Briton Ferry Llansawel 2 – Haverfordwest County 4

Haverfordwest County stay top of the table on goals difference thanks to Marcus Griffiths’ superb second half hat-trick at Briton Ferry Llansawel.

Man of match Griffiths also assisted for Jack Wilson’s early opener, but Ferry hit back through goals from Daniel Kingdom and Stephen Davey to lead 2-1 at the interval.

After the break Griffiths glanced in a header, made no mistake from the penalty spot, and completed his treble with a cracking low finish from 18 yards.

The Bluebirds were without key players Ben Fawcett and Ricky Watts through injury plus substitute Elliot Thomas remained on the bench after he picked up a knock in the midweek draw at home against Goytre United.

Alongside Griffiths’ man of match performance centre backs Sean Pemberton and Sam Rodon both had excellent games, the latter picked up an early yellow card, but he defended immaculately for the rest of the game.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 14^th minute, Griffiths’ telling cross in the box was clinically met by the advancing Wilson, the teenager making no mistake from six yards.

However, Ferry got back in the game when they equalised in the 26^th minute. Mark Jones’ corner was met at the far post by left back Daniel Kingdom.

That goal inspired Ferry and right on the stroke of half time they took the lead, Stephen Davey profited from a rebound catching the Bluebirds’ defence flat footed.

Michael Chaves lobbed over Steven Hall’s crossbar, at the other end Sam Rodon headed Miles John’s corner just wide of the target.

Ten minutes after the break and the visitors equalised when Griffiths’ near post glancing header crept in off the far post.

Then the introduction of Bluebirds assistant manager Tim Hicks instead of Tyler Brock on the hour mark worked well.

In the 66^th minute the visitors were awarded a stonewall penalty. Tom Dyson’s clever ball over the top fell invitingly to Hicks who was taken down by Robert Thomas.

Griffiths took responsibility and emphatically finished from 18 yards to help his side regain the lead.

Four minutes later and visitors added a crucial fourth, John’s disguised free kick to Griffiths, enabled the striker to strike a low right footed strike into the far corner and completing a terrific second half fightback from the high-flying Bluebirds.

A delighted Haverfordwest County manager Wayne Jones spoke shortly after the final whistle.
“We showed great grit and determination.

“Disappointing to fall behind but experience and character shone through to earn us victory.

“Considering we’re struggling with injuries and missing key players; I give full credit to the lads who have stepped in and done a job.

“I’m delighted we’re top of the tree and we want to stay there.”


Briton Ferry Llansawel: Conah McFenton, Sam Baker (Gareth Jones 76), Daniel Kingdom, Rory Healey (Captain), Luke Harris, Robert Thomas, Cameron Harris, Michael Chaves (Scott Tomlinson 61), Mark Jones, Stephen Davey, Joe Hunt. Substitutes not used: Declan Evans, Craig Jones, Jared Lake.

Haverfordwest County: Steve Hall, Miles John, Harri Rowe, Sean Pemberton (Captain), Sam Rodon, Scott Tancock, Kurtis Rees, Tom Dyson, Tyler Brock (Tim Hicks 60), Marcus Griffiths, Jack Wilson.
Substitutes not used: Elliot Thomas, Joe Griffiths, Kyle Stuart (gk).

Referee: Darren Hales.
Assistants: Rebecca Thomas & Gavin Townsend.