Haverfordwest County 4-1 Cambrian & Clydach: Bluebirds put four past Cam to keep on heels of Swansea Uni
Promotion-chasing Haverfordwest County came from behind to record a comfortable 4-1 victory against Cambrian and Clydach Vale at the Bridge Meadow.
Goals from Jack Britton, Jack Wilson, Marcus Griffiths and Tim Hicks gave the Bluebirds the victory after Liam Reed’s opening goal.
Dane Williams’ side went ahead after eight minutes when striker Liam Reed’s sublime strike left home debutant Kelland Absalom well beaten.
Man-of-the-match Jack Britton scored a thirty yard belter to bring the score level after 25 minutes.
Britton and central midfield partner Ricky Watts enjoyed their battle in midfield with opposite duo Corey Sheppard and Camilo Stranatti, gaining more than parity in the end after they were second best for the first quarter of the game.
Striker Ben Fawcett, despite being hindered with a leg injury on more than one occasion, combined well with fellow frontman Marcus Griffiths and veteran Tim Hicks – both of whom scored after Fawcett was instrumental in the build up play.
Two minutes before half-time, Griffiths found himself unmarked at the far post and his header gave the Bluebirds the lead.
The second half was again dominated by Haverfordwest, with Fawcett and Hicks involved in the third goal as the former Aberystwyth Town and Carmarthen Town striker Hicks netted from close range, and the coupe de grace was added by substitute Jack Wilson just before the end.
Another teenager hailing from Milford Haven, like Fawcett, tucked the ball away from inside the penalty box after cutting in from the right-wing.
Cwmbran based referee Josh Howells, at twenty-two years of age, had an excellent game, cautioning Liam Reed for dissent and Leon Jacka for a late tackle in the second half.
The young official working alongside teenage assistants Brook Lloyd-Meek (Caerphilly) and Joe Proietti (Port Talbot) as they allowed the game to flow.
Haverfordwest County manager Wayne Jones said:
“It was very pleasing, the guys battled hard tonight, where the impact of the subs and the way we took our goals.
“I think we were the dominant force today, where we shared most of the possession with the most chances, with a very justified result.
The Bluebirds have a few irons in the fire with respect to strengthening their promotion push with the transfer window still open, although Jones says he “respects the squad he has” which he feels is “good enough to win the league.”
Haverfordwest County: Kelland Absolm; Miles Bradley; Harri Rowe; Sean Pemberton (c); Kieran Howard; Scott Tannock; Ricky Watts; Jack Britton; Ben Fawcett (Jack Wilson); Marcus Griffiths (Corey Saunders); Tim Hicks.
Goals: Jack Briton 25, Marcus Griffiths 43, Tim Hicks 64, Jack Wilson 90’
Cambrian & Clydach Vale: Cameron Clarke; Andre Griffiths (Josh Owen); Cameron Keetch; Keiron Coles; Kyle Jones; Camillo Strinati (Lloyd Davies); Liam Reed; Corey Shephard; Sam Jones; Liam Edwards (David Thomas); Leon Jacka.
Goals: Liam Reed 8’
Yellow Cards: Leon Jacka 52, Liam Reed 88’
See how the Bluebirds won here:
(Featured Image: Mike Greenslade and Will Cheshire)