PHOTOS:
Aaron James takes on Joe Brill and Spencer Williams
Striker Mohannad Romman, who had a good game
Match officials Charles Davies, Neil Lewis & Gareth Elliott

McWhirter League:

 

Haverfordwest County Youth 1 - Carmarthen Town Youth 0

 
Laurie Haworth again showed his ability to turn a match in Haverfordwest County Youth’s favour as his successful free kick secured all three points against Carmarthen Town Youth at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium.
 
But it was anything but a one-man show as the Young Bluebirds played really well as a unit, with the bulk of the chances falling in their favour as a result of quality play against their counterparts from Carmarthen, who might not have the technical skills of Steve Batty’s boys but showed a real competitive approach to a game that was well refereed by Neil Lewis.
 

Good performances in a strong team effort

 
Haverfordwest were without regular keeper Dan Evans, away on international duty, so striker Gwion Howell slotted in between the sticks and dealt with everything thrown at him, although to be fair to the excellent back four of Aiden Rainbow, Owen Coombs, Jordan Thomas and Spencer Williams, Howell had relatively little to do in comparison with opposite number Dan Russell.
 
Russell saved well in the first half from Alfie Stottor and Mohannad Romman, who formed a useful strike force in Howell’s switch of duties, whilst Haworth and Lloyd Hughes posed a constant threat with their direct runs down the flank and eagerness to fire in shots.
 

‘Engine room’ ticks over nicely

 
Hughes deflected a shot onto the post and Haworth drove inches wide of the far post as the vital ‘engine room’ of Mark Davies and skipper Joe Brill was busy all night and kept their team going forward.
 
Carmarthen included Neyland’s talented young outside half or full back Aaron James in midfield alongside Ryan Foschi and Glen Fearn, whilst striker Breig Matthews was always on the look-out for a half chance.
 
But after a goal-less first half the Young Bluebirds finally broke the deadlock when Stottor was hauled down just outside the area and Haworth drilled his low shot through the wall and past a stranded Russell.
 
As conditions worsened rapidly, though, there were fewer and fewer chances but the Young Bluebirds held on to their single-goal advantage and were good value for another victory.
 
Haverfordwest County Youth: Gwion Howell: Aidan Rainbow; Jordan Thomas; Owen Coombs; Spencer Williams: Lloyd Hughes; Mark Davies; Joe Brill (Capt); Laurie Haworth: Mohannad Romman; Alfie Stotter. Subs: Fraser James; Dafydd Bevan; Ben Aldred; Sean O’Neill; Louis Thompson

Carmarthen Town Youth: Dan Russell: Josh Grota; Tom Rees; Hywel Llyr; Sion Harries: Ryan Foschi; Aaron James; Glen Fearn; Chris Brown: Grant Stamp; Brieg Matthews. Subs: Sion Jones; Josh Lloyd Evans; Jordan Badman.

Referee: Neil Lewis
Assistants: Gareth Elliott & Charles Davies