PHOTOS
Sam Rodon clearly wins in the aerial stakes
Port Talbot Town’s two-goal hero Justin Rose
Haverfordwest County 1 – Port Talbot Town 2
Striker Martin Rose grabbed an early brace to ensure ten-man Port Talbot edged a hard fought victory at Haverfordwest County on Tuesday evening.
After this win the visitors moved up to third in the table as The Bluebirds slipped down to second from bottom.
A goalkeeping error by Scott James led to Rose’s opener, scored with barely five minutes gone. A high, hopeful ball in the six-yard box was spilled by home keeper James as striker gleefully profited with the simplest of tap-ins.
This goal definitely unsettled the home outfit, because after winning two games on the trot; this was not the start they were aiming for in front of their home fans.
Causing chaos
Former pro Leon Jeanne, was dangerous on the left wing, for Port Talbot, causing home right back Ricky Watts no end of problems with his skill, close control and pace.
The visitors added a second goal in the 20th minute as Jeanne got to the by-line and his clever cut back pass was met by Rose, who was lurking with intent and lashed the ball home home from eight yards.
The Bluebirds' best scoring chance of the first period was handed to Steffan Williams, but he flashed a low right-footed shot flying past Steven Cann’s right hand post.
After half time, the Bluebirds were attacking with a lot more intent, as they were driven by the industrious midfielder Greg Walters, who once again was the Bluebirds’ stand out performer: there’s a great engine in this kid, he’s always in the thick of the action from the first whistle till the last.
Red card
The visitors were down to ten men when Joe Clarke was issued a red card for one too many late tackles.
The Bluebirds poured forward with the extra man advantage and pulled a goal back in the 90th minute when Luke Borrelli struck a low drive from the edge of the area that flew past Cann into the bottom corner.
This goal was no more than Wayne Jones’ outfit deserved, but on the night, the visitors thoroughly merited their success on the Conygar Bridge Meadow.
This Saturday, Haverfordwest County have a tough away fixture at Airbus UK Broughton, and next Tuesday, 29th September they entertain Aberystwyth Town in the Word Cup, where kick off is at 7.30pm.
Haverfordwest County: Scott James; Ricky Watts; Dale Griffiths; Sam Rodon; Ryan Batley; Sean Pemberton; Kieran Howard; Greg Walters; Luke Borelli; John Roberts; Steffan Williams. Substitutes: Jordan Follows; Jack Christopher; Declan Carroll; Nicky Palmer.
Port Talbot Town: Steven Cann; Joseph Jones; Matthew Long; Cortez Belle; Dave Vincent; Paul Fowler; Joe Clarke; Chris Jones; Leon Jeanne; Jonathan Hood; Martin Rose. Substitutes: Conah McFenton; Kieran Williams; Kurtis March; James Parry; Craig Jones; James Hartson.
Referee: Wayne Jones.
Assistants: Phil Thomas & David Pearce.
Fourth Official: Tom Bevan.