Young Bluebirds lower Aberdare’s colours

PHOTOS:
Ben Aldred goes close with a header
Haverfordwest County goal scorers Sean O'Neill and Lloyd Hughes
Match referee Dave Badger with assistants Alan Jenkins and Ben Williams
Gwion Howell - outstanding at the back for the young Bluebirds

 

McWhirter Youth League:

 

Haverfordwest County Youth 2 - Aberdare Town Youth 1

 
Haverfordwest County’s talented youth players maintained their 100% start to the McWhirter League programme and in doing so took away their counterparts from Aberdare Town’s proud record of six wins in as many starts.
 
In a match played on an excellent surface at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium, the Young Bluebirds’ victory was all the more creditable because they conceded an early goal but fought back to lead at the interval – and although were no goals after the oranges they might have added a few more goals as they played some quality football that will have pleased coach Steve Batty.
 

Young Bluebirds go behind but soon fight back

 
Sean O’Neill had an early chance from a cleverly worked free kick but visiting keeper Owen Scorey made a fine save – and the Young Bluebirds were made to pay as a midfield error allowed striker Curtis Hawkins, Aberdare’s best outfield player, to hold off his marker and volley over the advancing Dan Evans for a quality finish.
 
But Haverfordwest soon hit back and Gwion Howell’s corner was headed home by O’Neill.
 

Howell, who had to switch from his striker’s berth to play at the heart of the defence, was in outstanding form as he kept a tight grip on Hawkins from then on, with Dan Hawkins, Spencer Williams and Aiden Rainbow playing solid support roles.

 
Hughes puts Haverfordwest County ahead

 

The home side built steadily via Joe Brill, Mark Davies and Lloyd Hughes, who gave them the lead after a Ben Aldred pile-driver from 25 yards had been parried by Scorey and Hughes was the first to react as he tucked home the rebound.
 
Another Howell corner was only partially cleared and Joe Brill’s superb volley was some kept out by Scorey, who also saved well from Laurie Haworth.
 

Other chances go begging but still value for victory

 
Aberdare started the second half well but Dan Evans saved well from James Thornton and Dan Harding did well to block a shot by Hawkins before the Young Bluebirds gradually regained control.
 
O’Neill went close on two occasions from through balls by Mark Davies and skipper Brill, Lloyd Hughes had a left-foot shot saved and sub Ewan Jones fired over when well placed.
 
Scott Jones and Geraint Harris came on and also played well in the closing stages to maintain the Young Bluebirds’ momentum – and in the final analysis they were good value for victory.
 
Haverfordwest County Youth:
Dan Evans: Dan Harding; Gwion Howell; Aiden Rainbow; Spencer Williams: Joe Brill (Capt); Mark Davies; Lloyd Hughes; Laurie Haworth: Ben Aldred; Sean O’Neill. Subs: Ewan Jones; Scott Jones; Geraint Harris; Dafydd Bevan.
Aberdare Town Youth:
Owen Scorey: Jacob Davies; Scott Peacock; Rhys Davies; Ryan Welsh: Jack Thomas; Brad Trow; Jake Edwards; James Thornton: Shay Friel; Curtis Hawkins. Subs: Harley Piddler; Luc O’Sullivan; Josh Jones; Thomas Riddiford; Corey Evans.
 
Referee: Dave Badger
Assistants: Ben Williams & Alan Jenkins