JD Cymru Premier

 

The New Saints 2 – Haverfordwest County 1

 
The New Saints picked up a narrow victory at the expense of battling Haverfordwest County at Park Hall on Sunday afternoon.
 
Ben Fawcett gave the visitors the lead but the champions hit back with goals from Joshua Pask and Ashley Baker to end the Bluebirds’ eight match unbeaten record.
 
Carl Harrison’s professional outfit are second in the table four points behind leaders Penybont as Haverfordwest County are in third, four points behind TNS.
 
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 18^th minute, Greg Walters played a long ball down the right hand touchline which fell to Corey Shephard who struck a perfect low cross to striker Ben Fawcett who didn’t have to break his stride as he struck the back of the net from inside the box.
 
Minutes later Fawcett was through on goal but keeper Connor Roberts pulled off a superb save to deny the striker getting his second of the game.
 
The Bluebirds will be disappointed in the manner they conceded the equaliser in the 36^th minute when Ryan Brobbel’s free kick fell to the unmarked Joshua Pask who volleyed home from close range.
 
Sot it stayed 1-1 at half time with everything to play for in the second period.
 
The decisive second goal for TNS came in the 52^nd minute when Joshua Daniel’s deep cross was met by a powerful far post header by Ashley Baker to secure the points in a keenly contested game where the Bluebirds can hold their heads high.
 
 
The New Saints: Connor Roberts, Joshua Pask, Joshua Daniels, Ryan Brobbel (69’ Jake Canavan), Declan McManus (69’ Jay Oteh), Danny Redmond (Captain), Daniel Williams, Jordan Williams, Ben Clark, Danny Davies, Ashley Baker (71’ Adrian Cieslewicz).
 
Unused substitutes: Oliver Karolak, Harrison McGahey, Sion Bradley.
 
Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Dylan Rees (Captain) (75’ Kyle Kenniford), Lee Jenkins, Corey Shephard, Ben Fawcett, Alaric Jones (75’ Dan Hawkins), Kyle McCarthy, Greg Walters (75’ Ricky Watts), Jacob Owen, Luke Tabone (83’ Harri John), Ben Ahmun.
 
Unused substitutes: Ifan Knott, Iori Humphreys.
 
Referee: Alex McInch.
 
Attendance: 286.
 
Assistants: Lewiss Edwards & Steffan Davies.
 
Fourth Official: Owen Thomas.
 
Referee Observer: Michael Jones.