PHOTO:
Ritchie Lewis was sharp in the Bluebirds’ draw at Goytre.
MacWhirter Welsh League Division One
Goytre 1 – Haverfordwest County 1
Haverfordwest County have slipped down the table to second spot after picking up a hard fought draw at Gwent outfit Goytre, who finished the game with ten men.
The Bluebirds are the only team in the division to remain unbeaten, and manager Wayne Jones will be pleased that his side reacted positively, after last week’s Welsh Cup 6-1 hiding at Cardiff Metropolitan.
Taff’s Wells have leap-frogged the Bluebirds to go two points clear into top position, as they won 1-0 at home against Cwmbran Celtic.
Hicks boost
The Bluebirds have been boosted with the news this week that Tim Hicks has signed from Carmarthen Town, this will be the striker’s third spell with the Bluebirds, and he was included in the squad to face Goytre.
Also Haverfordwest County Youth goalkeeper Dan Evans made an impressive senior Welsh League debut, replacing Chris Curtis, who was suspended after he was sent-off last week.
After a goalless first period, the game came to life five minutes after the break as Goytre took the lead, striker Matthew Proctor sliding home a low cross from inside the six yard box.
The home side were then reduced to ten-men when new Bluebirds’ keeper Dan Evans was clattered after he had gathered the ball cleanly.
Leahy equalises
The extra-man played into the visitors’ hands and they were on level terms in the 75th minute, when striker Joe Leahy pounced on an excellent low driven cross in the box by Ritchie Lewis, to score in a crowded area.
The visitors could have stolen all three points late in the match had Lewis and new signing Hicks taken their chances, when they only the goalkeeper to beat.
Next Saturday Haverfordwest County entertain Goytre United who are seventh in the table, at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium, kick-off is at 2.30pm.
Haverfordwest County squad: Dan Evans; Ricky Watts; Sam Rodon; Dale Griffiths (Captain); Antonio Faccuito; Ritchie Lewis; Chris O’Sullivan; Sean Pemberton; Luke Borrelli; Steffan Williams; Joe Leahy; Martyn Carroll; Matthew Fisher; Tom Hicks.