JD Cymru Premier – Phase 2 Playoff Conference

 
 

Penybont 1 - Haverfordwest County 0

 
Chris Venables' early strike earned Penybont a crucial victory against frustrated Haverfordwest County at the SDM Glass Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
 
Tony Pennock’s Haverfordwest County needed only a point from this game, but on the day Penybont edged it as their manager Rhys Griffiths’ side picked up the crucial three points  to reach the play off finals where they will travel to Newtown next.
 
It’s been a hard long season for Haverfordwest County who started off with an excellent European campaign at the start of the season, Pennock must have felt bitterly disappointed his team did not finish in the top six at the split. However, they led the split until today’s game, but despite a heroic effort they could not get a point against a very good Penybont outfit which would have taken them into the play off finals.
 
The hosts got off to a flyer as the deadly Chris Venables opened the scoring in the sixth minute and it turned out to be the only goal of the first half.
 
The Bluebirds lost possession as the ball was worked left where skipper Kane Owen whipped in a dangerous cross for Venables who volleyed home from 10 yards, as the Bluebirds’ defence was caught square.
 
Abbruzzese’s corner was met by a firm Kai Whitmore header which keeper Adam Przybek comfortably gathered.
 
A long throw-in bounced inside the area which Oscar Borg headed wide
 
Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock had to make an early change as skipper Ricky Watts picked up an injury and was replaced by Martell Taylor-Crossdale.
 
Penybont went close to adding to their lead as Elliot Richard’s  shot from inside the box struck one of his own players.
 
Some good work down the right side by Iori Humphreys see his cross easily gathered by Przybek, minutes later the Penybont keeper picked up a knock which needed treatment.
 
Ben Fawcett had a powerful effort saved by Przybek, in the 79^th minute the visitors had the ball in the back of the net, but referee Iwan Griffith disallowed the effort has he had spotted a foul in the build-up.
 
There was no further drama as Penybont stood firm for the remainder and they celebrated a crucial victory which puts them into the play off finals as the Bluebirds’ season is ended.
 
 
Penybont: Adam Przybek, Mark Little, Kane Owen (Captain), Daniel Lincoln McFayden (Daniel Griffiths 57’), Jefferies, Ashley Evans, Mael Davies, Chris Venables (Ryan Reynolds 83’), Eliot Richards (Shaun Macdonald 57’), Billy Borge, Gabriel Kircough.
 
Unused substitutes: Alex Harris, Henry Jones, Lewys Ware, Ioan Phillips.
 
Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Thys Abbruzzese, Ricky Watts (Captain) (Martell Taylor-Crossdale 23’), Kai Whitmore, Ben Fawcett, Harri John, Lee Jenkins, Rio Dyer (Daniel Hawkins 81’), Oscar Borg, Iori Humphreys, Luke Tabone.
 
Unused substitutes: Ifan Knott, Declan Carroll, Corey Shephard, Ion Evans, Jacob Owen.
 
Referee: Iwan Griffith.
 
Assistants: Lewiss Edwards & Matthew Johnson.
 
Fourth Official: Alex McInch.
 
Referee Observer: Rodger Gifford.