Three standout Haverfordwest players vs Aberystwyth as Bluebirds make history

Haverfordwest County confirmed their place in the Cymru Premier’s top six for the first time in their history after beating Aberystwyth Town. 

Dan Hawkins scored the only goal of the game, netting in front of the largest crowd of the season in the league, as 1,476 descended on to the Bridge Meadow as Haverfordwest won their first game on their new 3G surface.

Since the Welsh top-flight went to 12 teams and opted to split in two conferences, Haverfordwest had never finished in the top six. The Bluebirds though have assured themselves however that they will be in the Championship Conference with their narrow win at the Bridge Meadow.

There were three stand-out players for Haverfordwest in their 1-0 victory against the Seasiders in one of their last few games of Phase One.

Corey Shephard

Corey Shephard, in his third spell with Haverfordwest took the plaudits man of the match, with a midfield display which could have only been bettered with a goal to his name.

It was his free kick which rattled the crossbar from 20 yards before half time which allowed Dan Hawkins to open the scoring and he won the key battle ground all afternoon which kept his side well up on both possession and territory statistics.

The midfield maestro enjoyed the freedom of the pitch, his number 8 anniversary shirt covering all areas, his passing crisp and accurate and he capped a faultless display by combing seamlessly with his skipper Dylan Rees in the hub of the action.

If Shephard continues this form at his spiritual home, then his Club will be contenders to once again enter the European pathway.

Dan Hawkins

Goal scorer Dan Hawkins took his headed goal with aplomb as he reacted quickest to Shepherds free kick rattling the cross bar and kept his composure to ensure he powered his side into the lead with his third goal of the campaign.

Hawkins, diminutive in stature has a turn of speed and at every opportunity tried to turn his opponent front on so he can drive at him, using both feet. Hawkins selfishly worked off the ball throughout the game until he was replaced in the 70th minute by Harri John, his efforts appreciated by the large attendance of 1,476 and his fellow frontman Ben Fawcett.

Rhys Abbruzzese

Attacking wing back Rhys Abbruzzese controlled the left hand side of the pitch which saw him form an alliance with Jacob Owen ahead of him, to ensure a constant supply of balls into the business area for his frontmen. The former Barry Townhas an impressive and precise dead ball delivery from corners, on top of a ensuring he did his trade of defending without concern for his manager Tony Pennock.

Abbruzzese was unflustered in possession and seldom misplaced his passes all afternoon, an inspiring aspect of his play was also to find space on the pitch by which his team mates could get him into the game. He also showed a tenacious side, which on another day could have seen him pick up a caution for a tackle.

(Featured Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)