JD Cymru Premier League

 

Haverfordwest County 2 – Flint Town United 0

Alhagi Touray Sisay grabbed a goal in each half to star for Haverfordwest County in their first win of the season against high-flying Flint Town United who finished the game with nine men at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.

The big striker took the plaudits as he grabbed his first goals for the club, and hopefully this win will restore a bit of confidence and self-belief as it certainly has been lacking up until this win over the Silkmen, who were second in the table.

Haverfordwest County manager Wayne Jones had to shuffle his pack with the news that midfielder Corey Shephard had left the club earlier in the week.

Wojciech Gajda replaced Lee Idzi in goal, and the keeper will be delighted he kept a clean sheet whilst Kyle Patten vied with Sisay for man of the match as he replaced Elliot Scotcher who moved to the bench as he was carrying a knock - whilst Jack Wilson started the game, albeit in an unaccustomed role as part of a back five which played well together.

It was an even start with the hosts slightly shading territory, until they got the early break through to settle the nerves.


 

Powerful header

Henry Jones’ wicked left-flank corner was met by a powerful near post header by Sisay which flew into the roof of the net like a guided missile.

The Silkmen went in search of an equaliser as Hart’s free kick was comfortably gathered by Gajda and minutes later Ben Nash headed wide of the left-hand post from along throw-in by right back  Jake Phillips, which was a ket weapon in Flint's battle plans, a bit let off for the Bluebirds.

Woods did well to deny Touray Sisay from close range, as the score stayed at 1-0 to the hosts at the interval.



 

Nash sees red

Six minutes after the break and the Silkmen were down to ten-men as Ben Nash was given his marching orders for a dangerous tackle on home skipper Dylan Rees, and although there was pleny of disagreement from the vociferous away supporters it was clearly a two-footed tackle and Nash had to go.

But, as so often happens, the ten men raised their game so that Conor Harwood and especially Jack Kenny posed a threat as skipper Alex Jones, Daniel Harrison and Ben Maher earned them possession aplenty.

On the hour mark Danny Williams replaced the injured Henry Jones, who went down holding his knee,.
and Gajda denied Flint skipper Jones with a comfortable save from a corner by  Phillips.

At the other end, brave Flint keeper Woods and Touray Sisay collided inside the box,  and both players needed attention before the Silkmen’s keeper was replaced by Jonathan Rushton after a long delay.



 

Another early shower

Matters got worse for the Silkmen when Flint captain Jones picked up a second yellow card and proceeded for an early shower, but not before he reacted angrily to comments from the crowd behind the goal.

In the 84^th minute the Bluebirds bagged their second to put this game to bed as Touray Sisay got on the end of Williams' measured ball, sliding in from close range from Williams' quality cross..

Haverfordwest County have important two cup dates up next, firstly the Bluebirds entertain Undy Athletic on Tuesday, 21^st September in the Welsh League Cup, third round, secondly next Saturday, September 25^th, Wayne Jones’ men travel to Broughton to take on Airbus in the Welsh Cup, third round.

Wayne Jones:" I was delighted by our win, but also by the way we stuck to our jobs in defence to keep a clean sheet and there was 100% effort from everyone who got out on the pitch. Toray's goals were great, especially the first one,and this W in the results column will be a huge boost for all at the club.
"We also had great support and I'm confident it is onwards and upwards from here on if we can play consistently like this."

Touray Sisay: "When that first goal went in it was an unbelievable feeling because I know I can score goals - and came from a pracise move where I found just enough space for my header.
"The atmosphere in the dressing room has been very good despite us not getting the results before this and as well as for the players, I'm delighted for the chairman, manager and espcially our supporters in what was hard, physical match."


Haverfordwest County: Wojciech Gajda, Dylan Rees (Captain), Kyle Pattern (90^th Elliot Scotcher), Alaric Jones, Ricky Watts, Kurtis Rees, Kieran Lewis, Henry Jones (60, Danny Williams), Alhagi Touray Sisay (88, Mason Thomas-Jones), Ben Fawcett, Jack Wilson.
Substitute not used: Josh Legrice (GK).

Flint Town United: Ryan. Woods (73, Jonathan Rushton), Jake Phillips, Sam Hart, Ben Maher, Ben Nash, Kai Edwards, Jack Kenny, Alex Jones (Captain), Callum Bratley (87, Oliver Nugent), Conor Harwood (86, T. Weir), Daniel Harrison. Subs: D. Roberts, R. Weaver.
Substitutes not used: D. Roberts, R. Weaver.

Referee: Huw Jones.
Assistants: Bryn Jones & Cilan Thomas.
Fourth Official: Ryan Kenny.