Sport

Bluebirds edged out by Canaries in closely-fought encounter

Published

2 years ago

September 19, 2022

Haverfordwest County were left wondering what might have been after a competitive game at The Oval ended 2-1 in favour of Caernarfon Town on Saturday (Sept 17).

JD Cymru Premier action returned after a week’s break following the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the Bluebirds got off to a poor start with Fidel O’Rourke’s strike giving the Canaries an early lead.

A fine solo effort from Jack Wilson drew the Bluebirds level, but, despite appearing to have the momentum, County conceded for a second time when Joe Faux found the net with what turned out to be the decisive goal.

Manager Tony Pennock made one change to the starting lineup from the last outing against Newtown a fortnight ago, with Elliot Scotcher coming in for Jazz Richards, who was unavailable through injury. There was also a first appearance in the matchday squad for striker Ivan Watkins, who joined the club on deadline day.

It was the hosts who started better as Rob Hughes’ shot from the edge of the area took a deflection and looped over the crossbar inside the first minute of the game.

Then, just four minutes later, Caernarfon went ahead when the ball landed invitingly for O’Rourke to fire home from inside the area, with the Bluebirds defending with just nine men with Rhys Abbruzzese and Ioan Evans off the pitch receiving treatment.

The heavy knock which Evans sustained eventually forced him off five minutes later, after he had tried to shake it off to no avail, with Watkins coming on in his place to make his debut for the Bluebirds.

Pennock’s side showed a good response to going a goal behind, and they created a great chance to equalise when a pinpoint ball upfield from Abbruzzese picked out Wilson, but he was denied by Josh Tibbetts after bringing the ball under control and shooting from just inside the area.

The remainder of the first-half was keenly-contested, as both sides battled to gain control. The closest County came to levelling was when Scotcher’s free-kick in stoppage time flew just over the bar.

Haverfordwest County came out with real intent after the restart, and could have found the net just two minutes into the second-half when Wilson’s ball to the far post almost picked out Jordan Davies, but the striker was unable to reach it and get the touch which surely would have sent it goalwards.

Watkins then blazed an effort over the bar as the Bluebirds continued to keep the pressure on, and it paid off just minutes later when another inch-perfect pass from Abbruzzese found Wilson, and the winger’s quick feet left Dion Donohue floundering before he shot past Tibbetts into the left corner to make it 1-1.

Now with the momentum, County pressed for a second goal, and they came close when Watkins’ squared pass found Ben Fawcett and Wilson was close by to strike the loose ball which was tipped over the bar by Tibbetts.

However, just five minutes later, the Caernarfon restored their lead when Faux was played in by a through ball and struck his first-time effort into the right corner.

After signing his first professional contract with the club last week, youngster Harri John was introduced with just under 20 minutes remaining to make his senior debut for Haverfordwest County.

The remaining chances in the game both fell the way of the Bluebirds. Captain Dylan Rees was unable to mark his birthday with a goal as his lobbed effort from inside the area was off target, before Fawcett saw his header from point-blank range well saved by Tibbetts to deny the Bluebirds what would have been a deserved share of the spoils.

Haverfordwest County are next in action on Tuesday evening, when they travel to Rhiw’r Ddar to face Taff’s Well in the third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup, kick-off is at 7.45pm.

The Bluebirds then return to league action on Saturday, September 24 as they host Flint Town United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, kick-off at 2.30pm.

Related Topics:Football Haverfordwest Haverfordwest County JD Cymru Premier

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3 hours ago

March 12, 2025

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The Vikings’ standout performers included James Tylor, Daffyd Cowl, Ross Price, and Ashley Couceiro. Special recognition went to Gareth Rees, who played his final match before undergoing surgery. Coach Gethin Bateman was actively involved throughout, rallying his side.

The Vikings’ points came from tries by Daf Cowl and Luca Morillo, with Morillo’s try converted by his father. Cowl was named sponsors’ man of the match for his efforts.

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Pembrokeshire Div 2: Narberth stay top as Fishguard edge nine-goal thriller

Published

18 hours ago

March 11, 2025

Herald Sport

LEAGUE leaders Narberth remain in control of the Division 2 title race, holding a two-point advantage over Fishguard Sports, who secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Johnston.

