PHOTO:
Kristian Speake bagged a late winner for Haverfordwest County

 

Port Talbot Town 1 – Haverfordwest County 2

Haverfordwest County got their campaign off to winning ways with a hard fought three points at Port Talbot Town.

Steffan Williams gave the visitors the lead, Rhys Owen equalised, and 15 minutes from full time and Kristian Speake scored a superb winner to secure The Bluebirds three precious points on the road.

The first half was scrappy, typical start of the season stuff, with both sides guilty of giving away possession too cheaply.

Williams ghosts in for opener

On the 40 minute mark and the visitors opened the scoring, right back Matthew Broome’s long throw inside the box was flicked on by Joe Leahy, and Williams ghosted in unmarked to score from inside the six yard box.

The visitors stood firm to hold for a one-goal cushion at half time.

Haverfordwest County started the second half pressing forward, but were guilty of not taking their goal scoring chances, with 17-year-old Danny Williams, Kristian Speake and Steff Williams all guilty of not hitting the back of the net.

The Steelmen equalised in the 70th minute, a long throw in the Bluebirds’ box saw Rhys Owen header home from close range.

Speake strikes superb winner

Five minutes later and the visitors carved open a winner, Broome’s diagonal ball fell to Leahy, and the striker laid a perfect ball for Speake to strike a vicious left footed effort which crashed into the back of the net.

Bluebirds’ manager Sean Cresser and assistant Tim Hicks will feel delighted with the win, and will surely instil confidence in the squad for the next game. Alaric Jones, 16, played superbly in defence alongside rock solid Sam Rodon. Greg Walters worked hard in the middle of midfield; also teenager Danny Thomas showed glimpses of true promise.

On Wednesday evening, Haverfordwest County travel to Tredegar in the Welsh League Cup first round tie, and next Saturday, play their first home league game of the season against Cwmbran Celtic, at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium, kick off is at 2.30pm.

Haverfordwest County: Conah McFenton; Alaric Jones; Sean Pemberton; Sam Rodon; Matthew Broome; Greg Walters; Ricky Watts; Danny Williams; Kristian Speake; Joe Leahy; Steffan Williams. Substitutes: Charlie Davies; Nicky Palmer; Tim Hicks.

PHOTO:
Steffan Williams struck the opener just before half time for the visitors