Haverfordwest County A.F.C. News . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

20th January 2010

Brazil brings in new faces at the Bridge Meadow

Haverfordwest County have made a number of new signings in an effort to push for a top-ten place in the Principality Welsh Premier.
Bluebirds’ boss Derek Brazil knows only to well that this season is important his team finish as high as possible because the league next season will consist of 12 teams.
Results in the first half of the season have not gone quite as well as Brazil would have wanted, so he’s made some tough decisions, released some of the current squad and brought in some fresh blood.
Out goes top-scorer Robbie Walters, winger Jarrod Price and defender Damon Searle. New signings arrived this week are striker Tom Billing, midfielder Tom Ramasut, defender Mark Dodds, winger Josh Hartrick and Ross Jones, the latter joins on loan from Llanelli. The Bluebirds have been further boosted by the return of Chris O'Sullivan, the midfielder back from his travels in New Zealand who has also recovered from a serious shoulder injury.
Billing played for the Bluebirds back in 2001-02 season before going to university. He’s six feet five inches and holds ball up well and should create goal opportunities for the likes of Jack Christopher, Nicky Woodrow and Steffan Williams.
Dodds has joined from Carmarthen Town and he’s equally at home playing in the heart of defence or up front. Tom Ramusut returns to the Meadow after a short spell at Aberaman, he’s a creative midfielder who has an abundance of experience.
“I expect all the new signings to make an impact,” said Brazil. Local youngsters such as Ricky Watts, Rob Morgans, Kristian Griffiths, Jack Jones, Jonathan Clark and Craig George means competition for places is tough.
The Bluebirds entertain Airbus UK Broughton at the Bridge Meadow this Saturday (23rd January) kick off 2.30pm.

1st January 2010

Principality Welsh Premier

Aber complete back-to-back wins over the Bluebirds

Haverfordwest County 0 goals
– Aberystwth Town 1 goal

High-flying Aberystwth Town picked up maximum points after overcoming Haverfordwest County for the second time in six days.
The kick-off was delayed for half an hour to allow the Bridge Meadow surface to thaw. However, in the second half a snow blizzard fell and completely covered the surface and remarkably referee Brian James somehow got this full-blooded clash to last the full 90 minutes, many felt it would be abandoned as supporters faced a treacherous journey home.
Aber’s defining moment came in the 34th minute, right-sided midfielder Luke Sherbon guided a far post header past Lee Idzi, the Bluebirds’ ‘keeper slipped as he tried in vain to stop the goal-bound effort. The goal was rather fortuitous, but it was no more than what the visitors deserved.
The closest the Bluebirds came to scoring was in the first period. Teenagers Ricky Watts and Steffan Williams combined inside the box only for an Aber defender to toe poke the ball inches past his own goal.
The Bluebirds lost Jack Christopher at the interval, the striker injured a shoulder after a collision in the box with Aber ‘keeper Steve Cann. Bluebirds’ top scorer Robbie Walters replaced Christopher, but Bluebirds manager Derek Brazil won’t be happy that his side slipped to a disappointing home defeat and didn’t give him the perfect start to 2010.
  Kristian Griffiths, a home-product played well on left flank for the Bluebirds. The Bluebirds gave away possession far too easily and will be looking to improve over the coming weeks, as they must finish in the top 12 if they are stay in the top echelon of the Welsh Premier.
Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi, Terry Evans, Damon Searle, Jamie Grimes, Kyle Graves, Kristian Griffiths, Ricky Watts, Jamie Bradford, Steffan Williams, Jack Christopher, Paul Michael. Substitutes: Robbie Walters, Nicky Woodrow, Craig George, Rob Morgan.
Aberystwyth Town: Steve Cann, Steve Bowen, Gareth Hughes, Aneurin Thomas, Sion James, Luke Sherbon, Geoff Kellaway, Bari Morgan, Graham Evans, Luke Bowen, Glyndwr Hughes. Substitutes: Rob Evans, Cledan Davies, Christian Edwards, Tom Bowen, Joel Richardson.
Referee: Brian James.
Assistants: R. A. Hales, G. J. Martin.
Fourth official: T. C. Drean.
Action pictures by Bill Carne and Matthew Kelly of Rawphotography.me.uk