Fishguard win nine-goal battle

Fishguard Sports kept their title hopes alive with a thrilling 5-4 win over Johnston. Goals from Anthony Couzens, Greg Hughes, Ieuan Llewellyn, Luke Thomas, and Matthew Lewis ensured the visitors claimed all three points. Johnston fought back with a hat-trick from Callum Rees and a strike from Josh Knapp, but it wasn’t enough to deny Fishguard.

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Two of last season’s promoted sides met in a crucial battle for survival, with Lawrenny overpowering Solva 8-3. Joe Kidney led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by Owen James (2), Matthew Lewis (2), and Sam Davies. Solva responded through Kieran Price (2) and Josh Bland but struggled to cope with Lawrenny’s attacking firepower.

Carew Reserves claim vital win

Carew Reserves picked up a crucial 3-1 away victory at Broad Haven. Connor Hay opened the scoring before James Hinchliffe struck twice. Marco Valentine netted for the hosts, but the visitors proved too strong.

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With Hakin United Reserves and Camrose both out of action, Fishguard closed the gap on Narberth, while Broad Haven remain winless at the foot of the table.

Division 2 standings

Position	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Narberth	18	15	2	1	+59	47
2	Fishguard Sports	18	14	3	1	+62	45
3	Hakin Utd Reserves	19	13	2	4	+39	41
4	Camrose	19	11	1	7	+18	34
5	Neyland	18	9	3	6	+14	30
6	Merlins Bridge Res	19	9	3	7	+14	27
7	Johnston	18	7	5	6	+7	26
8	Carew Reserves	21	6	3	12	-31	21
9	Solva	22	4	6	12	-19	18
10	Lawrenny	20	4	2	14	-51	14
11	Monkton Swifts Res	18	3	4	11	-45	13
12	Broad Haven	18	0	4	14	-67	4

Sport

Pembrokeshire Div 1: Goodwick maintain unbeaten run, Monkton hit Milford for six

Published

19 hours ago

March 11, 2025

Herald Sport

Goodwick edge out St Ishmaels

League leaders Goodwick United maintained their unbeaten league record with a narrow 1-0 victory over St Ishmaels. Nathan Greene’s goal proved the difference, securing another three points for the Phoenix Park outfit. The win takes them to 52 points from 18 games, with a +68 goal difference, keeping their title charge firmly on track despite recent cup disappointment.

Hakin United remain their closest challengers, trailing by seven points with a game in hand. However, with Hakin’s focus shifting towards cup competitions, it appears unlikely they will catch Goodwick in the league.

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Clarbeston Road moved up to third in the table after a hard-fought 3-2 win over Tenby. Goals from Jake Booth, Rhys Lloyd-Roberts, and Laurie Haworth were enough to secure victory, despite Scott Ferney’s brace for the visitors.

Monkton Swifts hit Milford for six

Monkton Swifts delivered a dominant performance, thrashing relegation-threatened Milford United 6-1. Dylan Davies led the charge with a hat-trick, while Connor Davies, Paul Miller, and Jonathan Lee also found the net. The emphatic win lifts Monkton to fourth in the standings.

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The match between Kilgetty and Merlins Bridge was postponed, leaving both sides in mid-table.

Latest league table

Position	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Goodwick United	18	17	1	0	+68	52
2	Hakin United	18	14	3	1	+64	45
3	Clarbeston Road	21	10	4	7	+3	34
4	Monkton Swifts	18	9	2	7	+12	29
5	Pennar Robins	16	8	4	4	+13	28
6	Tenby	16	8	3	5	+21	27
7	Kilgetty	15	7	1	7	+8	22
8	Merlins Bridge	16	6	2	8	0	20
9	Carew	17	5	3	9	+11	18
10	St Ishmaels	20	5	3	12	-8	18
11	Milford United	20	4	4	12	-36	16
12	Herbrandston	21	0	0	21	-156	0

With the title race seemingly decided, the battle for third place is intensifying, while the fight for survival remains wide open. Milford, St Ishmaels, and Carew are all battling to avoid the drop, with even Merlins Bridge nervously looking over their shoulder.