Haverfordwest County take top spot with away day win & TNS begin title defence with 4-1 victory
CAERNARFON, GWYNEDD, WALES - 17th AUGUST 2024 - Haverfordwest's Greg Walters is pressured by Caernarfon's Matty Jones during Caernarfon Town vs Haverfordwest County in Round 2 of the JD Cymru Premier at The Oval, Caernarfon (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
The second round of fixtures for the JD Cymru Premier took place this weekend, with Haverfordwest County claiming top spot following a second consecutive away victory.
The New Saints began their title defence following their exit from The Europa League but face another fixture postponement with them set to face in the Europa Conference League fourth qualifying round for a place in Europe.
Here is a roundup of all the weekend’s action in Wales’ top flight.
The New Saints began their title defence with an impressive 4-1 victory away to newly promoted Flint United. Summer signing Sion Bradley pounced on a defensive mistake to open his account in the 23rd minute.
Bradley added his second just seven minutes later slotting home with his left foot following a great dribble. Substitute Ben Clarke all but sealed the win on the hour mark with a composed effort past the keeper.
Bradley capped his performance with a calm finish from the penalty spot in the 69th minute to seal his hat-trick before Jake Phillips got a consolation goal for the hosts in the 86th minute, with a great individual effort from a tight angle.
The result sees Flint United sit in the relegation zone having lost their opening two fixtures since their return to the top flight.
Neither side could find the breakthrough at the SDM Glass stadium as Penybont and Newtown drew 0-0. James Crole had two great opportunities to add to his brace from his first Bont appearance last weekend but was unable to convert.
The away side come close to a winner of their own as Zeli Ismael crashed a free-kick off the crossbar but neither side could find the winning goal as the points were shared.
A stunning strike from Ryan Reynolds opened the scoring for Cardiff Met as they drew 1-1 at home against Barry Town United. Reynolds strike in the second minute was cancelled out by Sam Snaith as he opened his account for the campaign with a well taken header in the 54th minute.
There was another draw at Park Avenue as Aberystwyth Town and Connahs Quay Nomads got their first points of the season in their 1-1 draw. Managerless Nomads opened the scoring through Fumpa Mwandwe as he struck from close range in the 66th minute
A moment of magic from John Owen in the 76th minute levelled the score as he struck a volley from the left side of the area leaving George Ratcliffe with no chance.
Briton Ferry’s difficult start to life in the top division continued as they suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Bala Town. Alexander Downes got his first of the game in the 16th minute as he stabbed home from close range, before adding his second five minutes into the second half with a good header from a free-kick.
The result means Ferry currently sit bottom of the Cymru South after their opening two fixtures.
Haverfordwest County with dramatic winner to climb to top spot
Haverfordwest County sit top of the Cymru Premier table following a 2-1 away win against Caernarfon Town. Ben Ahmun opened the scoring with his second of the season in the 73rd minute with a sliding finish from close range.
Matty Jones levelled for The Cofis just two minutes later with a composed strike from just inside the area as the ball dropped to his feet from a cross. Ahmun turned provider as his cross found Owain Jones free to tap home as The Bluebirds snatched a dramatic 91st minute winner.
