Speake uses his head to score late Welsh Cup winner for The Bluebirds
PHOTO:
Greg Walters opened the scoring witrh an excellent strike
FAW Welsh Cup - Round 1
Haverfordwest County 2 - Croesyceiliog 1
A late Kristian Speake header secured Haverfordwest County a slender victory against Croesyceiliog to move into the next round of the FAW Welsh Cup.
The Bluebirds narrowly lost 1-0 to Welsh Premier Carmarthen Town in midweek in the Nathaniel MG Cup, Haverfordwest County co managers Sean Cresser and Tim Hicks didn’t want a repeat result in this cup-tie against The Cockerels who play in Welsh League Division Two, one division below The Bluebirds.
It was a scrappy affair with neither team getting a hold on a frustrating tie played on the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Pemberton returns
Skipper Sean Pemberton returned from suspension to marshal the defence consisting of Sam Rodon, Leon Luby and Speake.
The home outfit opened the scoring in the 35th minute, midfielder scoring Greg Walters scoring with a terrific powerful shot from distance.
All square
After the break the visitors levelled matters when Nicky McGrath pounced from inside the box.
Pemberton headed over the crossbar, Speake dragged a low shot wide and Ricky Watts also missed with a long range effort.
Heads you win
In the 75th minute the Bluebirds finally bagged the winner, substitute left back Alaric Jones’ brilliant cross from the left was glanced in by Speake from eight yards out into the bottom corner.
Haverfordwest County: Conah McFenton; Leon Luby; Kristian Speake; Sean Pemberton; Sam Rodon; Ricky Watts; Steff Williams; Greg Walters; Tim Hicks; Dan Williams; Charlie Davies.
Substitutes: Matthew Broome; Nicky Palmer; Alaric Jones; Alfie Stotter; Fraser Finley.
Croesyceliog: George Lohfink; Josh Hall; Jack Sainsbury; Tom James; Tom Doidge; Aaron Harris; Matthew Edwards; Rhys Williams; Nicky McGrath; Dan Clouth; Dan Pritchard.
Substitutes: Jamie Hill; Callum McCarthy; Mark Morris; Christopher Watkins.
PHOTO:
Kristian Speake scored the winner for Haverfordwest County