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Penybont strengthened their grip on second place with a crucial 2-1 victory over Haverfordwest County on Friday (21st March 2025) night at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium in front of 697 spectators. The win extends Penybont's advantage to nine points over their hosts in the battle for European qualification spots.
An early breakthrough deservedly came for the Bluebirds in the 20th minute when Ben Ahmun rose impressively at the back post to meet a pinpoint inswinging cross from Rhys Abbruzzese.
Penybont's response was swift, Owen Pritchard equalising with a fine finish from the edge of the box following a cornerdespite Haverfordwest appeals for both a foul in the box and an offside, with a player appearing to be standing directly in front of Zac Jones in the Bluebird's net.
Things went from bad to worse, with the hosts forced into early change just a minute later when Maltese defender Luke Tabone had to leave the field through injury, replaced by Iori Humphreys after a heavy challenge from Mael Davies who was lucky to not receive any caution.
Haverfordwest began to reassert their grip on the game with some good play, with the 36th minute seeing them put together some excellent passing football, with Rhys Abbruzzese making a determined run down the left flank before delivering a dangerous whipped cross. The Penybont keeper managed to get a hand to the ball, resulting in a corner for the home team.
Greg Walters nearly restored Haverfordwest's lead in the 46th minute with a turn and shot inside the box after another excellent delivery, but a fantastic block from a Penybont defender kept the scores level.
Just a minute later and Owain Jones came close with a header looping in at the back post if not for an excellent header from a Penybont defender, with the visitors showing great resilience to keep the scores level going into the break.
As the rain intensified, chances became fewer for both sides with a slow start to the second half.
In the 69th minute, good play down the right created an opportunity for Kyle Kenniford, whose shot dragged just wide of the left post.
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when Penybont took the lead with a header from James Crole following a superb cross from just outside the area, delivered by Ben Morgan. Goalkeeper Zac Jones cut a frustrated figure in the Bluebird's net.
Just a couple minutes later and Haverfordwest were fortunate not to be reduced to ten men, with Kyle Kenniford lucky to escape with just a yellow card after a poor tackle, coming down heavily on his opponent's foot after a poor first touch to lose the ball.
Rhys Abbruzzese continued to be the main source of attacking inspiration for his side, nearly levelling for Haverfordwest in the 77th minute, making an excellent run into the box only to see his shot fly just wide into the side netting.
Penybont showing good game management in the closing stages, coming out efficiently to collect balls from long throws and corners, taking the sting out of the game.
In the 86th minute, substitute Daniel John was booked following a tussle at a corner, appearing to throw a strong arm during the confrontation.
The result sees Penybont consolidate their second position in the table with 58 points from 29 matches, now nine points clear of Haverfordwest who remain in third with 49 points, all but securing the second place spot.
Haverfordwest sit in third place on 49 points, five points clear of their closest rivals Caernarfon town as they look to finish their record-breaking season strongly.
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