PHOTOS:
Declan Carroll in possession for Haverfordwest County
Greg Walters worked tirelessly in midfield for the Bluebirds
Picture by Matthew Kelly.
Haverfordwest County 0 – Bala Town 2
Two first half goals by Mark Connolly earned Bala Town victory at Haverfordwest County on Saturday afternoon.
Lakesiders’ striker Connolly took both chances superbly as the Bluebirds were struggling in defence, trying to cope without the influential services of centre backs Dale Griffiths (injured), and Sam Rodon, (suspended for one game after picking up five bookings).
Early strikes
Connolly’s first goal, saw the lively striker simply slot past the advancing Bluebirds keeper Scott James, after being put through with a one-on-one situation, and that strike gave the Lakesiders the lead.
Five minutes later Connolly doubled Bala’s advantage; his low drive from the left of the box flew in the right hand far corner.
Wayne Jones’ Bluebirds were stunned, but to their credit they continued to press forward, but lady luck deserted them in front of goal.
Midfielder Declan Carroll struck a tremendous shot inches over the crossbar, then right back Ricky Watts’ teasing cross from the flank just evaded the advancing Luke Borrelli inside the six yard box.
Morris’ landmark
In the second half Haverfordwest County kept pressing forward with Jordan Follows and Carroll testing Ashley Morris with shots from long range, in this the Lakesiders’ goalkeeper's 200th Welsh Premier League appearance.
But Bala also kept the Bluebirds on their toes as Connolly dragged a shot from the edge of the 18 yard area just wide of James’ right hand post, whilst Kieran Smith rattled James’ crossbar with a menacing right footed effort from just inside the box.
Bluebirds substitute John Roberts worked hard and he was rather unlucky not to score when his left-footed shot from just outside the area flew over the bar.
Next Saturday, Haverfordwest County go to champions The New Saints, for their third meeting against each other already this season, The Bluebirds have lost twice; once at home on the opening day of the season, and only last week they lost 3-1 away in the Word Cup quarter final, so the Bluebirds will be aiming for better luck this time with their daunting visit to Park Hall.
Haverfordwest County: Scott James; Ricky Watts; Ryan Batley; Sean Pemberton; Luke Borrelli; Greg Walters; Declan Carroll; Stefan Williams; Kieran Howard; Jack Christopher; Spencer Williams. Substitutes: Jordan Follows; John Roberts; Glen Fiteni; Alfie Stotter; Aiden Rainbow.
Bala Town: Ashley Morris; Ryan Valentine; Anthony Stephens; David Artell; John Irving; Conall Murtagh; Mark Connolly; Rob Pearson; David Thompson; Kieran Smith; Lee Hunt. Substitutes: Craig Vernon; Stuart Jones; Will Bell; Christian Platt; Ian Sheridan.
Referee: Richard Harrington.
