PHOTOS:
Steffan Williams scores his side’s only goal
Midfielder Declan Carroll chips ahead
Lloyd Hughes impressed on the left for the Bluebirds
Pre-season friendly
Haverfordwest County 1 – Cardiff Metropolitan 1
Haverfordwest County were given a thoroughly good workout by the students from Cardiff at the Conygar Bridge Meadow on Thursday night.
With the disappointing late postponements by top Welsh clubs Cardiff City and Swansea City, in stepped Cardiff Metropolitan, who defeated the Bluebirds in their last league encounter on the Meadow earlier this year. Wayne Jones’ Welsh Premier outfit also lost 2-1 against Briton Ferry Llansawel last week, with new striker John Roberts scoring his side’s only goal.
The Welsh League Division One outfit started brightly but they found it extremely hard going to get any joy from the well-organised Haverfordwest County back four consisting of lright back Ricky Watts, centre backs Sam Rodon and Dale Griffiths, plus new left back Ryan Batley.
Keeper injured
The Bluebirds lost Scott James early in the clash, the goalkeeper looking as if he had pulled his groin He was replaced by the vastly experience Craig Morris, and Isaac Philpott called Morris into action early, saving a low drive.
The visitors had the lion’s share of possession, but to the home side’s credit they kept their shape and never looked like being broken down.
Steffan strikes
Striker Steffan Williams pounced for the only goal of the first period in the 33rd minute. An intelligent ball down the right by Watts found the lively Williams, who did well to fend off defender Ben Burns before striking a low drive in the far corner past the on-rushing keeper Will Fuller, giving the Bluebirds a one-goal cushion at half time.
After the break, the Bluebirds looked stronger with midfielders Declan Carroll, Kieran Howard and Greg Walters starting to influence matters more. Lloyd Hughes struck a stinging shot straight at Fuller, Williams created an opportunity for Sean Pemberton but a superb tackle by Emlyn Lewis denied the Bluebirds’ front man.
Williams turned Kyle McCarthy inside out and zipped a low cross across the face of the Students' goal with Pemberton just failing to get the necessary contact to build on the Bluebirds’ lead.
Littlemore equalises
However, late in the match the Students equalised with a well-worked goal. Elliott Evans made excellent ground down the right and he crossed for substitute John Littlemore to apply the scoring touch from inside the box.
It was no more than the visitors deserved, but both teams came out of this clash taking a lot of positives with the new season just around the corner.
Haverfordwest County play Barry Town this Saturday, August 1st at the Conygar Bridge Meadow, kick off is at 2.30pm.
Haverford west County: Scott James; Ricky Watts; Ryan Batley; Sam Radon; Dale Griffith; Kieran Howard; Greg Walters; Declan Carroll; Steffan Williams; Sean Pemberton; Lloyd Hughes. Substitutes: Craig Morris; Gwion Howell; Luke Borrelli; Spencer Williams; Richard Hughes; Jordan Follows.
Cardiff Metropolitan: Will Fuller; Ben Burns; Kyle McCarthy; Bradley Woolridge; Emlyn Lewis; Josh Barnett; Elliott Evans; Isaac Philpot; Adam Roscrow; Charlie Corsby; Jordan Lam; Substitutes: Nathan Faley; John Littlemore; Ryan Jenkins; Sam Izzard; Chris Willis.
Referee: Kevin Bowen.
Assistants: Gareth Elliott & Tom Bevan.