JD Cymru Premier – Phase 2 Playoff Conference

 
 

Haverfordwest County 2 – Barry Town United 1

 
Corey Shephard grabbed a bizarre late winner for Haverfordwest County against ten-man Barry Town United on a cold wet Friday night at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.
 
Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock made two changes to the starting line-up that won against Pontypridd United on Good Friday. Iori Humphreys and Rio Dyer replaced Jack Wilson and Ricky Watts, respectively. Rhys Abbruzzese was handed the skipper’s armband for the first time, also Daniel Hawkins returned to the squad.
 
After a goalless first period, it was the visitors who took the lead as Curtis McDonald struck in the 56^th minute, just past the hour mark the visitors were reduced to ten-man as Aiden Lewis was issued a straight red card for a clumsy tackle on Martell Taylor-Crossdale. Lee Jenkins levelled matters in the 73^rd minute before Shephard scored a bizarre 88^th minute winner.
 
This victory has taken the Bluebirds six points clear at the top of Phase Two, second placed Penybont travel to third from bottom Aberystwyth Town tomorrow (6^th April) also rock bottom Colwyn Bay have home advantage against Pontypridd United.
 
The Bluebirds dominated the first period, but they lacked the all-important cutting edge. Taylor-Crossdale was denied by some smart goalkeeping from Mihael Lewis who blocked the Bluebirds’ front man. Whitmore’s tame effort from inside the box was comfortably gathered by Lewis. Rio Dyer’s teasing cross is met by Iori Humphreys’ looped a header over the crossbar.
 
Just before the break Dyer struck a wicked 25 yard effort which Lewis tipped over the bar.
 
Shortly after the break Bluebirds’ keeper Zac Jones got down low to deny Sam Snaith from opening the scoring.
 
However, the visitors didn’t have to wait long before they did break the deadlock when the hosts failed to defend from a corner, it allowed Cotterill to strike from just outside the six yard box. Minutes later the visitors were reduced to ten men as Aidan Lewis saw red.
 
The Bluebirds squared matters when the visitors failed to defend a corner, at the second time of asking Oscar Borger flicked on a header which fell invitingly for Jenkins who buried his effort from close range.
 
On the stroke of full time, they bagged a fortuitous winner as Shephard’s edge of the area goal bound innocuous chip caused a mix-up at the back as the ball trickled over the goal line for the winner.
 
Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Rhys Abbruzzese (Captain), Kai Whitmore, Ben Fawcett, Martell Taylor-Crossdale (Fletcher Picton 91’), Lee Jenkins, Rio Dyer (Declan Carroll 84’), Oscar Borg, Iori Humphreys (Daniel Hawkins 74’), Luke Tabone, Corey Shephard.
 
Unused substitutes: Ifan Knott, Harri John, Lucus Davies, Jacob Owen.
 
Barry Town United: Michael Lewis, Michael George, Chris Hugh (Kian Woodiwiss 93’), Curtis McDonald (Captain), Sam Snaith (Callum Huggins 84’), Jordan Cotterill (Drew Perrett 94’), Jamie Veale, Aidan Lewis, Ben Blythe, Will Richards, Lucas Tomlinson.
 
Unused substitutes: Luc Rees, Gavin Beddard.
 
Referee: Huw Jones.
 
Assistants: Lewiss Edwards & Cilan Cook.
 
Fourth Official: Teifion Cook.
 
Referee Observer: John Davies.

Attendance: 503.