Young Bluebirds bow out at the first hurdle

PHOTOS:
Good defence by Taffs Well
Match officials: Kevin Milich, Ben Williams and Gareth Elliott

Welsh Youth Cup:

Haverfordwest County Under 19s 1 - Taffs Well Under 19s 3

Venue: Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium
Referee: Ben Williams
Assistants: Kevin Milich & Gareth Elliott

Haverfordwest County’s talented youth team bowed out of the Welsh Youth Cup at the first hurdle as they were beaten by a physically stronger and well-drilled opposition from Taffs Well.

The scoresheet was blank in a competitive first half as home keeper James Harries made several good saves but with the scoreline standing at a goal apiece a bad defensive error allowed Taffs Well to regain the lead and as the Young Bluebirds tried to force the pace they left space at the back for the visitors to exploit with a third goal.

Praise from coach Batty

But coach Steve Batty was quick to praise his young side straight after the game, pointing out that his team was in a transitional stage after losing seven key players from last season.

Aidan Rainbow, Owen Coombs, Fraser James and Dan Williams all played well at the back in support of Harries whilst Alfie Stotter and Glen Fiteni looked sharp up front – but it was Taffs Well who eventually took the lead with a goal by Josh Payne at a corner.

With Scott Jones, Dafydd Bevan, Ben Aldred and Fraser Findlay supplying the midfield energy the Young Bluebirds levelled matters after Fiteni drilled in a low cross after a good run down the flank and unfortunate defender Trystan Notley could only deflect it past Aaron Evans in the Taffs Well goal.

Late goals conceded

But the visitors regained the lead with a soft goal touched home by Harry Collins before Alfie Stottor’s persistence almost paid off as he out-muscled two bigger defenders but his shot flew into the side netting.

Taffs Well made sure of victory late on when a cross by Mike Murphy evaded the home defence and Collins claimed his second score to send his team into round two.

Haverfordwest County Under 19s: James Harries: Aidan Rainbow; Dan Williams; Owen Coombs; Fraser James; Scott Jones; Dafydd Bevan; Ben Aldred; Alfie Stottor; Glen Fiteni; Fraser Finlay. Subs: Mohannad Romman; Paul Miller; Leon Luby.

Taffs Well Under 19s: Aaron Evans; Tom McLean; Josh Payne; Clayton Farrah; Connor Cusack; Tristan Notley; Mike Murphy; Josh Allen; Harry Collins; Tom Fry; Joel Edwards. Subs: Joe Allen; Nathan Gulley; Mike White.