JD Cymru Premier

 

 

Haverfordwest County 1 – Bala Town 4

 
Bala Town grabbed four unanswered second half goals to secure a convincing win against ten-man Haverfordwest County at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.
 
This was a game of two halves as The Bluebirds led 1-0 thanks to an early Elliot Scotcher sublime direct free kick, but in the tenth minute Jack Wilson was issued a straight red following a 50-50 tackle which seemed harsh. Despite being down to ten-men the hosts were good value for their 1-0 half time lead.
 
After the break it was a different matter as the numerical advantage the Lakesiders had began to take its toll, and five minutes after the break George Newell equalised, Nathan Peate added a second before substitute Adam Roscrow made an impact as he grabbed a brace.The visitors were also reduced to ten-men late as Ross White received a straight red card for a reckless tackle.
 
Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock made four changes to the team that narrowly lost 2-1 at Aberystwyth Town, and in came vastly experienced goalkeeper Lee Idzi, defender Kyle Patten, striker Ben Fawcett and 16-year-old Harri John.
 
Last week the Lakesiders were convincingly beaten 5-0 at home against TNS and manager Colin Caton looked for a reaction for their disappointing defeat.
 

Scotcher strikes

 
The Bluebirds got a dream start as Harri John was fouled outside the box, and up stepped Scotcher who struck a superb 25-yard free kick which flew in the top corner of Alex Ramsay’s net.
 
But the home side’s fortunes dramatically changed five minutes later as Wilson was harshly issued a straight red by referee Nicholas Pratt, so Pennock’s men had to play the remaining 80 minutes with ten men.
 
To their credit Pennock’s team created chances but couldn’t find that elusive second.



 

Lakesiders come good second half

 
After the break, The Lakesiders put the Bluebirds under pressure and were rewarded in the 50^th minute as Newell bundled the ball home at the far post.
 
In the 54^th minute Peate struck the second, before six minutes later substitute Roscrow drilled a low shot past Idzi for the third, and in reality that ended the County’s chances of getting back in the game.
 
On 69 minutes Roswcrow added the Lakesiders’ fourth with a powerful header to secure the points; five minutes from full time White received a straight red card as the visitors also finished the game with ten men.
 
Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi (70’ Zac Jones), Rhys Abbruzzese, Elliot Scotcher, Dylan Rees (Captain) (70’ Ryan George), Kyle Patten, Ben Fawcett (62’ Elliott Dugan), Jordan Davies, Jamie Veale, Lee Jenkins, Jack Wilson, Harri John (62’ Ricky Watts).
Substitutes not used: Daniel James, Lucas Davies, Ivan Watkins.
 
Bala Town: Alex Ramsay, Nathan Peate, Lassana Mendes (65’ Paul Rutherford), Luke Wall, Chris Venables (Captain), Kieran Smith (82’ Ethan Jones), David Edwards, Oliver Southern, Ross White, George Newell (55’ Adam Roscrow), Naim Arsan (83’ Ollie Shannon).
Substitutes not used: James Davies, Soulayman Elmari.
 
Referee: Nicholas Pratt.
Assistants: Ashley Davis & Richard Dolphin.
Fourth Official: Alex McInch.