Aberystwyth Town 2-0 Haverfordwest County: Victory moves Aber away from relegation
ABERYSTWYTH, WALES - 01 FEBRUARY 2022: Aberystwyth's Matthew Jones scores a goal from the penalty spot to make it 2-0 and celebrates during the JD Cymru Premier league fixture between Aberystwyth Town F.C & Haverfordwest County A.F.C and Aberystwyth’s 1000th league game in the Cymru premier devision, Park Avenue Stadium, February 1st, 2022, Aberystwyth, Wales (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
On their 1000th match in the top flight of Welsh football, Aberystwyth made it a night to remember with a professional 2-0 win against Haverfordwest County.
Goals from Sam Phillips and a penalty from Matty Jones was enough for the victory, against a Haverfordwest team who went down to ten men, thanks to Henry Jones who saw red soon after coming on as a substitute.
The result moves Aberystwyth ahead of Barry into ninth place and they put themselves four clear of Haverfordwest, who remain in eleventh.
The first chance of the game fell to the home team. Some slick passing between Jack Thorn and Jamie Veale led to Veale whipping a cross into the box, and Harry Franklin was lurking by the far post, but his outstretched leg couldn’t quite reach the ball.
Haverfordwest quickly hit back with a chance of their own. Loanee Jordan Davies dribbled through the Aberystwyth midfield and unleashed a low powerful shot, which was expertly tipped round the post by Gregor Zabret.
Apart from those two clear opportunities, there was a real lack of chances in the first half. Aberystwyth certainly looked more threatening and worked the ball into the channels well, but their crosses were easily batted away by the Bluebirds.
The first chance of the second half fell to the visitors. Ben Fawcett’s volley was well struck and it had Zabret at full stretch, but once again the Slovenian saved well.
However, Aberystwyth stepped up the pressure after that effort. Firstly, Louis Bradford missed a guilt edge opportunity. A cross from Matty Jones was put right in the danger zone, and Bradford from two yards out couldn’t guide his effort into the net.
To the relief of the home support though, Aber broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. A poor touch from County captain Dylan Rees left Sam Phillips one-on-one with the keeper, and the striker took his time and slotted it past an oncoming Idzi.
Seven minutes later and it was another Haverfordwest error that led to the second goal. The sloppy defensive play led to Franklin being in on goal, but Idzi came out rashly and bought down the youngster, leaving the referee no other option but to point to the spot.
To make matters worse for the away side, Henry Jones, who had only been on the field for three minutes, saw a straight red card for what appeared to be foul language towards the referee.
Up stepped Matty Jones and he duly punished Haverfordwest by putting the ball into the bottom corner, and that’s how the game ended.
The positive for the Bluebirds is that they can get their revenge soon, as both teams play each other again in their next league match.
Cymru Premier – Fixtures and Results – 2021/2022 season
Player of the Match: Jack Thorn
It was a real captain’s performance from Thorn today. He dictated the midfield and his key passes led to crucial moments in the game.
Aberystwyth Town: Gregor Zabret (GK), Jack Rimmer, Rhys Davies, Louis Bradford, Lee Jenkins, Jack Thorn ©, Matty Jones, Jamie Veale, Harry Franklin, Sam Phillips (Ben Wynne, 77’), Steff Davies (Jonathan Evans, 58’)
Subs: Alex Pennock (GK), Owen Orford, Cameron Allen, Jamie Jones, Kieran Booker
Yellow Cards: Jack Thorn (19’), Jack Rimmer (67’), Ben Wynne (88’)
Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi (GK), Jazz Richards, Elliot Scotcher, Ricky Watts (Henry Jones, 71’), Ben Fawcett (Alhagi Touray Sisay, 56’), Jack Wilson, Dylan Rees ©, Kurtis Rees (Corey Shephard, 56’), Ryan George, Jack Williams (Kieran Lewis, 71’), Jordan Davies
Subs: Wojciech Gajda (GK), Joshua Le-Grice (GK), Iori Humphreys
Yellow Cards: Ricky Watts (62’)
Red Cards: Henry Jones (73’)
