JD Cymru Premier

 
 

Haverfordwest County 1 – Aberystwyth Town 0

 
Haverfordwest County gained a slender hard fought victory against bottom of the table Aberystwyth on the newly laid 3G surface at the Ogi Bridge Meadow in front of a bumper crowd on New Year’s Day.
 
Dan Hawkins headed home the only goal of the game just six minutes before the interval, on his side’s first return to their home ground this season.
 
However overall, the Bluebirds’ failed to take their chances as the visitors dug deep to stay in this tussle until a nervy last few minutes, but were well on top in the ball-retention stakes.
 
The hosts stuck with the same starting line-up that won 2-0 away at Newtown, more importantly for Tony Pennock’s men, who are currently perched third in the table, this crucial three points ensured they have now secured a top-six finish at the split at the halfway point of the season.
 
Of course, the hosts would have wanted to perform better in from of their fans but the Bluebirds did not play at the high level which would have been expected.
 
The vital goal of the game stemmed from Rhys Abbruzzese skinning John Owen before the big midielder ran back and crunched into the nippy left back to concede a direct free kick from which Corey Shephard crashed the ball against the crossbar as Hawkins was first to react as he  followed up to head home the rebound.
 
The Bluebirds started brightly as Jacob Owen’s by-line cross fell invitingly for Kyle Kenniford who struck first time, only for the ball to be deflected  wide.
 
At the other end, Niall Flint drew a good save from Zac Jones who pushed his stinging low effort behind for a corner.
 
Jacob Owen struck an ambitious 25 yard shot well over the crossbar; Corey Shephard struck an edge of the area right-footed shot narrowly wide as the hosts were knocking on the door but it didn't quite open.
 
Ben Fawcett headed Owen’s cross which keeper Dave Jones reacted quickly to tip it over the bar.
 
The hosts finally broke the deadlock as Hawkins nodded home the rebound from close range which gave the hosts a slender one goal lead at half time.
 
Shortly after the interval the Bluebirds put Aber under pressure as Shephard’s wicked cross was gathered by Jones with Fawcett and Hawkins loitering with intent.
 
Fawcett saw his long rage shot deflected for a corner, and minutes later Alaric Jones’ pinpoint cross from the left was met by a superb glancing diving header which narrowly flew wide.
 
Two minutes from full time Rhys Abbruzzese defended brilliantly to head away the danger from inside his own six-yard box to prevent the visitors from scoring what would have been an undeserved equaliser.
 
This coming Saturday, 4^th January, Haverfordwest County entertain Briton Ferry Llansawel with a 2.30pm kick off at the Ogi 3G Bridge Meadow Stadium.



 
 
Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Rhys Abbruzzese, Dylan Rees (Captain) (84’ Greg Walters), Lee Jenkins, Corey Shephard, Ben Fawcett, Dan Hawkins (72’ Harri John), Alaric Jones, Kyle McCarthy, Kyle Kenniford (72’ Ben Ahmun), Jacob Owen.
Unused substitutes: Ifan Knott, Ricky Watts, Daniel John, Luke Tabone.
 
Aberystwyth Town: Dave Jones, Louis Bradford, Frankie Ealing (81’ Thomas Mason), Jack Thorn (Captain), Jonathan Evans (73’ Gwydion Dafis), Niall Flint, John Owen, Zac Hartley, Ben Davies, Calum Huxley, Rico Patterson.
Unused substitutes: Sebatian Osment, Steffan Davies.
 
Referee: Ben Williams.
 
Assistants: Ian Bird & James Sheils.
 
Fourth Official: Ryan Kenny.
 
Referee Observer: Nigel Richards.
 
Attendance: 1,486.