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Haverfordwest County clinch dramatic victory over Caernarfon Town

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IN a dramatic clash at the Carling Oval on Saturday evening, Haverfordwest County AFC continued their flawless start to the JD Cymru Premier season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Caernarfon Town. Owain Jones emerged as the match-winner, netting a stoppage-time goal that sparked wild celebrations among the travelling Bluebirds supporters.

The match, broadcast live on Sgorio, saw both teams locked in a tense battle, with few clear-cut chances in the first half. Haverfordwest’s best opportunity came when Kyle McCarthy’s pinpoint free-kick found Ben Ahmun, whose header narrowly missed the target.

After a goalless first half, the game burst into life in the final 20 minutes. The Bluebirds broke the deadlock with a well-crafted goal. A long ball upfield was expertly controlled by Ben Fawcett, who laid it off to Iori Humphries. Humphries then delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Corey Shephard, who squared it to an unmarked Ahmun, allowing him to slot home from close range, giving Haverfordwest a 1-0 lead.

However, the joy was short-lived as Caernarfon Town responded almost immediately. A ball into the area fell to Matty Jones, who controlled it before firing a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, leveling the score at 1-1 and setting up a nerve-wracking finale.

With momentum on their side, the hosts pressed for a winner, but Haverfordwest’s defense, marshaled by the experienced McCarthy, stood firm. As the game entered stoppage time, it seemed destined to end in a draw. But Haverfordwest had other plans.

In the dying moments, Ben Ahmun broke into the left side of the area and, with precision timing, delivered a cross to Owain Jones. Jones, showing great composure, directed his left-footed shot into the net, securing his first league goal for the club and sealing a memorable 2-1 victory.

The result lifts Haverfordwest County to the top of the JD Cymru Premier standings, the only team to win both of their opening matches. Manager Tony Pennock, who made one change to the side that defeated Connah’s Quay Nomads 1-0 in their season opener, praised his team’s resilience and fitness, highlighting their ability to perform until the final whistle.

“This team has shown incredible spirit and determination,” Pennock remarked after the match. “To come to a place like Caernarfon and get a result like this, especially in such dramatic fashion, speaks volumes about the character in this squad.”

The Bluebirds will now turn their attention to their next fixture, eager to maintain their momentum and continue their pursuit of success in the JD Cymru Premier. For the passionate Haverfordwest supporters, the journey back to Pembrokeshire was filled with jubilation, as they celebrated another step forward in what promises to be an exciting campaign.

WATCH THE MATCH HERE

 

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Bluebirds give new home strip first run-out

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Haverfordwest County AFC’s new Tor Sports home kit made its first appearance on the pitch at the weekend

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC’s new home strip has been seen in action for the first time.

The Bluebirds wore the new Tor Sports kit during Saturday’s fixture, giving supporters a first proper look at the design on the pitch.

The strip keeps Haverfordwest’s traditional blue colours, with yellow detailing on the sleeves and shorts, while the club badge sits prominently on the front.

The club shared photos of the kit on social media, asking supporters: “How good?!”

The images show the squad walking out and in match action, with the new strip already getting plenty of attention from fans.

Haverfordwest County, who continue to proudly use the slogan #PlayingForPembrokeshire, will wear the kit as their home strip for the new campaign.

 

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Questions raised over Hamilton Accies finances after club’s Haverfordwest friendly

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FRESH questions are being raised over the football ownership network behind Haverfordwest County AFC after a Scottish report claimed Hamilton Academical are facing growing anger over unpaid pension contributions.

The Daily Record and Lanarkshire Live have reported that rival SPFL clubs are frustrated by what they see as a lack of action over Hamilton’s alleged pension issues, with claims that the League One side is gaining a sporting advantage while continuing to sign players.

Hamilton Academical and Haverfordwest County are both linked through Morley Sports Management, the group associated with Haverfordwest chairman Rob Edwards (pictured).

The issue has now taken on a direct Pembrokeshire angle because Hamilton travelled to Haverfordwest earlier this month for a pre-season friendly at the Ogi Bridge Meadow. Haverfordwest County described the fixture as a first meeting between two clubs under the Morley Sports Management umbrella, while Hamilton said the trip was an opportunity to strengthen connections on and off the pitch across the MSM team.

Hamilton won the friendly 4-0 on Saturday, July 4.

The Scottish reports claim that current and former Hamilton players have been chasing pension contributions, while rival clubs are concerned that the Accies have continued to recruit players and offer contracts despite unresolved financial questions.

One unnamed SPFL club official quoted by the Daily Record described the situation as an “absolute scandal” and claimed clubs who meet their obligations are being placed at a disadvantage.

There is no suggestion that Haverfordwest County players or staff are affected by the pension allegations. However, the latest claims are likely to increase scrutiny of the wider Morley Sports Management football model at a time when Haverfordwest County are moving towards a hybrid first-team structure, with some young players training on a full-time basis.

The Bluebirds have previously said the hybrid model is intended to provide a pathway for talented Pembrokeshire players and help the club continue its push for success in the Cymru Premier.

Hamilton’s off-field difficulties have been well documented. In February, the SPFL confirmed that the club had received a six-point deduction after admitted breaches relating to unpaid wages and tax obligations. The SPFL said at the time that those breaches related to the period before the current ownership took control of the club.

In May, Hamilton said outstanding historic HMRC liabilities had been settled and that a winding-up petition against the club would be withdrawn. Rob Edwards said at the time that the matter was the club’s “last major hurdle” and that Hamilton could now focus on the future.

The latest pension claims, however, have reignited concerns among Scottish clubs over financial compliance, sporting integrity, and the enforcement of league rules.

The Herald has asked Haverfordwest County AFC, Hamilton Academical, the SPFL, the Football Association of Wales, and The Pensions Regulator for comment.

 

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From boccia to boxing: ALN multisport events give youngsters chance to try activities

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YOUNG people from across Pembrokeshire have enjoyed two successful Additional Learning Needs multisport events, giving them the chance to try a wide range of activities in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Thirty children from the south of the county attended the first event at Pembroke Leisure Centre on June 16, while a further 19 children from north Pembrokeshire took part in a second event at Fishguard Leisure Centre on June 30.

Both events were supported by main sponsor Valero.

Children were able to try a variety of sports and activities, including rugby, cricket, dance, boccia and boxing, with basketball also included at the Fishguard event.

The sessions were designed to provide inclusive sporting opportunities for young people with additional learning needs, with a focus on participation, enjoyment and building confidence.

Throughout the events, children were encouraged to learn new skills, make friends and experience different activities in a fun and supportive setting.

Organisers said the events were made possible thanks to the support of dedicated coaches, whose enthusiasm and encouragement helped ensure every child felt welcome and able to take part.

Thanks have also been extended to JK Lewis & Son of Crymych for sponsoring bottled water for both events, and to Valero for its valued support.

Elgan Vittle, of Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “Days like these demonstrate the power of sport to break down barriers and create positive experiences for all young people.

“The energy, excitement and enjoyment shown by every participant made the events truly memorable.

“It was fantastic to see so many children from across Pembrokeshire trying new activities, building confidence and having fun.

“We are extremely grateful to the coaches, volunteers and sponsors whose support helped make these opportunities possible.”

Caption: Stephen Thornton, of sponsors Valero, is pictured with coaches and young people at one of the ALN multisport events.

 

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