JD Welsh Premier

 
 

Haverfordwest County 0 – The New Saints 1

 

Unlucky Haverfordwest County suffered a narrow late defeat at the hands of league leaders The New Saints in this re-arranged fixture at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium.
 
Tony Pennock made one change from the team that won in Caernarfon Town, in came Harri John to the starting line-up.
 
Craig Harrison made one change as Ryan Astles made way for Tom Jones, who signed his first professional contract earlier today.
 
The only goal of the game was scored in the 80^th minute by Ashley Baker, after the Bluebirds had frustrated the visitors. Following a goalmouth melee, the substitute bundled the ball into the back of the net to secure victory which sees TNS move nine points clear at the top of the table for Christmas.
 
The visitors started brightly as the Bluebirds defended resiliently, Zac Jones pulled off a comfortable save to deny Tom Jones from the edge of the 18 yard area.
 
TNS continued to press as Jordan Williams’ cross was met by Ben Clark who headed over the crossbar.
 
At the other end Chris Marriot intercepted as the skipper denied Rio Dyer an opportunity inside the box.
 
Five minutes before the break Lee Jenkins slid in to find the the back of the net from a dangerous Abbruzzese free kick in the box for the Bluebirds, but it was frustratingly flagged offside - also keeper Connor Roberts rushed out to deny Danny Hawkins.
 
Shortly after the interval Brad Young turned inside the box, but Lee Jenkins blocked his goal bound effort, minutes later Ben Clark made a vital interception to deny Harri John what looked like a certain goal.
 
Marriott’s tame free kick rolled straight to keeper Jones, also Danny Davies headed over the bar.
 
Late in the game Baker scored the fortuitous winner from close range, deep in stoppage time Danny Davies cleared off the goal line for the visitors who denied Lee Tabone an equaliser as he got on the end of another excellent free kick in the box by Abbruzzese.
 
On Boxing Day, Haverfordwest County entertain Barry Town United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, kick off is at 2.30pm.


 
Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Rhys Abbruzzese, Ricky Watts (Captain) (46’ Jazz Richards), Kai Whitmore, Daniel Hawkins, Harri John, Lee Jenkins, Rio Dyer (60’ Ben Fawcett), Oscar Borg, Jack Wilson (75’ Kayden Williams-Lowe), Luke Tabone.
Unused substitutes: Ifan Knott, Martell Taylor-Crossdale, Iori Humphreys, Jacob Owen.
 
The New Saints: Connor Roberts, Josh Pask, Chris Marriott (Captain), Daniel Redmond, Jordan Williams, Rory Holden (63’ Ashley Baker), Ben Clark, Leo Smith (63’ Declan McManus), Daniel Davies, Brad Young (84’ Jonathan Routledge), Tomas Jones.
Unused substitutes: Reece Thompson, Daniel Williams, Jared Harlock, Gwion Dafydd.






 
Referee: Ben Williams.
 
Assistants: Johnathon Bebee-Bryant & Steffan Davies.
 
Fourth Official: Tom Bevan.
 
Referee: Observer: Nigel Richards.

Attendance: 350.