JD Cymru Premier

 
 

Haverfordwest County 0 – Pontypridd United 0

 
On the opening day of the season Haverfordwest County fought out a goalless draw with Pontypridd United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium in front of a decent crowd.
 
Optimism and expectation was understandably high amongst the home fans, as the euphoria of the European journey settles, it’s fair to say the The Dragons battled hard and fully deserved their point against Tony Pennock’s men.
 
As the scoreline suggests, there were not too many opportunities in front of goal for either side and when a chance did arise both goalkeepers,  Zac Jones and George Ratcliffe, were resolute.
 
Centre back Luke Tabone skippered the Bluebirds on his league, debut alongside midfielders Kai Whitmore and Tyrese Owen, who also made their first appearances in the Welsh Premier.
 
Jack Wilson’s long throw into the box was nodded on by Lee Jenkins to Ben Fawcett, who skied his volley over the crossbar.
 
The Dragons came extremely close to breaking the deadlock as Owain Jones’ first-time ten yard strike was brilliantly tipped over by Jones.
 
Lee Jenkins headed straight to Ratcliffe from a Rhys Abbruzzese corner; former Bluebird Corey Shephard was breaking play up in the heart of midfield as teenager Harri Jones kept him on his toes.
 
After the break, the game continued in the same vein as the Dragons looked to break quickly on the counter, but Wilson, Borg, Tabone, Jenkins and Abbruzzese stayed focus to snuff out any danger.
 
Fawcett played a neat one-two with substitute Martell Taylor-Crossdale, before the striker unleashed a wicked curling effort which Ratcliffe palmed wide.
 
At the other end on the edge of the box Jones took a neat left foot touch before he curled a shot towards the top corner which Jones superbly finger-tipped over, as  the hard -fought tussle ended all square.
 
Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock said: “It was pretty even both because sides created chances. Zac has made a couple of good saves, their keeper has made a couple of good saves, between us I think it was a really tough game.”
 
Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Rhys Abbruzzese, Jack Wilson, Lee Jenkins Oscar Borg, Luke Tabone (Captain), Kai Whitmore, Harri John (65’ Martell Taylor-Crossdale), Daniel Hawkins, Ben Fawcett, Tyrese Owen.
Substitutes not used: Ifan Knott, Lucas Davies, Iori Humphreys, Jey Uddin, Seth Woodhouse, Daniel John.
 
Pontypridd United: George Ratcliffe, Keston Davies, Ben Williams-Margetson, Jordan Knott, Danny Williams, Corey Shephard, Ben Ahmun, Jarrad Wright, Owain Jones (83’ Kurtis Rees), Owen Pritchard, Clayton Green (Captain).
Substitutes not used: Ash Morris, Ethan Vaughan, Jan Maertins, Tyler Jackson.
 
Referee: Huw Jones.
Assistants: Ian Bird and Connor Thomas.
Fourth Official: Ben Williams.
Referee Observer: Dean John.
 
Attendance: 536.