Sean Pemberton scores the first goal with a looping header
MacWhirter Welsh League Division One
Haverfordwest County 2 – Aberbargoed Buds 0
High winds affected this clash on the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium that the Bluebirds deservedly won by a two-goal margin against Aberbargoed Buds.
A first half Sean Pemberton header and an injury time goal scored by substitute Ritchie Lewis secured their side’s seventh win of the season. This result sees the Bluebirds stay three points clear at the top of the table from second placed Taffs Well, who gained a slender 2-1 at Pontardawe Town. The visitors slipped down from third to second from bottom after losing for the fifth time this campaign.
Sean scores with head
Both sides struggled to hold on to possession as gale force winds played havoc. The homesters took the lead in the 12th minute as Sam Rodon’s cross in the middle was met by a looping header from Sean Pemberton.
In the 37th minute the Bluebirds were awarded a penalty as Matthew Fisher was fouled and Chris O’Sullivan missed from 12-yards going into half time.
Immediate impact
In the second half Wayne Jones introduced Dylan Blain and Ritchie Lewis, the pair was on the bench, and they made an immediate impact in steering their side to three more precious league points.
Fisher went close to adding a second goal in the 68th minute, the midfielder heading powerfully towards goal only to see his effort cleared off the line. Lewis had a shot from distance that forced a good save from visiting goalkeeper Asa Kirkwood.
Deep in stoppage time and the Bluebirds conjured up a second goal with a well-worked effort, Steff Williams made good ground down the right and his pass fell to O’Sullivan who intelligently found Lewis in acreas of space, and the substitute drilled a low shot that flew in the back of the net.
“Conditions were horrendous,” said Bluebirds manager Wayne Jones. “The boys stuck to it and in my opinion there was only ever going to be one winner. They never really troubled us and Sam Rodon was outstanding in defence again. I’m delighted that we are still unbeaten in the league and we have kept another clean sheet.”
Haverfordwest County travel to Cardiff Met University next Saturday to play in the second round of the Welsh Cup.
Haverfordwest County: Chris Curtis; Ricky Watts; Antonio Facciuto; Sam Rodon; Dale Griffiths (Captain); Sean Pemberton; Chris O’Sullivan; Declan Carroll; Steffan Williams; Jack Christopher; Matthew Fisher. Substitutes: Dylan Blain; Ritchie Lewis; Joe Leahy; Jack Britton.
Aberbargoed Buds: Asa Kirkwood; Matthew Jones; Craig McDonnell; Dean Randall; Kieran Thomas; Andrew Hughes; Shane Brewer; Dafydd Brewer (Captain); Chris Jones; Wayne Antonazzi; Steve Edwards. Substitutes: Daniel Richards; Jordan Maisey; Owen Davies; Jason Brewer; Alyn Jones.
Referee: Ian Bird.
Assistants: David Badger and Pedr McMullen.
