fraser Finlay; Paul Miller.

Goytre United: Luke Martin; Jamal Roberts; Rhodri Cole; Tom Atyeo; Dale Griffiths; Jordan Ellis; Curtis Hudson; Dylan Blain; Jordan Edwards; Jan Zola; Tom Walters. Substitutes: Luke Giles; Cameron Giles; Jack Giles.

Referee: R. Kenny.
Assistants: D. Beckett & J. DeSchoolmeister.