PHOTOS:
Former Bluebird goalkeeper Chris Curtis can’t stop the ball from flying into the net via team-mate Matthew Jones’ boot
Curtis makes a crucial save to deny Haverfordwest County
Pictures by Kevin Bryce



Haverfordwest County 1 – Penybont 2


Haverfordwest County suffered their second home defeat on the bounce as Penybont deservedly picked up the points at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Haverfordwest County have slipped down to fourth place in the table as Penybont leap frog them into third, Monmouth Town and Taffs Well are on same number of points in first and second respectively.

This was the Bluebirds’ seventh defeat of the campaign and they have finished the season poorly, just a few weeks ago they had aspirations of winning the title. How things can quickly change in football.

Keeper's costly errors


The visitors led 1-0 at half time with an error by Bluebirds’ keeper Kerry Nicholas in the 23rd minute saw Nathan Renfree follow up slam the ball into an empty net.

In the second half Welsh Schoolboy internationals Greg Walters and Laurie Haworth made an impact  for the Bluebirds, with the latter making his debut. Ben Steele also came on up front and worked tirelessly for what was a lost cause.

Midway through the second period and a horrendous mistake by Nicholas saw the ball enter the net following a harmless direct free-kick in the box by Jake Roberts that doubled the lead.

Own goal


In the 83rd minute Penybont defender Matthew Jones who was under pressure by Steele, misdirected his clearance from a Luke Borelli corner straight into the roof of the net at Chris Curtis’ near post.
However, the homesters failed to get anywhere near an equaliser as the visitors held out for a thoroughly deserved 17th win of the season.

Haverfordwest County: Kerry Nicholas; Ricky Watts; Antonio Faccuito; Sam Rodon, Dale Griffiths (Captain); Sean Pemberton; Chris O’Sullivan; Luke Borelli; Steffan Williams; Tim Hicks; Ritchie Lewis. Substitutes: Ben Steele; Greg Walters; Laurie Haworth.

Penybont: Chris Curtis; Matthew Jones; Josef Hopkins; Scott Hillman (Captain); Craig Reddy; Nathan Renfree; Jake Roberts; Robbie Walters; Anthony Rawlings; Jack Delve. Substitutes: Cullen Kindsella; Nathan Jones; Kyron Gardiner; Paul Wiseman.

Referee: Ben Williamson.
Assistants: Matt Mercer & Adrian Harries.