PHOTOS:
Trefelin goalkeeper Mathew Stanton well beaten by Elliot Scotcher’s stunning free kick

Lee Trundle scored from the spot on his debut for Haverfordwest County

 

Pre-season friendly

 

Haverfordwest County 2 – Trefelin Boys Girls Club 2

A stunning late free-kick by Elliot Scotcher earned Haverfordwest County a hard fought draw against Trefelin BGC in their first pre-season friendly of the season at the Conygar Bridge Meadow.

This was a stern test for Sean Cresser and Tim Hicks’ team against a side from the Port Talbot area who beat Llanelli Town at the end of last season to clinch the Welsh League Cup.

Trefelin BGC will play in Welsh League Division Three whilst Haverfordwest County finished runners up in Welsh League Division One last season and will be vying for the title this campaign.

Keeper's mistake

The Bluebirds fell behind in the 2^nd minute, when trialist goalkeeper gifted an easy opportunity for Jordan Edwards; the striker made no mistake from the edge of the box.

Following that set-back The Bluebirds played the better football for the remainder of the first half, Danny Williams struck a low drive against the post, Leon Luby’s volley was turned onto the post by goalkeeper Mathew Stanton.

Trundle spot on

The Bluebirds were awarded a penalty when marquee signing Lee Trundle was clattered inside the box from behind, Trundle dusted himself off and coolly sent Stanton the wrong way to square matters, scoring on his debut.

Steff Williams should have increased the homesters lead, a terrific through ball by right back Alaric Jones found the striker who deftly lobbed Stanton from outside the box, but his effort was wide of the target.

Trundle was also guilty of not taking a cracking scoring opportunity, excellent work by Luby and Steff Williams created space for Trundle who curled his shot agonisingly wide – the ex-pro really should have done better.

Just before the break the visitors restored the lead as they caught the home outfit knapping, a quickly taken free kick from halfway released Shaun Best, and the striker showed excellent awareness as he neatly lobbed the keeper to give his side a slender 2-1 cushion at the break.

The second period became a bit disjointed with Cresser and Hicks shuffling their side around and giving their squad important minutes on the pitch.

Youngsters Jack Wilson, Alfie Stotter, Ben Fawcett and Fraser Findlay looked threatening, with Findlay hitting Stanton’s post with a vicious left foot strike, and Wilson was unlucky not to score when he sliced through the defence - but saw his goal-bound shot blocked by Stanton.
 

Stunning equaliser

Five minutes from full time and Scotcher equalised with a sublime 20 yard free-kick to salvage a draw.

This Wednesday, 25^th July, the Bluebirds are home against West Wales Cup holders Goodwick United, kick off is at 7.30pm then on Saturday, 28^th July they’re home against Welsh Premier Aberystwyth Town, kick off 2.30pm.

Haverfordwest County squad: Trialist; Alaric Jones; Tim Hicks; Sean Pemberton; Martyn Carroll; Ricky Watts; Trialist; Leon Luby; Danny Williams; Lee Trundle; Steffan Williams. Substitutes: Matthew Broome; Elliot Thomas; Fraser Findlay; Elliot Scotcher; Jack Wilson; Nicky Palmer; Alfie Stotter; Joe Pritchard.

Trefelin BGC: Mathew Stanton; Travis Monks; Michael Waters; Joseph Jones; Matthew Beynon; Ben Thomas; Michael Davies; Ceri Williams; Shaun Best; Josh Webber; Jordan Edwards; Matthew Hughes; Ollie Bowen; John Hall; David Brown; Richard Ryan.

Referee: David Badger.
Assistants: Bernie Armstrong & Alan Boswell.

PHOTO:
Jack Wilson’s close range shot is blocked