Llanelli Town show grit as Reds claim ‘ugly’ Cymru Premier victory

Llanelli Town climbed off the bottom of the JD Cymru Premier table with a scrappy 1-0 win against Haverfordwest County at Stebonheath Park.

A first-half strike from Danny Williams was enough to seal all three points against fellow early strugglers Haverfordwest.

The results mean Tony Pennock’s men drop to the bottom spot in the league. It’s the first time Haverfordwest have lost five straight league games since their promotion back to the Welsh top-flight in 2020.

Speaking after the final whistle, Llanelli manager Lee John said, “I’m feeling really good, it wasn’t a great spectacle, but our boys dug in.

“We conceded 27 goals in the first seven games and now we’ve conceded one in the last three so times like that you’ve got to show that you’re resolute and you’re willing to fight for the cause.”

He added, “We’re playing more as a team now, more collectively, we’re making less individual errors.

“I thought Haverfordwest played really well. I can only credit my boys and the way they defended and put their bodies on the line.”

After a difficult start to life in the top flight, the South Wales club have now earned back-to-back victories as it continues adapting to life in the Cymru Premier.

“It’s funny because we’ve won tonight and kept a clean sheet, but we’ve played better in games and got thumped.”

“We’re learning how the Cymru Premier works in terms of limiting risks and sometimes playing the percentages and winning ugly.’

Danny Williams stabs home to earn three points for Llanelli Town

Llanelli were nearly gifted an opener early on when Greg Walters’ attempted clearance deflected towards his own goal, drifting just wide of the post to spare his blushes.

The hosts took the lead in the 16th minute, with Williams prodding home from close range, a long throw sparked a goalmouth scramble before Theo Wharton’s cross found his teammate to poke home.

The visitors’ best first-half chance also came from a scramble in the box, as Walters’ long throw fell to Ahmun, whose tame effort was comfortably gathered by Alex Pennock.

The Bluebirds were given an indirect free kick inside the opposition’s penalty area after Pennock was judged to have handled a back pass from his defender.

Captain Corey Shephard struck at goal, but his effort was deflected narrowly wide of the post, continuing a frustrating evening. 

The away side come close again from a corner, a headed effort towards goal, clipping the crossbar before dropping over the goal to the relief of the home supporters.

Llanelli forward Tristan Jenkins had the opportunity to seal the game late on as he broke into the area on a counterattack. He did well to create a shooting chance, but his effort was stopped strongly by Ifan Knott, who pushed the ball clear of danger.

Despite their best efforts, Haverfordwest were unable to break through the stubborn home defence with John’s side holding on for a vital three points in their battle to maintain their top-flight status.

Llanelli Town 

Alex Pennock (GK), Harrison Bright, James Parry (Rio Booth 80′), Sean Cronin, Joe Hopkins ©, Joseph Lloyd, Theo Wharton (Jack Norris 72′), Ethan Cann (James Lester 72′), Danny Williams (Bradley Gibbins 57’), Morgan Evans (Tristan Jenkins 57’), Nelson Balde Sanca. 

Goals: Danny Williams 16’

Haverfordwest County 

Ifan Knott (GK), Rhys Abbruzzese, Elliot Scotcher, Ricky Watts, Corey Shephard ©, Dan Hawkins, Luc Owen (Ben Fawcett 67′), Thomas Shepherd, Greg Walters, Owain Jones (William Hughes 75′), Ben Ahmun.