26th December 2009

Principality Welsh Premier

No Christmas cheer for ten-man luckless Bluebirds

Aberystwyth Town 2 goals – Haverfordwest County 1 goal

Two early goals gifted Aberystwyth Town victory over Haverfordwest County on Boxing Day afternoon at Stadiwm Coedlan-y-Parc.
Central midfielder Luke Sherbon got Aber off to a dream start as he found the back of Lee Idzi’s net in the sixth minute.
The visitors looked unsettled after that early blow and in the 22nd minute they found themselves two goals adrift.
Glyndwr Hughes was given far too much time and space in the box and captilised by thumping the ball past the outstretched Idzi.
The Bluebirds looked a different outfit after a half time rollicking by manager Derek Brazil but Bobby Briers was sent-off for a second bookable offence on the hour mark, and Jamie Bradford left the field injured, but to their credit they kept battling to break their duck.
The visitors finally pulled a goal back five minutes from the end when striker Jack Christopher struck his first goal of the season from the penalty spot after Steffan Williams had been brought down in the box.
Haverfordwest County will be seeking revenge over Aberystwyth Town when they meet again in the space of only six days at the Bridge Meadow this coming Friday (1st January 2010) kick-off 2.30pm.
Aberystwyth Town: Steven Cann; Steve Bowen; Gareth Hughes; Aneurin Thomas; Sion James; Luke Sherbon; Geoff Kellaway; Bari Morgan; Graham Evans; Steve Bowen; Glyndwr Hughes. Substitutes: Cledan Davies; Robert Evans; Kristian James; Tom Bowen; Liam Button.
Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi; Terry Evans; Damon Searle; Kyle Graves; Jamie Grimes; Paul Michael; Steffan Williams; Jamie Bradford; Robbie Walters; Jack Chrstopher; Jarrod Price. Substitutes: Bobby Briers; Nick Woodrow; Kristian Griffiths; Ricky Watts.
Referee: Huw Jones.

19th December 2009

Bluebirds stand strong against restructuring madness

Haverfordwest County AFC is one of several teams in the Welsh Premier League to vote against a new ruling which would give teams a massive 44 league matches next season. We asked the Bluebirds’ management for comments and are delighted to place their views on the web-site – and after careful study of the issues involved, fully endorse their comments.
The principal item for discussion at this meeting was to set up a Welsh Premier League structure to take account of the decision to have 12 clubs in the 2010-11 season. This was based on the principle of each club playing each opponent four times, which would mean 44 matches, an increase of 10 on the current season or an increase of just under 25%!
In pre-meeting discussions, the view that this was too many appeared to be the reaction of most clubs who had aired their views on web sites or via the Sgorio “poll”. An idea as a possible way forward was outlined by the League Secretary, with every team playing each other twice – 22 games; the League then dividing into two sections of top six and bottom six playing each other twice -10 games. This would give a total of 32, two fewer than now. This idea seemed to be the preferred option.
Unexpected result
The result of the opening vote at the Newtown meeting was, therefore, totally unexpected, with only six clubs (Haverfordwest County, Carmarthen Town, Newtown, Bala Town, Bangor City and Airbus UK) in favour of 32 games and 9 voting for 44. The new format was decided in a mad five minutes with no discussion of how clubs will be able to meet their commitments and a total disregard to the inevitable fixture chaos. A point possibly worthy of note here is that Welshpool did not attend the meeting, Porthmadog abstained from the vote and furthermore after quoting the following on their website, Neath also, did not turn up at the meeting.
Neath FC Website entry reads: “Despite there being only 52 weeks in a Year, living in a wet climate, not one other top league in Europe playing as many games and most people agreeing it's a terrible idea, the Welsh Premier League will play a 44 League Game Programme next year- can't wait! It will be an unprecedented disaster and this website will refer back to this comment when it happens.”
I suppose it would have been very interesting if Welshpool, Neath and Porthmadog had voted against the 44 proposal we would then have had a nine-nine scenario. What would have happened then?
Haverfordwest County, who proposed adoption of the 32 game solution, did so as a club that has not had one match postponed for weather reasons for seven seasons, but has to travel to others less-prepared for the Welsh weather at inevitably more difficult timings. Haverfordwest County travels considerably further over a season than any other club, so postponements will be more of a problem for us. So the club with the better ground will suffer more than those with poorer facilities.
Strange promoters
Haverfordwest County finds it strange that the principal promoter of the 44 game solution, Aberystwyth Town, suffers postponements – their ground was waterlogged in August in the Loosemore's Cup against ourselves this season. Another club who supported the 44 game solution, Cefn Druids, postponed our travel on a Saturday morning recently – we have to accept a mid week rearrangement or an Easter Monday compromise. Another supporter of the 44 game solution, Llanelli, have suffered postponements. We played at Caersws last Saturday on a poor pitch which was heavy and had to be sanded in the goals so much that the ball could not run in them, not conducive to good football at all! Yet, Caersws voted for the 44 game solution. What is going on here?
So an increase of nearly 25% on the present number of matches (110 more matches in the League with inevitable fixture chaos) where so many clubs suffer ground problems, is supported by some of the “problem” clubs. One of the driving factors behind the concept of the Super 10 was the provision of good playing surfaces, to improve the product, to improve standards to try and become more successful in Europe. Yet nine clubs voted for the opposite! Nine clubs voted for 110 extra matches for the players, to pay extra travel and running costs, volunteer labour, for spectators to attend, to scramble for 25% more revenue! How can the clubs left in the 12 possibly begin to support this?
EGM vitally needed
We believe that an EGM of those clubs who will be in the League next season needs to be called when they are known, so that potential fixture chaos, the wrecking of playing surfaces, increasing costs by as much as 25%, can be dealt with again by those who will have to live with the consequences of this ludicrous vote.
We fully understand that as a club we still have to be in a position to play in the top twelve next season. If this turns out not to be the case the arguments outlined still stand. It is not just about finishing in the top ten in this current season to enable a guaranteed top twelve place next season. We, like others are currently involved in a very stringent licensing and safety certificate process, which leaves no stone unturned.
Common sense must prevail
The recession is still with us, believe it or not, and we do not think that certain clubs have applied the basic principles of common sense to the arguments that exist at the present moment.
What happens if only eight or ten clubs conform to and obtain the necessary licensing requirements and obtain a safety certificate? What are we going to do then?
Bear in mind that details of the possible funding available for proposed projects will not be made known until mid January 2010. The clubs have been informed that they may if they wish continue with the projects but with no guarantee that they will receive any funding whatsoever.
The result of this meeting and the vote will not be sustainable and the basic fact is, it will have to be revisited again. I have said before that we were scratching around in the dark; we still are.
Other views on this matter can be found on web-sites like Sgorio and Welsh Premier.

