JD Welsh Premier

 
 

Haverfordwest County 2 – Barry Town United 0

 
Haverfordwest County scored twice in the second half as they comfortably overcame ten-man Barry Town United on Boxing  Day at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium.
 
All the other results didn’t quite go the Bluebirds’ way as they currently stay in seventh in the table level on points with sixth placed Caernarforn Town, who have better goal difference,  who narrowly lost 2-1 at leaders The New Saints.
 
The visitors’ cause was not helped as they had Jordan Cotterill sent off on the 20 minute mark following a heavy challenge from behind on midfielder Kai Whitmore.
 
However, well taken goals by Daniel Hawkins and substitute Martell Taylor-Crossdale earned the Bluebirds three worthwhile points.
 
Ben Fawcett created an early opportunity, the striker made good ground down the right before his low cross evaded everyone in the box, minutes later Cotterill struck a fierce edge of the area shot which Bluebirds’ goalkeeper Zac Jones tipped over the crossbar for a corner.
 
Minutes later Cotterill saw red which always put the Dragons on the back foot as it remained goalless at the break.
 
Rio Dyer looked to have pulled a hamstring as the striker pulled up chasing a through ball, he was replaced by Taylor-Crossdale.
 
The Bluebirds scored two fine goals in the space of four minutes which put Tony Pennock’s side in control.
 
Hawkins opened the scoring in the 63^rd minute when the lively Hawkins tuned quickly inside the area and struck before he low left footed finish in the far corner of Dragons’ goalkeeper Luc Rees’ net.
 
Soon after the Bluebirds doubled the lead as substitutes Wilson and Taylor-Crossdale combined, Wilson’s long throw fell to Taylor-Crossdale who controlled with his knee before he volleyed into the back of the net for a superb finish.
 
The hosts were unlucky they didn’t add a late third as Hawkins’ instinctively lobbed Rees before Dragons’ defender Keenen Patten, brother of County’s Kyle, superbly hooked the ball off the goal line.
 
There were no further goals scored as the hosts will be delighted to have picked up the victory in front off plenty of vocal support.
 
This Saturday Haverfordwest County travel to Aberystwyth Town looking to secure three points at Park Avenue in their quest to secure a top six spot before the split.
 
Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Jazz Richards (60’ Rhys Abbruzzese), Ricky Watts (Captain) (77’ Jacob Owen), Kai Whitmore, Ben Fawcett (60’ Jack Wilson), Daniel Hawkins, Harri John, Lee Jenkins, Rio Dyer (31’ Martell Taylor-Crossdale), Oscar Borg, Luke Tabone.
Unused substitutes: Ifan Knott, Kayden Williams-Lowe.
 
Barry Town United: Luc Rees, Michael George, Keenan Patten (73’ Jamie Veale), Curtis McDonald (45’ Harrison Bright), Kayne McLaggon (73’ Sam Snaith), Jordan Cotterill, Aiden Lewis, Ben Blythe, Rhys Davies (79’ Chris Hugh), Ollie Hulbert (79’ Lucas Tomlinson), Oliver Hulbert.
Unused substitutes: Harley Tucker, Callum Huggins.
 
Referee: Bryn Markham-Jones.
 
Assistants: Daniel Beckett & Peter Sheils.
 
Fourth Official: Teifion Cook.
 
Referee Observer: John Davies.
 
Attendance: 497.