Haverfordwest County 2-2 Newtown: Bluebirds twice battle from behind to earn point

Danny Williams scored twice to salvage a point for Haverfordwest County as they drew 2-2 with Newtown at the Bridge Meadow.

Cardiff City loanee Williams scored both his goals in the second-half to deny the Robins a first win of the season after falling behind on two occasions.  

Nick Rushton and Kieran Mills-Evans had struck in both halves but the 20-year-old was keen to impress after making his return to West Wales, as he claimed Sgorio’s man-of-the-match award. 

With the result, Haverfordwest build on their opening day draw by whilst Newtown earn their first point also after suffering two defeats. 

Pre-match preparations were hampered for the visitors when it was revealed that the Robins were without manager Chris Hughes after he was forced to self isolate as part of COVID-19 protocols. 

Both teams found settling into the game difficult, as they worked with endeavour to close down space giving players little time on the ball.

Newtown enjoyed the better of possession as Jack Kelly and captain Kieran Mills – Evans added some impetus to the forward play, pushing the home sides wingbacks, Ricky Watts and Cameron Keetch to defend deeply. 

It took the Bluebirds twenty five minutes to enjoy a sustained period of possession, former Merthyr Tydfil midfielder Kieran Lewis showing some quality touches; Cardiff City loanee Danny Williams having been given little opportunity to impose himself on the game.

The opening goal came just over the half-hour mark when Nicholas Rushton, playing in a false ten position had a free header as a long throw from Jake Phillips was allowed to drift across the home goal without the defence taking ownership to clear their lines.

Home forward Ben Fawcett belied his teenage years, creating two opportunities from the edge of the box which curled beyond the goal, those opportunities and Rushtons goal the only highlights in a poor quality first half.

Referee Dean John had glided around the field in total control and his half time whistle allowed the home management team the opportunity to regroup. 

The second half began with a clumsy foul by Lewis which gave full-back Kelly an opportunity which was shot over from 25-yards out.

The second half saw Keetch depart within five minutes, Williams coming more into the game although the visiting team pressed hard to push Haverfordwest back. 

Just before the hour mark, a driven cross was handled by McAllister and Danny Williams confidently equalised from the spot.

The introduction of Saunders helped the Bluebirds push further upfield, but it was Jordan Evans who had a few chances at the other end, his strike partner Breese replaced by Tyrone Orfari on the hour.  

Jake Phillips at full back seemed to have an abundance of time and space to play for the Robins as well as a bullet long throw. 

It was with fifteen minutes remaining by which the tactic worked a second time and after pinball across the six-yard line, captain Mills – Evans was free on the right of to calmly restore the lead. 

It lasted all of two minutes, substitute Jack Wilson who replaced Corey Shephard three minutes before created the space and his cross found Williams at the far post to tie the game once again.

Iit was noticeable the home tactics played more on the full-backs as the game opened up in the final quarter. Ofari received a caution for a challenge on Alaric Jones and Marcus Griffiths replaced Fawcett, both sides willing to push for their first victory of the season. 

Concentration from the home side was key, Newtown finishing the stronger, Ofari with a one on one squandered an opportunity as he let the ball run away from him, the final call before John’s whistle ended the game as a desmond.

Haverfordwest County: Steven Hall, Sean Pemberton, Alaric Jones, Scott Tancock, Ricky Watts, Corey Shephard (Jack Wilson, 65), Ben Fawcett (Marcus Griffiths, 74), Cameron Keetch (Cory Saunders, 52), Kurtis Rees, Kieran Lewis, Danny Williams

Goals: Danny Williams p 57, 77’

Newtown: David Jones, Jake Phillips, Jack Kelly, Sean McAllister, Kieran Mills-Evans (C), Neil Mitchell, Nick Rushton, Jamie Breese (Tyrone Ofori, 62), Matthew Williams (Jordan Evans, 23), Ryan Edwards, George Hughes.

Goals: Nick Rushton 34, Kieran Mills-Evans 74’

Yellow Cards: George Hughes 44, Tyrone Ofori 83’

See how Newtown earned their first point of the season by recapping our with our live blog:

(Featured Image: Matthew Kelly of Haverfordwest County)