PHOTO:
Ritchie Lewis in action on the Conygar Bridge Meadow struck a superb hat-trick for Haverfordwest County at Penybont.
Welsh League, Division One
Penybont 2 – Haverfordwest County 5
Haverfordwest County gained an emphatic five-goal victory at Penybont after suffering three straight defeats on the bounce.
Ritchie Lewis scored a terrific hat-trick alongside fine strikes by Luke Borrelli and Joe Leahy to seal three precious points on the road.
This Tuesday night the Bluebirds travel to leaders Taffs Well, and if they can clinch victory in Cardiff then they will return to the top of the table.
Massive game
“It’s a game we have to win,” said Bluebirds boss Wayne Jones. “It was a terrific result today and I’m happy we are back on track after a dismal period.”
The visitors took the lead in the tenth minute when Lewis cut in off his left wing and drilled a low shot in the far corner.
Former Bluebird striker Robbie Walters equalised for Penybont, but four minutes before half time and Luke Borrelli’s vicious edge of the area strike earned the visitors a 2-1 cushion.
Treble joy
Five minutes after the interval and Lewis added a third with a low drive. Lewis completed his hat-trick with a superb volley; before Jonathan Hood pulled one back from the penalty spot after Paul Evans was brought down inside the box.
Declan Carroll and Chris O’Sullivan both came off the bench to add fresh legs to the visitors’ cause and third substitute Joe Leahy completed the scoring with another excellent strike from inside the box.
The Bluebirds have released goalkeeper Chris Curtis and new signing Kerry Nicholas, from Port Talbot had a steady match between the sticks. The Bluebirds have also signed keeper Craig Morris from Merthyr as they look to strengthen for a strong push for promotion.
Haverfordwest County: Kerry Nicholas; Ricky Watts; Dale Griffiths (Captain); Sam Rodon; Sean Pemberton; Jack Britton; Ritchie Lewis; Luke Borrelli; Steffan Williams; Tim Hicks. Substitutes: Joe Leahy; Declan Carroll; Chris O’Sullivan.