JD Welsh Premier – Phase 2 Playoff Conference

Barry Town United 1 - Haverfordwest County 1

 
Rhys Abbruzzese headed home a crucial 96^th minute far post header to earn Haverfordwest County an unlikely point against Barry Town United on Friday evening.
 
 
Just before half time goalkeeper Michael Lewis pulled off a stunning save to deny Kai Whitmore from the penalty spot, after the break Ben Fawcett headed home only for it to be ruled out.
 
On 70 minutes the hosts broke the deadlock as unlucky defender Jazz Richards slid in an own goal from close range, it stemmed from a low Mike George cross, that goal looked as it it was enough to seal the points, but Abbruzzese’s timely stoppage time header earned Tony Pennock’s men a dramatic draw.

In their previous matches this season the Bluebirds drew 2-2 at Jenner Park last August and won 2-0 at the Ogi Bridge Meadow in December.
 
Jack Wilson’s early snap shot tested keeper Lewis, a penetrative run from midfield saw Corey Shephard strike his shot from distance over the crossbar, the visitors continued to press as Kai Whitmore’s deflected shot flew wide. Lewis pushed wide a point blank Luke Tabone header from a corner.
 
Keenan Patten’s deflected shot brought a decent save from Zac Jones who tipped it behind, the Bluebirds keeper pulled off another good save as he denied Rhys Davies. Keenan drilled a low edge of the area effort wide, minutes later Jordan Cotterill struck a screamer top corner which Jones palmed behind for a corner.
 
In the 43^rd minute the visitors were awarded a penalty which Lewis brilliantly saved Whitmore’s effort from 12 yards.
 
After the break Ollie Hulbert curled his shot wide, at the other end Fawcett headed into the back of the net but the linesman raised his flag as it remained goalless.
 
On the hour mark Ricky Watts’ volley was spilled by Lewis before the danger was cleared.
 
In the 70^th minute Barry took the lead as George’s cross was slid in by unfortunate Richards, as the defender tried to clear the danger.
 
Watts struck another effort well over the bar, Jones pulled off an important save as the keeper denied Hulbert's low strike which was heading for the bottom corner.
 
The visitors equalised as Rio Dyer’s excellent cross was met by Abbruzzese’s powerful far post header to secure a draw when minutes earlier all seemed lost for Pennock’s men.
 
 
Barry Town United: Michael Lewis (Harley Tucker 99’), Michael George, Keenan Patten, Callum Sainty, Curtis McDonald, Kayne McLaggon (Jordan Cotterill 34’) Sam Snaith, Rhys Davies, Ollie Hulbert, William Richards, Lee Lucas (Jamie Veale 86’), Evan Press (Captain).
Substitutes not used: Drew Perrett, Ben Blythe, Lucas Tomlinson.
 
Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Jazz Richards, Rhys Abbruzzese, Ricky Watts (Captain), Kai Whitmore, Ben Fawcett, Daniel Hawkins, Lee Jenkins, Jack Wilson (Rio Dyer 81’), Luke Tabone (Aidan MacNamara 82’), Corey Shephard.
Substitutes not used: Martell Taylor-Crossdale, Ifan Knott, Oscar Borg, Iori Humphreys, Jacob Owen.
 
Referee: Ben Williams.
 
Assistants: Harry Hendricks and Jordan Christopher.
 
Fourth Official: Tegid Richards.
 
Referee Observer: Rodger Gifford.