McWhirter Youth League:
Young Bluebirds outgunned by Pontardawe
Haverfordwest County Youth 0 - Pontardawe 2
Venue: The Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium
Referee: Tom Bevan
Assistants: Konrad Holmes & Gareth Elliott
Haverfordwest County's talented young squad never gave up the battle against a skilful and physically stronger Pontardawe team but could have few complaints about the final verdict.
The young Bluebirds were particularly under pressure in the opening half at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium but did well to restrict their title-chasing opponents to a single goal.
They came into the game far more after the oranges but after coming close to claiming an equaliser conceded a late second score to ensure the three points for Pontardawe.
Early power from Pontardawe pays off
There were early indications of the visitors' cohesive power as Dan James had to make good saves from Joshua Roberts and Joshua Dorwood in quick succession. James also did well to parry a ricocheted drive from outside the Bluebirds' box and Pontardawe's big central defender Liam Griffiths headed over when placed at a corner.
At the other end, Greg Walters and Ben Steele tried to make an impression but their midfield was always under pressure as Alex Wild and Tom Blizzard took charge for Pontardawe.
It was inevitable that the pressure would tell on the Bluebirds' back four and it came from a corner where slack marking allowed Dan Smale a free header and Joshua Dorwood touched the ball in from just a yard out.
Pep talk pays dividends
Whatever coaches Steve Batty and Colin Fawcett said at half time the young Bluebirds started the second half in far more competitive mode.
Liam Fawcett, Dan Jenkins, Ben Adams and Liam Davies began to link well so that Walters and Steele could pose a real threat. Pontardawe keeper Ashley Elsey became far busier but unfortunately home pressure failed to bring its reward.
As the Bluebirds pressed for a late equaliser, a careless pass allowed Dorward to set up Joshua Roberts, who fired his shot past James – and Pontardawe set the seal on a convincing performance with a deserved three-point haul.
Haverfordwest County were clearly disappointed by defeat but they deserve every credit for sticking to their task in a game of good quality from both sides.
Haverfordwest County:
Dan James: Jordan Raymond; Brad Cristofaro; Scott Griffiths (Capt); Brad Barrett: Dan Jenkins; Ben Adams; Liam Fawcett; Liam Davies; Greg Walters; Ben Steele. Subs: James Trueman; Joel Morgan; Ryan Wilson; Callum O'Connor.
PHOTOS:
The Haverfordwest team before the match with coaches Steve Batty and Colin Fawcett.
Match officials Tom Bevan (Referee), Gareth Elliott and Conrad Holmes.