12th Decem

Principality Welsh Premier

Two-goal joy for Robbie against rock bottom strugglers

Caersws 0 goals – Haverfordwest County 2 goals

Robbie Walters scored a goal in each half to earn Haverfordwest County a comfortable two-goal victory at bottom of the table Caersws at the Recreation Ground.
After a string of decent results of late this was a potential banana skin for the Derek Brazil’s Bluebirds. But the visitors kept their composure and patience and were rewarded when deadly Walters struck the opener two minutes before the interval. The home side’s discipline didn’t help their cause as they had three players booked and were reduced to ten-men as Geraint Lewis was sent off.
Luckily, the visitors stayed focused and Walters added an important second goal on 67 minutes to seal an expected victory in Mid Wales.
Goalkeeper Lee Idzi kept a clean sheet and the rock solid defence of Terry Evans, Damon Searle, Kyle Graves and Jamie Grimes looked impressive. Nicky Woodrow linked well with Walters up front, plus Steffan Williams worked tirelessly as Jamie Bradford called the shots in the heart of the midfield.
The Bluebirds need to stay focused over the next few weeks, as every game is precious with only twelve teams in the Welsh Premier next season.

Caersws: Dave Jones; Matthew Roberts; Matthew Holt; Scott Williams; Hugh Clarke; Jacob Smith; Lee Jenkins; Chris Melia; Andy Davies; Mark Griffiths; Geraint Lewis. Substitutes: Matthew Prosser; Simon Jones; Corey Jenkins; Jon Rowley.
Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi; Terry Evans; Damon Searle; Kyle Graves; Jamie Grimes; Paul Michael; Steffan Williams; Jamie Bradford; Robbie Walters; Nicky Woodrow; Jarrod Price. Substitutes: Bobby Briers; Kristian Griffiths; Ricky Watts.
Action picture by Kevin Bryce

