MacWhiter Welsh League Division One
Ton Tentre 0 – Haverfordwest County 1
Haverfordwest County will be delighted that they gained a hard-fought one-goal victory over Ton Pentre at Ynys Park, and got their season off to a perfect start.
This was The Bulldogs third game of the new campaign, and they came into this clash with the Bluebirds, with a won one and lost one record. In midweek, they lost to Aberdare Town at Ynys Park, and will be bitterly disappointed that they lost at home again for the second time in three days.
The Rhondda Bulldogs certainly did their homework on the Bluebirds, on a narrow pitch; they never allowed them any time or space to get in behind their defence.
Neat back header
The visitors, one of the title favourites secured three points with a neat back header by Sean Pemberton in the 76th minute, the central midfielder latching onto a clever chip ahead in the box by right back Ricky Watts.
The Bluebirds were unlucky not to open their goal scoring account earlier as skipper Dale Griffiths had two headers cleared off the goal line and Chris O’Sullivan had a low driven shot also cleared off the line.
That goal proved decisive, as Pemberton took the plaudits, but the display of Sam Roden was also outstanding, the centre back playing in the heart of defence alongside skipper Griffiths.
Roden outstanding
Roden mopped-up everything at the back and ensured goalkeeper Chris Curtis had very little to deal with as the defence in front of him were rock solid all afternoon, limiting The Bulldogs to only half chances at goal.
Wing backs Ritchie Lewis and Steffan Williams both had quiet games as The Bulldogs nullified any width in the visitors’ play. Rob Morgans made an impact when he came as a substitute in the second half.
Joe Leahy worked tirelessly up front against his former team mates, but was never given a clear cut opportunity to add his name to the score sheet.
Haverfordwest County now have two home league games in a row at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium. On Wednesday (28th August) they face Pontardawe Town and on Saturday (31st August) entertain Cwmbran Celtic.
“I was pleased with our defensive formation today,” said Bluebirds’ manager Wayne Jones, “we kept a clean sheet and they never really worried our outstanding defence. Sam (Roden) played brilliantly at the back and Sean (Pemberton) took his goal superbly. Now we can look forward to our next game with an air of confidence.”
Haverfordwest County squad: Chris Curtis; Ricky Watts; Antonio Fucciuto; Sam Roden; Dale Griffiths (Captain); Sean Pemberton; Chris O’Sullivan; Dylan Blain; Steffan Williams; Rob Morgans; Joe Leahy; Phil Cattlin; Jack Britton; Ritchie Lewis.