PHOTOS:
Luke Borelli scored the winner for Haverfordwest County
Chris O’Sullivan tries his luck with a direct free-kick
Greg Walters came on and played well at right back
Haverfordwest County 1 – Goytre 0
Luke Borelli’s late strike earned Haverfordwest County a slender but thoroughly deserved win over Goytre at the Conygar Bridge Meadow.
Conditions were tough as both teams battled against gale force winds and hail, just after the break referee Kevin Bowen signalled for players to return to the changing rooms as the hail lashed onto the Meadow surface, but it quickly passed and the game returned to action.
The Bluebirds had a controversial goal disallowed in the first half, a cross in the box saw Bluebirds skipper Dale Griffiths contest a header with Nick Thomas, the ball rebounded off the back of Goytre goalkeeper and went into the net, referee Bowen signalled a goal, but assistant A. Jenkins flagged and after conferring with Bowen, he must have seen that the keeper had been impeded in the box, so it didn’t stand.
Bitter blow
The Bluebirds were dealt a bitter blow as Ricky Watts was substituted by Greg Walters, the right back fell heavily on his right wrist, and after going to hospital he was given the bad news that he had broken it in two places and will be out of action for at least six to eight weeks.
Walters to his credit did an excellent job at the back alongside skipper Griffiths, Sam Rodon and left back Antonio Facciuto.
After a goalless first period the hosts battled
against the conditions and a gritty Goytre outfit who are sitting tenth in the table.Sean Pemberton and Chris O’Sullivan came on for Owen Thomas and Kieron Howard respectively, in the second half, as manager Wayne Jones reverted to a four-four-two formation, this system seemed to do the trick as the Bluebirds constantly put the visitors under pressure with Borelli, wide right and O’Sullivan wide on the left causing havoc.
Tipped over bar
Pemberton missed a close range sitter and O’Sullivan saw his long range shot tipped over the bar by Thomas. At that stage it looked as though it would stay goalless as lady luck definitely was not on the Bluebirds’ side.
However, the visitors finally cracked in the 82nd minute when good build-up play led to Borelli striking a low shot in the far corner, it ensured it was the Bluebirds eleventh win of the campaign, they currently sit second in the table, two points behind leaders Cardiff Met, but have two vital games in hand.
On Friday, 6th February, Haverfordwest County travel to twelfth placed Afan Lido, and will be gunning for another victory on the road
Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris; Ricky Watts; Antonio Facciuto; Sam Rodon; Dale Griffiths (Captain); Steffan Davies; Kieron Howard; Nicky Palmer; Luke Borelli; Jordan Follows; Owen Thomas. Substitutes: Greg Walters, Chris O’Sullivan; Sean Pemberton; James Hartson; Dan Evans.
Goytre: Nick Thomas; Alex Adams; Jordan Harding; Alex Evans; Kristian Wharton; Carl Evans; Callum Miles (Captain); Simon Truman; Craig Moses; James Young. Substitutes: Leo Jackman; Mathew Morris; Bailey Wells; Simon Ritter.
Referee: Kevin Bowen.
Assistants: Gareth Elliott & A. Jenkins.