5th December 2009

Principality Welsh Premier

Brazil’s boys earn a point against high-flying TNS

Haverfordwest County 0 goals – The New Saints 0 goals

Haverfordwest County gained a thoroughly deserved goalless draw against high-flying The New Saints at a rain-drenched Bridge Meadow.
Last week the Bluebirds won at top of the table Rhyl, this week they gained a point against second placed TNS. So in the last two outings the Bluebirds have gained four precious league points from a possible six, which definitely pleased manager Derek Brazil. Driving rain had the Bluebirds defending courageously in the first half, despite losing Bobby Briers with a cut eye, and Brazil’s outfit deserved to go in at half time without conceding - and the home side was unlucky not to take a sixth minute lead when Robbie Walters headed Steffan Williams’ cross agonisingly over the crossbar.
The visitors could have taken the lead in the 25th minute. A mistake by Bluebirds’ defender Damon Searle let in Steve Abbot, but the striker rushed his goal-begging chance and put the ball wide of the right upright. The visitors piled on the pressure in the second period, where Matthew Berkeley came close to scoring twice as the  striker drilled low and hard, which was well saved by goalkeeper Lee Idzi at the near post, and he also placed a firm header wide. The only low point of the afternoon was when Bluebirds' defender Lee Beven was sent off late on and then it was backs to the wall stuff at the end, but the Bluebirds clung on for a priceless point, which keeps them in mid-table.
Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi; Kyle Graves, Damon Searle; Lee Bevan; Jamie Grimes; Bobby Briers; Paul Michael; Jamie Bradford; Steffan Williams; Robbie Walters; Jarrod Price. Substitutes: Terry Evans; Nick Woodrow; Kristian Griffiths.
The New Saints: Paul Harrison; Daniel Holmes; Chris Marriott; Phil Baker; Steve Evans; Barry Hogan; Scott Ruscoe; Aeron Edwards; Steve Abbott; Matthew Berkeley; Craig Jones. Substitutes: Jamie Wood; Craig Williams; Christian Seargeant.
Referee: Darren Adie.
Action picture by Kevin Bryce

1st December 2009

Bluebirds boss Brazil to meet with fans

Club manager Derek Brazil will be meeting with the fans of Haverfordwest County on Friday, 4th December, 2009 for the third of his question and answer sessions where he is always ready to listen to the points brought forward and expound on his own ideas as well.
Following a mixed first half of the season that now sees County in 13th place, Derek will meet the supporters in the Legends bar.
“Things haven't been going as well as we would have hoped so far this season, we haven't been putting our chances away when we they have been clear cut, and have been conceding goals which has meant we have drawn or lost those games. It is something we are trying hard to cut out as it has cost us points particularly in our last four league games.
“If you look at the games that we have taken the lead in, we have won three and drawn two. That is why it is so frustrating for everyone because in the last few games we have had early chances to score. I can understand the fans frustration as the players and I feel the same.
“I can assure them that they will always get an honest answer from me: now is not the time to panic as my staff and I know what the problem is and we will be doing our job to rectify it,” Derek told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk.
Previous forums with Mr Brazil have been both informative and entertaining, and this one promises to be just as lively.
The Meet the Manager forum starts at 7:30 on. Friday and it will give you the chance to say what you feel about how the team is doing and discuss this with the manager – so get along to the Bridge Meadow Stadium and talk to the Haverfordwest County manager!

28th November 2009

Principality Welsh Premier

Bluebirds’ terrific away win stuns reigning champions

Rhyl 1 goal - Haverfordwest County 2 goals

Haverfordwest County came from behind to pick-up their first away win over last season’s stunned champions Rhyl at the Belle Vue Stadium.
The home outfit were currently third in the table before this shock defeat by Derek Brazil’s fired-up Bluebirds.
The visitors trailed by one-nothing at half time. Greg Strong struck in the 15th minute to put the reigning champions in the driving seat.
However, the second half told a totally different story. The visitors’ heads usually drop when they go behind, but they visibly came out in determined mood for the second period.
On the hour mark they were rewarded with a superb 60th minute equaliser. Bobby Briers cut in from the flank to neatly place a 30-yarder beyond the reach of Rhyl goalkeeper Paul Pritchard.
Within a minute the visitors took the lead that they deservedly never surrendered. Diminutive lively striker Steffan Williams was a constant thorn to Rhyl’s back-four and was hauled down in the box for a definite penalty. Williams’ co-striker Robbie Walters stepped up to the mark to fire the resulting spot-kick into the back of the net. Walters was unlucky not to add a third as he sent a powerful header crashing against the crossbar.
Brazil brought on substitute Kristian Griffiths, the home-town teenager made an impressive debut, while another local boy Jonathan Clarke, also came off the bench and looked comfortable playing at a higher level. Williams was brought down for a second time in the box, the players appealed for a penalty only for referee Mark Whitby to frustratingly wave play on, which really didn’t please the Bluebirds’ travelling fans.
It was backs-to the-wall stuff for the final 20 minutes for the visitors, but they showed tremendous character and spirit to resolutely hold out for a fantastic three points. The Bluebirds face another stiff test next Saturday (5th December) when they entertain The New Saints at the Bridge Meadow, but after this terrific shock victory they needn’t fear any team in the Welsh Premier.
Rhyl: Paul Pritchard; Martyn Naylor; Phil Doran; George Horan; Greg Strong; John Leah; Paul Smith; Gareth Owen; Lee Hunt; Matthew Williams; Tyrone Kirk. Substitutes: Greg Stones; Chris Williams; Shaun Dowling; Sam Heenan; James Coates. Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi; Kyle Graves; Damon Searle; Lee Bevan; Jamie Grimes; Bobby Briers; Jamie Bradford; Paul Michael; Steffan Williams; Robbie Walters; Jarrod Price. Substitutes: Nick Woodrow; Kristian Griffiths; Jnathan Clarke.
Referee: Mark Whitby.

