JD Cymru Premier – Phase 1

 
 

Flint Town United 0 - Haverfordwest County 1

 
Jordan Davies banged home a second half penalty to earn Haverfordwest County a thoroughly deserved victory against ten-man Flint Town United at the Essity Stadium, North Wales.
 
Tony Pennock’s team have suffered four straight league defeats in a row,but finally they picked up three precious points on the road to move up the table to ninth spot.
 
It’s been a difficult spell for Pennock’s men, but he will feel pleased and relieved his team picked up a precious win, but as importantly kept a clean sheet in the process.
 

Idzi returns in goal

Vastly experienced goalkeeper Lee Idzi returned for this clash, plus Elliot Dugan partnered Ben Fawcett up front.
 
The Silkmen started well as the Bluebirds’ defence blocked Larnell Cole’s early close-range shot, and a few minutes later Idzi pulled off a smart diving save to deny Cole’s stinging 20-yard effort.
 
Okera Simmond struck a direct free kick from outside the 18-yard box well over the crossbar and more outstanding work at the back by Lee Abbruzzese, Kyle Patten, Lee Jenkins and skipper Dylan Rees paid real dividends.
 
At the other end, Jack Wilson’s teasing cross cum shot just cleared the crossbar, before skipper Dylan Rees beat a man and rifled a shot from distance just wide following a good build-up featuring Elliot Scotcher and Jamie Veale..
 
The Bluebirds started to show their authority as Jordan Davies glanced a header that keeper Harry Allen saved.
 
Five minutes before the interval Haverfordwest County made their first substitution as Harri John replaced Wilson.
 
After the interval it remained cagey as neither side could find a decisive opener;  Rhys Abbruzzese’s cross in the area found Dugan, but the striker failed to get his shot away.
 

Hindle sees red

 
In the 63^rd minute the Steelmen were reduced to ten men as Jack Hindle was sent off for a stamp on Bluebirds’ skipper Rees to put added pressure on a home team that was already feeling the pinch.
 

Jordan scores vital spot kick

 
Minutes later Dugan headed wide from inside the area, and then in the 73^rd minute the visitors were awarded a penalty from which Davies kept his cool to find the back of the net.
 
Late in the game Corey Shepherd came on for Dugan, after the central midfielder has had a lengthy spell out through injury, and minutes later Shephard struck a low shot from outside the area which was gathered by Allen.

But in the final analysis it mattered little because the welcome final whistle saw them still ahead and good value for an excellent away win.
 
Flint Town United: Harry Allen, Anthony Stephens, Harry Owen, Daniel Harrison (80’ Omar Ibrahim), Larnell Cole (46’ Ben Hughes), James Owen (Captain), Jack Hindle, Mark Cadwallader (46’ Anthony Akpa-Akpro), Okera Simmonds, Bobby Beaumont-Broadhead, Tyler Garratt (85’ Harley Brindley-Peagram).
Substitutes not used: Dawid Szczepaniak, Jordan Carroll, Morgan Roberts.
 
Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi, Rhys Abbruzzese, Elliot Scotcher, Dylan Rees (Captain), Kyle Patten, Jordan Davies, Jamie Veale, Lee Jenkins, Jack Wilson (41’ Harri John), Elliott Dugan (89’ Corey Shephard), Ben Fawcett (90’ Ivan Watkins).
Substitutes not used: Zac Jones, Ricky Watts, Ioan Evans, Iori Humphreys.
 
Referee: Iwan Griffith.
Assistants: Cilan Thomas & Jordan Christopher.
Fourth Official: Alex Livesey.