PHOTO:
Haverfordwest County's Steffan Williams had a shot cleared off the goal line in the opening minute at Taffs Well.
Welsh League Division One
Taffs Well 0 – Haverfordwest County 0
Haverfordwest County had to settle for a goal less draw against top of the table Taffs Well at Rhiw Dda'r on Tuesday night.
After Saturday’s excellent 5-2 win in Penybont, the Bluebirds went to Taffs Well in confident mood and must be happy that they have gained four points from a possible six in their last two away trips in the space of just three days. This draw keeps them in third spot in the table.
A goalless first half saw the visitors have the better of the chances in a highly competitive match where referee James Williams kept control by adding the names in his notebook of The Bulldogs’ Tim Wellington, Liam Williams and Joe Evans whilst Bluebirds’ Luke Borrelli was also issued a yellow card.
Scoring chances
Steffan Williams was unlucky not to open the scoring in the first minute when his low shot was desperately cleared off the goal line. Centre back Sam Rodon flashed a header goal-bound from a corner; but again the effort was somehow cleared off the line. Roden and skipper Dale Williams were in commanding mood at the back and Taffs Well's chances were severely limited in the opening quarter as a result.
The Bulldogs’ first opportunity fell to Rico Zukannain who struck a vicious left-foot shot that flew low past Craig Morris’ right-hand post. The Bluebirds continued to pressurise The Bulldogs' defence with Chris O’Sullivan striking a 20-yard drive just wide of the target. Right back Ricky Watts went on a surging run, beating at least three defenders before unleashing a shot across the face of goal and agonisingly wide.
However, the best scoring opportunity fell to Bluebirds’ Tim Hicks, as the striker controlled an excellent through ball by Watts, and in a one-on-one with keeper Rob Blewer he struck his shot inches wide.
Tight affair
The second half was a tight affair and it wasn’t until the last five minutes that a scoring chance was created. Again it was the visitors who carved it out when substitute Jack Britton had a shot blocked and Declan Carroll hit the rebound from six yards and again was unbeliveably blocked for a corner. From the resulting corner Carroll had a header that crept over the crossbar. In injury time Ricky Watts picked up his side’s second booking of a titanic tussle that incredibly finished goal less.
Haverfordwest County manager Wayne Jones spoke shortly after the final whistle and said: “I’m bitterly disappointed that we didn’t seal a win because we played well, kept our discipline and created enough chances but somehow didn’t take one. In my eyes this was definitely two points lost instead of a point gained but I would have settled a week ago with four points from two very tough away matches.”
This Saturday, March 1st , Haverfordwest County entertain sixth in the table Goytre at the Conygar Bridge Meadow, and kick-off is at 2.30pm.
Taffs Well: Rob Bloor; Robbie Thomas; Abdul Mohsin; Liam Williams; Chris Hugh; Darren Bennett; Joe Evans; Tim Wellington; Rico Zukannain; Marcus Jones; Simon Prangley. Substitutes: Anthony Bevan; Sean McClelland; Josh Bell; Tyrone Topper; Rhys Wilson.
Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris; Ricky Watts; Dylan Blain; Sam Rodon; Dale Griffiths; Sean Pemberton (59 Jack Britton); Chris O’Sullivan; Luke Borrelli (41' Joe Leahy); Ritchie Lewis; Steffan Williams; Tim Hicks (70’ Declan Carroll).
Referee: James Williams (Newport).
Assistants: Phil Walters (Merthyr) & Ben Stitfall (Cardiff).