21st November 2009

Principality Welsh Premier

Hotshot Rhys stuns Bluebirds with late winner as Reds regain top spot

Haverfordwest County 0 goals – Llanelli 1 goal

Llanelli returned to the top of the table after a slender one goal victory over Haverfordwest County at the Bridge Meadow on Friday (20th November) night.
The visitors’ hero was ex-Bluebirds striker and Reds’ skipper Rhys Griffiths, who struck the winner ten-minutes from full-time.
It was probably no more than they deserved on the overall balance of play, but on the flip side of the coin it was cruel defeat for Bluebirds' manager Derek Brazil to stomach.
This was the second successive league defeat for the home side and despite only losing this clash by one-goal it’s increasingly getting difficult for the Bluebirds to pick-up vital league points.
Andy Legg’s visitors could have and should have led by the interval. Griffiths powered a header from a corner against Lee Idzi’s crossbar. Spanish import Anthonio Corbisiero also crashed a wicked long-range effort against the bar. Another former Bluebird, Wyn Thomas, couldn’t believe his luck when his final touch from a corner found the side netting with the goal yawning at his mercy.
In the second half the home side finally put pressure on the Reds defence. They were desperately unlucky not to take the lead as Robbie Walters broke clean through, but the striker agonisingly sent his shot across the face of goal. Walters’ co-striker Steffan Williams struck a vicious effort just wide.
The visitors put the final nail in the Bluebirds’ coffin as the league’s top scorer Rhys Griffiths struck inside the box with a sweetly struck volley.
Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi; Terry Evans (Captain); Damon Searle; Lee Bevan; Jamie Grimes; Kyle Graves; Jamie Bradford; Paul Michael; Robbie Walters; Steffan Williams; Bobby Briers. Substitutes: Nicky Woodrow; Ricky Watts; Jack Jones; Kristian Griffiths.
Llanelli: Ashley Morris; Lee Jarman; Andy Legg; Chris Venables; Stuart Jones; Wyn Thomas; Jason Bowen; Antonio Corbisiero; Rhys Griffiths (Captain); Craig Moses; Owain Warlow. Substitutes: Andrew Mumford; Craig Jones; Jordan Follows; Craig Frater; Ryan Batley.
Referee: D. John.
Assistants: A. Jones; R, Thomas.
Fourth Official: P. Fisher.
Action picture taken by Kevin Bryce.

11th November 2009

Jack and Lee picked for Wales Semi-pro squad

Three of Haverfordwest County's Welsh Premier players have been picked for Terry Boyle's Wales Semi-Pro Under 23 squad, which faces Northern Ireland later this month in the International Challenge Trophy.
Goalkeeper Lee Idzi, striker Jack Christopher and defender Lee Bevan, the latter on the stand-by list.
Haverfordwest County director, David Hughes, said: "It's an accolade for both the club and the individual. Lee Bevan has come back after a horrendous injury last season, and his selection will give him confidence for the future. As for Jack and Lee Idzi, we expect them to keep playing well at this international level, and hope they go from strength to strength, and this definitely keeps them in the shop window."
Boyle has named a record 15 Welsh Premier players out of a possible 18 in his squad to face Ronnie McFall's Ulstermen on Tuesday 24th November 2009 at Shamrock Park, Portadown at 7.45pm.
Wales Semi-Pro Under 23 Squad: Stephen Cann (Aberystwyth Town) (GK), Lee Idzi (Haverfordwest County) (GK), Scott Barrow (Port Talbot Town), Kyle Critchell (Weymouth), Kai Edwards (Wrexham), Ryan Edwards (Airbus UK Broughton), Michael Pearson (Barrow FC), Lee Surman (Port Talbot Town), Aeron Edwards (The New Saints FC), Sion Edwards (Bangor City FC), Drew Fahiya (Port Talbot Town), Craig Jones (The New Saints FC), Luke Sherbon (Aberystwyth Town), Owain Warlow (Llanelli AFC), Ashley Williams (Airbus UK Broughton), Jack Christopher (Haverfordwest County), Craig Moses (Llanelli AFC), Jamie Reed (Bangor City FC) Stand-By: Lee Bevan (Haverfordwest County), Craig Williams (Newtown), Matthew Harris (Neath FC), Curtis McDonald (Forest Green Rovers), Jamie Owen (Chester City), Jordan Follows (Llanelli).