PHOTO:
Haverfordwest County skipper Dale Griffiths had a penalty saved on the hour mark
Steffan Williams equalised late in his first game back for Haverfordwest County at Goytre United
Goytre United 1 - Haverfordwest County 1
Steffan Williams bagged a last-gasp equaliser to earn Haverfordwest County a draw when all looked lost at Goytre United.
Bluebirds skipper Dale Griffiths saw his tame penalty effort easily saved on the hour mark and eight minutes from full time and United took the lead as Jack McKenna scored with a terrific strike. It was a body blow for the Bluebirds since they had better chances in the game but smack on time up popped man-of-the-match Williams to fire home an equaliser and punish some blatant time-wasting by Goytre United.
The visitors had the better of the first period but the score line remained goalless at half time.
Bright start
Steffan Williams,marked his return back in action with the Bluebirds from Welsh Premier Aberystwyth Town, the livewire striker firing a shot inches wide early on.
Steffan Davies was unlucky not to open the scoring as his delayed shot beat goalkeeper Luke Martin from a wide angle, but former Bluebird Tim Hicks dramatically cleared off the line.
Goytre United pressed in a good 15 minute spell, but striker Darren Griffiths failed to get any joy past his brother, and skipper Dale, who was rock solid in centre defence alongside Bluebirds’ team-mate Sam Rodon.
Steffan Williams fired another low shot off target whilst midfielder Kieron Howard also struck a powerful 20 yard shot that keeper Martin finger-tipped over the crossbar.
Penalty saved
In the 60th minute the visitors were awarded a penalty when Steffan Williams was taken down inside the box. Dale Griffiths struck his spot-kickstraight at keeper Martin, who was more than equal to the task.
This let-off inspired the home side and in the 82nd minute they took the lead as McKenna struck a beautiful curling shot that didn’t give Craig Morris any chance of stopping.
As the visitors were staring a disappointing defeat in the face, then man of the match Williams somehow finished inside a crowded area to earn his team a precious point.
Goytre United: Luke Martin; Adam Orme; Tim Hicks; Joe Clarke; Jake Parry; Ross Jones; Jordan Davies; Darius Waters; Darren Griffiths; Jordan Edwards; Jordan Davies. Substitutes: Richard Ryan; Kieran Griffiths; Luke Morgan; Sam Wade; Nicky Holland, Jack McKenna.
Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris; Greg Walters; Sam Rodon; Dale Griffiths; AntonioFacciuto; Nicky Palmer; Sean Pemberton; Steffan Davies; Kieron Howard; Jordan Follows; Steffan Williams. Substitutes: Owen Thomas; Matthew D’Ivry; James Hartson; Lloyd Hughes; Joe Brill.
Referee: Daniel Beckett.
Assistants: Ben Williams & Ben Jones.