Haverfordwest County beat Newtown on penalties in dramatic European Playoff
NEWTOWN, POWYS, WALES - 13th MAY 2023 - Haverfordwest's Corey Shephard scores the winning penalty during Newtown AFC vs Haverfordwest County AFC in the JD Cymru Premier European Play-Off final at Latham Park, Newtown (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
Haverfordwest County have progressed into the qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League after beating Newtown in a dramatic ending at Latham Park.
Both teams were unchanged from their semi-final successes, on what was a sunny day at Latham Park. Zac Jones remained in between the sticks for Haverfordwest after his penalty shootout heroics, whilst Zeli Ismail started for Newtown having bagged a brace against Bala Town in the semi-final.
Haverfordwest started the brighter of the two teams, and got their just rewards after Newtown failed to clear their lines.
A long ball over the top by Bluebirds captain Dylan Rees was not dealt with by the Newtown backline, and it eventually fell to Jordan Davies, who slotted past Robins goalkeeper Dave Jones to give the visitors the lead.
However, it was a strong response by Newtown who had several efforts at goal and would eventually claim their equaliser in the closing stages of the first half.
Newtown captain Craig Williams found space on the right to cross into the back post, a cross which was met by Aaron Williams, who headed home for the Robins to bring the game level at the break.
Read more: Bala dealt blow as key player departs for Hereford
Just when Newtown were dominating possession, Davies had a golden chance to put Haverfordwest back in front midway through the second half.
A brilliant run by Jack Wilson down the right meant the Bluebirds man could put a ball low across goal, which Davies just could not get enough contact on to turn towards goal.
Despite constant pressure by Haverfordwest, the game went to extra-time with neither team finding a second goal.
It was all Haverfordwest in extra-time, with Ioan Evans causing problems from set-pieces. However, once again the two sides could not be separated, which meant the tie went all the way to a penalty shootout.
After Newtown missed two in the shootout, Corey Shephard put away the winning penalty to send Haverfordwest County into the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds, with amazing scenes unfolding after the winning spot kick.
Newtown XI: Jones, Sears, Sutton, Rushton (Hughes 71), Robles (Torry 116), Williams, Cowans, M. Jones (Roberts 85), Williams, Ismail (Aris 91), Walker.
Goalscorers: Williams 38
Haverfordwest County XI: Z. Jones, Abbruzzese, Rees, Shephard, H. Jones (Evans 86), Davies, Veale (Leahy 78), Jenkins, Wilson (Fawcett 105), Borg (Watts 54), Hawkins.
Goalscorers: Davies 24
Attendance: 1826
