Cefn Druids 4-1 Haverfordwest County: Ancients win first home game with stellar performance

Cefn Druids comfortably defeated Haverfordwest County 4-1 at The Rock to move off the bottom of the Cymru Premier.

The Ancients had four different scorers as they delivered a result which had long been in the offing after a number of near performances this season.

Cody Ruberto gave the Druids a first-half lead before Christoph Aziamale, Charley Edge and Niall Flint ensured a first home victory of the campaign.

Jack Wilson scored his eighth goal of the season but it only proved as a consolation for a below-par Haverfordwest, who now drop out of the top six following their heavy loss.

The result puts the Druids in 11th, level with bottom-placed Flint, yet they possess a better goal difference. They were also a point within safety with both Aberystwyth and Newtown on 10 points.

It was a cagey affair for the first half an hour of this game as both defenses stood firm. Although Druids had much more of the attacking possession, a lack of composure had cost them.

Their best chance had fallen to Charley Edge just inside the box after some crunching tackles by both teams. He should have done a lot better as he hit the ball high and wide of the goal. 

County’s first chance of the game would come just after the half hour mark. Mark Jones was fed in behind the Druids line by a lovely Kieran Lewis ball over the top. Mike Jones did well to smother the first attempt, but Jones regained possession to tee up Griffiths who smashed the ball over, whilst getting clattered by Ryan Kershaw. The County bench was up in protest, but nothing was given. 

Cefn Druids finally made their dominance count when Cody Ruberto was first to react to a loose ball in the Haverfordwest box and tap the ball into the net to make it 1-0. The last ten minutes of the half would then be one way traffic with Edge almost immediately making it two, but his close range effort was well saved by Gajda. 

The second half started much the same as the first ended, with early chances again falling to Kershaw and Darlington. However it was Aziamale who grabbed a deserved second for the Ancients in the 57th minute. Charley Edge, playing off the left, controlled the ball with his chest and volleyed the ball into Aziamale. The striker got a cute header to the ball and followed in his initially saved effort to make no mistake. 

Haverfordwest upped their tempo after going two down and saw a massive chance go begging in the 66th minute. Danny Williams played a ball over the top and Griffiths was able to beat Mooney in a foot race. Mike Jones used all his experience to save the shot and smother the rebound. 

The Druids then hit a third goal for the first time in over a year through Edge on 70 minutes. The wide man was finding acres of space out wide on the left. So when Alex Darlington’s cross found him with room on the back post, he calmly stroked the ball under Gajda. 

The goals were flowing now and Jack Wilson pulled one back for the Bluebirds five minutes later. A mix up in communication in the Druids defence allowed Wilson to get in behind Mooney and lob the ball over Jones. It was a great finish and an eighth of the season for County’s top scorer. 

Cefn Druids did not entertain any idea of a comeback and almost made the perfect response. Brazel got away down the left byline and unleashed a fierce shot, before the ball was crossed to Aziamale who’s back post header was turned onto the post by Gajda. Two terrific saves from the Polish keeper. 

The Ancients made it four three minutes from time. Niall Flint made a clever run and was found by Taylor’s quick free kick. Free in the box he beat the helpless Gajda with ease to help Druids cruise to a first home win of the season, and to great celebration from his teammates. 

Cefn Druids: Mike Jones, Naim Arsan, Josh Green, Phil Mooney, Aaron Simpson, alex Darlington (Harry Brazel 73’), Iwan Cartwright, Cody Ruberto (Niall Flint 45’), Christoph Aziamale (Jonny Taylor 86’), Ryan Kershaw, Charley Edge

Goals: CodyRuberto 35’, Christoph Aziamale 57’, Charley Edge 70’, Niall Flint 87’

Yellow Cards: Cartwright 78’

Haverfordwest County: Wojciech Gajda, Daniel Summerfield, Alaric Jones, Scott Tanock, Ricky Watts (Trystan Jones 45’), Marcus Griffiths (Corey Shephard 69’), Jack Wilson, Elliot Scotcher, Kieran Lewis, Danny Williams, Mark Jones (Cameron Keetch 69’)

Goals: Jack Wilson 76’

Yellow Cards: Marcus Griffiths 22’, Jack Wilson 54’

Recap the action from The Rock by reading through our live blog below:

(Featured Image: Mike Plunkett)