JD Cymru Premier:

 

Haverfordwest County 2 – Newtown 2

 
Haverfordwest County twice came from behind to secure a creditable draw against Newtown at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.

This game was televised live by 'Sgorio' on S4C as it produced an entertaining 2-2 draw with the visitors picking up their first point of the season, the Bluebirds remain unbeaten after two games back in the top flight.

Manager Chris Hughes’ Robins lost their opening two fixtures, 1-0 at Flint Town United and 2-3 at Latham Park against Caernarfon Town he will feel a little disappointed they didn’t get all three points as twice they took the lead in this game.

Nicholas Rushden opened the scoring with a free header. Williams equalised from the penalty spot shortly after the break. The Robins regained the lead through skipper Kieran Mills-Evans, but minutes later Williams equalised to earn the Bluebirds a share of the spoils.

The Bluebirds were given an early scare as striker Robert Breese fired a low shot across the face of Steve Hall’s goal.

The Robins were showing early signs of confidence as they sprayed the ball around confidently and the hosts gave far too much space as the visitors dictated play.

It took time for Wayne Jones' team to settle but midway through the first period  Ben Fawcett struck a vicious effort just wide of the target.

The hosts could have equalised when an excellent move down the right by Ricky Watts, Danny Williams, and Ben Fawcett,culminated in the latter’s shot nervously saved by David Jones on the goal line.

It was the Robins who regularly put the home outfit under pressure as Matthew Williams drilled a shot from distance straight to Hall. As the ball was worked up the other end midfielder Kieran Lewis whipped a low shot wide.
 

Rushden uses his head

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 34^th minute when long throw on the right flank by Jake Phillips caught out the Bluebirds defence as they let it bounce inside the box to give Nicholas Rushden the easy chance to head in from close range.

Fawcett showed neat control inside the Robins’ box, turning quickly, and curling a shot inches over the crossbar then on the stroke of half time Bluebirds skipper Sean Pemberton headed into the net, only for the effort to be disallowed for an earlier infringement inside the area.

Shortly after the break substitute Corey Evans curled in a wicked left foot shot which Hall punched clear,  and minutes later the Bluebirds attacked as striker Danny Williams pushed a low shot past the post.
 

Spot on

The Bluebirds were awarded a penalty after a cracking shot by Fawcett had been saved but the referee spotted a hand ball in the area and pointed to the spot before Danny Williams confidently fired into the back of the net past Jones. This was the Bluebirds' and Williams’ first goal of the JD Cymru Premier campaign.

Minutes later Jordan Evans drifted a shot cum cross just wide for Newtown, and had it hit the target it would have restored the Robins'  lead.

But the visitors regained the lead in the 74^th minute when Robins' skipper Kieran Mills-Evans found himself totally unmarked at the far post; the centre back making no mistake with an easy chance from six yards.
 

Williams equalises

But Wayne Jones’ team refused to throw in the towel when Williams equalised for the second time in the game in the 77^th minute. Substitute Jack Wilson’s brilliant cross from the right to the far post was flicked in off the keeper Jones for Williams’ second goal of the clash.

There were no real further scares as both sides settle for a point apiece.

Haverfordwest County’s next game is against Connah’s Quay Nomads on Sunday, 27^th September at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Haverfordwest County: Steve Hall, Ricky Watts, Cameron Keetch (52, Corey Sanders), Sean Pemberton (Captain), Alaric Jones, Scott Tancock, Kieran Lewis, Kurtis Rees, Danny Williams, Ben Fawcett (73, Marcus Griffiths), Corey Shepard (65, Jack Wilson).
Substitutes not used: Miles John, Wojciech Gajda (GK).

Newtown: David Jones, Jake Phillips, Jack Kelly, Sean McAllister, Kieran Mills-Evans (Captain), Neil Mitchell, Nicholas Rushton, Robert Breese, Matthew Williams.
Substitutes: Ryan Edwards, George Hughes, James O’Neill, Jordan Evans, Thomas Davies, Robert Williams, Tyrone Ofori, Khamrhan Steventon.

Referee: Dean John,
Assistants: Bryn Jones & Cilan Thomas.
Fourth official: Alex McInch.