JD Cymru Premier

 
 

Barry Town United 2 - Haverfordwest County 2

 
Ricky Watts came to the rescue as he dramatically grabbed two late goals to earn Haverfordwest County an unlikely draw against Barry Town United  at  Jenner Park Stadium on Tuesday evening.
 
Both teams came into this clash looking for their first win of the campaign, it was odds-on that the Dragons would achieve it as they led 2-0 at half time as Ollie Hulbert and Evan Press found the back of Zac Jones’ net to put their side in the driving seat. The Bluebirds were staring defeat in the face before up popped Ricky Watts who grabbed an incredible stoppage time brace to secure an unlikely draw.
 
 
Tony Pennock’s men started brightly as home keeper Mike Lewis came off his line to block Ben Fawcett’s fierce shot, as the lively striker latched onto a ball over the top.
 
Defender Lee Jenkins headed over the crossbar from a corner, at the other end Jordan Cotterill struck a shot straight at Jones.
 
In the 14^th minute the hosts took the lead with a well worked move, former Bluebird Jamie Veale squared a ball to Evan Press in midfield as the latter’s telling ball in the box was touched by Tyrese Owen straight into the path of danger man Hulbert who controlled with his chest as he ghosted past Jones and neatly tucked the ball into the back of the net.
 
The visitors broke on the counter as high energy Kai Whitmore struck his shot high and wide, the midfielder should have done better.
 
In the 37^th minute the visitors found the back of the net with a header from a free kick in the box, but frustratingly it was ruled out for offside. The Dragons’ Veale curled an effort straight at Jones.
 
In added first half stoppage time the Dragons doubled the lead when Chris Hugh’s free kick in the box is met by a firm Press header.
 
Shortly after the interval the hosts went close as Veale’s edge of the area low drive flew wide after some good build up play.
 
On the 90 minute mark Watts turned this clash on its head as he pulled one back, then unbelievably he mustered up a second goal with virtually the last kick of the game to steal the Bluebirds a point, when minutes earlier all looked lost.
 
Barry Town United: Michael Lewis, Michael George, Chris Hugh, Callum Sainty, Curtis McDonald, Kayne McLaggon (Captain), Jordan Cotterill (77’ Lucas Tomlinson), Jamie Veale, Aiden Lewis (83’ Troy Hiscock-Greening), Ollie Hulbert, Evan Press.
Substitutes not used: Luc Rees, Sam Snaith, Finn Roberts, , Luke Sylvester, Callum Huggins.

Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Ricky Watts,  Luke Tabone (Captain), Lee Jenkins, Oscar Borg, Rhys Abbruzzese, Tyrese Owen, Kai Whitmore, Ben Fawcett (74’ Harri John), Daniel Hawkins, Martell Taylor-Crossdale.
Substitutes not used: Ifan Knott, Lucas Davies, Kayden Williams-Lowe, Iori Humphreys, Seth Woodhouse, Daniel John.
 
Referee: Bryn Markham-Jones.
Assistants: Harry Hendricks & Jordan Christopher.
Fourth Official: Ieuan Lewis.
Referee Observer: Rodger Gifford.