16th April 2013
MacWhirter Welsh League, Division One
West End 1 – Haverfordwest County 1
Antonio Faccutio struck a 90th minute equaliser to earn Haverfordwest County a hard fought draw at ten-man West End.
Dale Griffiths scored a header in the first half and at that stage it looked as though that was going to be enough to clinch victory for the Swansea based team.
But right on full time Faccutio struck to earn the Bluebirds a point, and that crucial goal keeps them in touch with the chasing pack for the title.
Griffiths sees red
West End were reduced to ten-men in the 17th minute when former Bluebird Darren Griffiths was sent-off for a dangerous two-footed tackle.
However, the Swansea outfit took the lead in the 24th minute when Sam Brown’s cross was met by a powerful header by centre back Griffiths from inside the box.
The surface was firm and the pitch narrow as West End battled for every scrap of possession against the visitors, the closest that the Bluebirds got to equalising was a shot from midfielder Adam Raymond that flew harmlessly wide.
The home outfit deservedly led by 1-0 at half time, but after the break the Bluebirds had a great chance to level matters as Steffan Williams broke clear, but from the resulting one-on-one the substitute was denied by a terrific save by goalkeeper Luke Martin.
Top draw saves
Bluebirds’ goalkeeper Peter Blain pulled off four top draw saves in the space of three minutes to deny Ashley Curtis and Josh Davies.
Then right on full time the Bluebirds equalised as Chris O’Sullivan’s cross was headed across the face of goal by Jack Christopher as defender Faccutio followed up and buried his shot in the far corner.
Referee Lee James had an outstanding game, handling the pressure cooker atmosphere with distinction.
This Saturday, 20th April Haverfordwest County travel to Ton Pentre.
West End: Luke Martin; Chris Hull; Sam Roden; Dale Griffiths; Josh Medwin; Ashley Curtis; Josh Davies; Sam Brown; Ross Jones; Jeff Aspen; Darren Griffiths. Substitutes: John Fenick; Carl Harries; John Harries; Ricky Hopkin; Raymond Brown.
Haverfordwest: Peter Blain; Ricky Watts; Antonio Faccutio; Lee Bevan; Phil Cattlin; Ritchie Lewis; Sean Pemberton; Owen James; Nicky Woodrow; Jack Christopher. Substitutes: Chris O’Sullivan; Steffan Williams; Owen James.