Nathaniel MG Cup – Round 2

 
 

Haverfordwest County 4 – Barry Town United 2

 
Haverfordwest County are in the hat for the next round after they comfortably despatched of Barry Town United under the new floodlights at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.
 
Bluebirds’ boss Tony Pennock, in his first competitive game in charge must have quietly felt pleased with his young team’s impressive overall performance.
 
Goals were scored by Lee Jenkins, Rhys Abbruzzese, and a brace by the lively Jack Wilson, in reply Josh Graham and Mohammed Djalo with a penalty struck for Gavin Chesterfield’s Dragons.
 
Brass, Jenkins, Abbruzzese, Evans and Veale all made their debuts plus late on academy products Toby Davies and Daniel James were used off the bench.
 
The hosts showed early intent as Wilson’s stinging volley was well saved by Cameron Clarke, the keeper on his first appearance for Dragons, minutes later he was called into action as he comfortably saved a long-range effort by Jordan Davies.
 

Jenkins heads debut goal

 
The hosts deservedly broke the deadlock in the 33^rd minute when Ryan George’s cross from the left was headed home by Lee Jenkins.
 
The lead was short lived as the visitors equalised as the Dragons hit the Bluebirds on the counter which left Josh Graham with an inviting one-on-one with Lewis Brass as he neatly slotted in the far corner.
 

Bluebirds dominate second half

 
Pennock’s men dominated the second period as they stamped their authority on the tie, they went 2-1 up 52^nd minute as Wilson neatly glanced home a Jamie Veale corner.
 
Minutes later Wilson was unlucky not grab a superb effort, he incredibly controlled a high ball over the top with a deft touch before he chipped the on-rushing Clarke as the ball agonisingly brushed past the post.
 
On the hour mark Pennock’s side added a well taken third as Davies’ teasing low cross saw the impressive Abbruzzese slide home inside the six-yard box against his former side.
 
In the 69^th minute it was 4-1 to the hosts, again impressive slick passing and swift movement led to Wilson getting the scoring touch at the near post set up by Abbruzzese’s low cross.
 
In the 79^th minute the visitors were awarded a soft penalty which substitute Djalo drilled in for a consolation, but on the night Haverfordwest County were fair value for their win over the Dragons.
 
On Saturday, 13^th August Haverfordwest County will play Caernarfon Town in the opening JD Welsh Premier League match at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.
 
Haverfordwest County: Lewis Brass, Rhys Abbruzzese, Dylan Rees (Captain) (69, Henry Jones), Ricky Watts, Jordan Davies (90 Daniel James), Jamie Veale, Lee Jenkins, Ryan George (90, Toby Davies), Jack Wilson, Ioan Evans, Iori Humphreys.
Substitutes not used: Zac Jones, Harri John.
 
Barry Town United: Cameron Clarke, Michael George, Callum Sainty (Captain) (70, Mervyn Bennett), Curtis McDonald, Troy Hiscock-Greening (92, Kayne McLaggon), Josh Graham (76, Mohammed Djalo), Liam Walsh, Aidan Lewis, Drew Fahiya, Lewis Baldwin, Evan Press (70, Liam Warman).
Substitutes not used: Michael Lewis, Jordan Cotterill.
 
Referee: Benjamin Williams.
Assistants: Jonathan Davis & Bryn Jones.
Fourth Official: Ryan Kenny.