Table topping TNS secured a 3-2 victory at the Bridge Meadow on Saturday (Nov 1) writes Jonathan Twigg, the Bluebirds setting up a finale as they came from 3-0 down to 3-2.
TNS had outlined their game plan early with a patient approach, being content to switch play across the pitch, with the home side struggling to hold any meaningful possession. Goalkeeper Luc Rees was commanding behind his defensive line of five, manager Tony Pennock setting his side up also with four in midfield as Owain Jones ran alone furrow up top.
Central midfielder Daniel Williams was pulling the strings for the visitors offensive drive, his deliveries pinpoint to stretch centre half Alaric Jones on the left, wingman Ben Clark the tormentor.
Once again this season, the Bluebirds wingback Rhys Abbruzzese stood out with his sagaciousness on the ball, rarely misplacing a pass, experienced midfielder Greg Walters flowing with energy as he tracked deep whilst also being an outlet for his team mates, Corey Shepherd matching his central partner also.
The deadlock was broken by Williams just before the half hour on Conwy based referee Iwan Griffith, his left foot shot nestling beyond Rees outstretched hand, his defensive line penetrated 3 minutes later as Danny Davies outstripped centre half Elliot Scotcher to double the lead beyond a blameless Rees, Scotcher struggling with an injury, replaced immediately by Iori Humphries.
The gulf in the two teams, TNS a full time professional set up was ostensible to even the most diehard Bluebird in the 463 crowd, the movement of the ball and pace of play easy on the eye and well appreciated.
Rees made a number of fine saves in the opening period, Shepherd strong in front of his goalkeeper, Dylan Rees also a refulgent leader for his side which ensured there were no further goals before half time.
The fortunes changed little, Rees twice called upon to save his side within 5 minutes of the restart, Jordan Williams unmarked in the six yard box to head home his second of the afternoon, for 3-0 as the sun lowered over the Norman Castle built in 1120. The pride of Pembrokeshire was indebted to Walters, Shepherd and Abbruzzese for their moments of promise, Luc Owen another showed positive endeavour.
Shepherd cooly scored for Haverfordwest as the hour mark approached, having driven into the penalty box from Owain Jones subtle header to beat his namesake Nathan Sheppherd in the visitors goal.
Pennock made a triple substitution as Kyle Kenniford came on for his second appearance of the season after an injury sustained in July, from injury for Panashe Makwiramiti, Ben Ahumn replaced frontman Jones and Owen made way for Tom Shepherd, with Danny Redmond replaced by Adam Wilson by experienced visiting gaffer, Craig Harrison, Rees saving well from a Ryan Brobbel free kick 2 minutes later after Walters received the games first yellow card for a blatant trip on the marauding Wilson.
Haverfordwest enjoyed a period of possession midway through the second half, Humphries showing his versatility as he steeped into the midfielder area and combined well with Walters and Shepperd.
A double substitution from Harrison allowed Adrain Cieslewicz and Jordan Marshall to enter the auditorium for Clark and Isaac Jeffiries, the changes having the desired impact as possession was once again wrestled back for a sustained period.
Wilsons first contribution was to become the second name in the referees black book on 79 minutes, his side maintain their tempo, the blue shirts working tirelessly for the cause, Wilson then replaced by Jack Nadin due to a hamstring strain, the green and white striped shirts conceding a second goal to Ahumn as the game entered its 4 minutes of injury time, the replacement striker having a late effort comfortably saved by Shepperd, Haverfordwest Corey Sheppherd having his name taken for dissent as appeals for a foul on Ahumn were confidently waved away by Griffith, who contributed with aplomb to an entertaining game.
Haverfordwest host fellow Welsh Premier side Barry Town United on Tuesday (Nov 4) in the Quarter Final of the Nathania MG Cup, kick off at the Bridge Meadow, 7:45pm.
Haverfordwest County
Rees l; Rees D ©️; Abbruzzese; Scotcher (Humphries: 32); Jones A; Shephard C; Hawkins; Makwiramiti (Kenniford: 63); Owen (Shepherd T: 63); Walters; Jones O (Ahumn: 63).
Substitutes not used
Knott; Watkins; McGuire.
TNS
Shepherd; Corness; Bodenham; Brobbel; Redmond (Wilson: 63: Nadin: 85); Williams; McGahey; Williams; Clark (Marshall: 71); Davies; Jeffries (Cieslewicz: 71).
Substitutes not used
Owen; Godsmark; Wynne.
Match Officials
Referee: Iwan Griffith (Conwy)
Assistant Referees: Cilan Thomas & Mathew Johnson
4th Official: Tegid Williams
Match Photos from Emmanuel Cabral
Photo Gallery (click to view in full)
