PHOTO:
Chris O'Sullivan marked his return with a goal in the first half

Pre-season friendly

Penrhyncoch FC 0 - Haverfordwest County 2

Haverfordwest County got their pre-season preparations off to a good start with a two-goal victory at Penrhyncoch. 

The new look squad played well for Bluebirds’ management duo of Sean Cresser and Chris O’Sullivan, both will feel quietly pleased with the way that the team gelled in their first outing against last season’s treble winning Mid Wales opposition.

Sully said shortly after the final whistle: “I’m really happy with the way the lads played, considering it is our first game, I was really pleased with the way the new lads gelled.”

Relegated from the Welsh Premier last season, the Bluebirds are re-building with a lot of local based players this season, and they will be aiming to do well in Welsh League Division One.

Clean sheet

Goalkeeper James Gwilt will be delighted that he kept a clean sheet on his debut. Nathan Banner looked solid in the heart of the defence alongside Luke Harries and Spencer Williams.

Lee Hudgell has returned to the fold after a spell with Merlins Bridge, the wide sided midfielder looked sharp creating chances for a lively top three consisting of Kristian Speake, Ashley Bevan and Rhys Dalling.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 20th minute, O’Sullivan taking a touch before striking an unstoppable right foot shot from 25 yards that crashed into the middle of the goal.

Bevan’s debut strike

In the second half the visitors controlled possession and territory and were rewarded with a second goal in the 75th minute. Substitute Alfie Stotter played in Bevan, the debutant striker took an excellent first touch before unleashing a rocket shot that flew in the top corner, and right at the death the home keeper pulled off a brilliant save to deny Bevan scoring his second goal of the game with a powerful header from inside the box.

Haverfordwest County have friendly fixtures with Cardiff Metropolitan University on Saturday, 30th July, and with Welsh Premier Carmarthen Town at the Conygar Bridge Meadow on Saturday, 5th August and will also host Merlins Bridge on Tuesday 9th.

Haverfordwest County: James Gwilt; Luke Harries; Steffan Adams; Nathan Banner; Spencer Williams; Tom Wellington; Chris O’Sullivan; Lee Hudgell; Kristian Speake; Ashley Bevan; Rhys Dalling. Subs: Alfie Stotter; Curtis Hicks.