Sport

Jazz stars as Bluebirds return to winning ways

Published

4 years ago

April 10, 2022

HAVERFORDWEST County returned to winning ways in the JD Cymru Premier in emphatic fashion with a comfortable 6-1 victory over Cefn Druids at The Rock on Saturday (Apr 9).

Wing-back Jazz Richards netted a hat-trick, with Jordan Davies converting twice from the penalty spot after Ryan George had opened the scoring.

Ioan Evans’ free-kick had reduced the deficit to 3-1 in the first-half, but that was as good as it got for the already-relegated Ancients.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages, with defenders Alaric Jones and Nacho Torres both dismissed for second bookable offences.

The result, a second consecutive 6-1 win over the Druids, sees County close the gap on seventh placed Cardiff Metropolitan to just a point, after the Archers drew 1-1 with Aberystwyth Town.

Manager Nicky Hayen made four changes to the team that lost 1-0 to Aber on Tuesday, with Jones, George, Kieran Lewis and Henry Jones all coming into the starting lineup, with Jack Wilson (suspension), Kurtis Rees, Corey Shephard (injury) and Alhagi Touray Sisay dropping out.

After a relatively low key start, the Bluebirds took the lead after 21 minutes when Davies’ cross in from the left picked out George inside the area, and the wing-back made no mistake from close range to direct his header past Rhys Williams and into the net.

It was 2-0 just 10 minutes later. After winning the ball back high up the pitch, Henry Jones played Ben Fawcett into space inside the area, and the striker’s ball across the face of goal found Richards at the far post – and he tapped into an empty net to double County’s advantage.

Things got even better for Hayen’s side when they were awarded a penalty four minutes later, after Torres bundled Fawcett over inside the area. Davies sent Williams the wrong way with his spot kick, rolling the ball into the left corner to make it 3-0.

The Ancients pulled a goal back shortly after when Evans’ free-kick from just outside the area sent Lee Idzi the wrong way.

However, the Bluebirds ended the first-half in fine fashion with Davies scoring from the penalty spot for the second time in eight minutes after the forward was brought down by Phil Mooney, before Richards swept home from Davies’ cross to make it 5-1 at the interval.

County came out after the restart with the same intent, as they looked to add more goals, with Henry Jones firing a shot over the bar and Davies denied a hat-trick by a good save from Williams.

The Bluebirds continued to push forward in search of a sixth goal of the afternoon, and they nearly found it when substitute Touray Sisay – who had come on to replace Lewis – was picked out by a pinpoint pass from Fawcett, but he was denied by an outstretched leg from Williams.

The striker had another chance to get on the scoresheet not long after when fellow substitute Danny Williams’ through ball sent him racing through on goal, however he was thwarted by Williams once again in a one-on-one situation.

County were reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes remaining when Jones was shown a second yellow card after remonstrating with referee Ryan Kenny.

The Bluebirds were able to end the afternoon on a positive note though, when, in stoppage time, Williams was clattered inside the area by Torres, who was also shown a second yellow card.

The ball was handed to Richards to give the former Wales international the chance to seal his hat-trick, and he duly obliged with an excellent spot kick which found the side netting of the goal to round off a wonderful afternoon for himself and the team.

Haverfordwest County are next in action on Good Friday (April 15), when they host Barry Town United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, kick-off is at 14:30.

News

Fresh Hamilton wage claims raise new questions for Haverfordwest County fans

Published

21 hours ago

May 4, 2026

Herald Sport

Scottish reports of late and short wages add a new and more immediate concern for Bluebirds supporters already watching problems elsewhere in the same football network

REPORTS in Scotland that Hamilton Academical players were paid late, with some allegedly underpaid ahead of the club’s final game of the season, have added to scrutiny around the football network linked to Haverfordwest County AFC chairman Rob Edwards.

The latest claims were reported by Lanarkshire Live Sport and the Daily Record.

The relevance for Pembrokeshire lies in the links between Hamilton and Haverfordwest through Rob Edwards and Morley Sports Management.

Hamilton has previously stated that Morley Sports Management owns 100 per cent of 1874 Holdings Limited, and that 1874 Holdings in turn owns 97.5 per cent of Hamilton Academical FC.

Haverfordwest County has previously said Morley Sports Management has been the business vehicle behind Edwards’ takeover and funding of the Bluebirds since 2020.

Earlier this month, Haverfordwest County A.F.C. Ltd faced an HM Revenue & Customs winding-up petition at the High Court in London. The case was dismissed on April 15, but only after reaching a live hearing at the Rolls Building, with costs ordered against the company.

Separately, 1874 Holdings has faced a winding-up petition in Scotland. Hamilton later issued a statement acknowledging that petition, while saying the claim is disputed and that the company is seeking dismissal.

The latest Scottish wage claims come against a background of previous disciplinary action involving Hamilton. Earlier this year, the club was punished over failures to pay players on time and in full, resulting in a points deduction following an independent disciplinary process. Hamilton acknowledged that outcome in a club statement.

Companies House has also shown 1874 Holdings with overdue accounts and a strike-off notice. Those are separate processes from a winding-up petition, but they add to the list of recent off-field issues involving companies in the same football network.

There are also operational links between the two clubs. Haverfordwest publicly credited chief executive Beccy Nuttall with key work during the club’s licensing process earlier this month, while Hamilton has also announced Rebecca Nuttall in a senior role there.

The timing of the Haverfordwest case also drew attention because the club announced on April 8 that it had secured both its UEFA licence and FAW Tier 1 licence for the 2026-27 season, even though the HMRC petition remained live at that stage and was not disposed of until April 15.

The Herald contacted the Football Association of Wales for comment on the licensing position last week, but had received no response at the time of publication.

The Hamilton wage claims remain reports from Scotland, and there is no suggestion that Haverfordwest County AFC is facing the same issue. However, the developments are likely to be of interest to Bluebirds supporters because they concern companies and senior figures linked to the same wider football operation.

Sport

Young Crymych players step up to senior stage

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Five youth team players earn praise after impressing at championship level

CRYMYCH RUGBY CLUB has hailed the contribution of five of its youth players after they stepped up to feature in a senior side at championship level.

The young players, who remain part of the club’s youth setup, were given the opportunity to test themselves in a higher-level fixture, and impressed coaches and supporters alike with their attitude and commitment on the field.

Club representatives said it was “fantastic to see” the dedication shown by the youngsters, who rose to the occasion in what was described as a special experience for both the players and the club.

The match provided a valuable opportunity for development, allowing the next generation of Crymych players to gain experience in a more competitive environment while contributing to the senior squad.

The rugby club said the move reflects its long-term focus on nurturing homegrown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth rugby into the senior game.

Officials added that the future of the club looks bright, with the performance of the young “Teirw” – or Bulls – offering reassurance that the next generation is ready to carry the club forward.

The club congratulated the players on their achievement and said it hopes to see more youth players progressing through the ranks in the coming seasons.

Sport

Tenby youngsters book places in West Wales cup finals

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Under 13s and under 14s progress after District H finals day success

TENBY UNITED RFC’s junior sides enjoyed a memorable District H finals day, with two age groups securing victories and places in the West Wales cup finals.

The club’s under 13s lifted silverware after beating Crymych 32-17, while the under 14s edged a thrilling contest against Neyland, winning 18-17.

Tenby’s under 12s were also involved in a close match, narrowly losing 31-28 to Haverfordwest.

The under 13s and under 14s will now go on to represent the club at the West Wales cup finals at Parc y Scarlets on May 24.

Tenby United RFC congratulated the young Swifts on their achievements, saying: “Well done Swifts.”