McWhirter Youth League:
Merthyr Town 2 - Haverfordwest County 3
Haverfordwest County Youth completed the double over a very good Merthyr Town outfit which was still second in the table before this return match on Monday night.
Just a few weeks ago the Bluebirds beat Merthyr 1-0 on the Conygar Bridge Meadow, and followed up with this impressive win, as Bluebirds boss Steve Batty had eight squad players unavailable for selection, but they still sealed three points on the road.
The first half was a very even affair with few chances and no goals as both sides had half chances but were unable to turn them into points.
Lawrie Haworth opened the scoring as he was given a second chance when one-on-one with their keeper. Merthyr quickly fired back with an equaliser, but the Bluebirds showed great determination and they went ahead when Sean O'Neill finished in style at the far post following a great Lloyd Hughes cross.
The visitors extended their lead minutes later when man of the match Dafydd Bevan glanced in a header off the underside of the crossbar but with ten minutes remaining the hosts pulled one back but the Bluebirds' defence, with both Gwion Howell and Owen Coombes outstanding, staying strong until the final whistle.
What a versatile young footballer Gwion is. Three games ago he scored a hat trick playing up front; last week he kept a clean sheet whilst playing in goal and in this tussle he played with distinction as a central defender.
Haverfordwest County: Dan Evans; Aidan Rainbow; Joseph Williams; Gwion Howell; Owen Coombes; Mark Davies; Joe Brill; Dafydd Bevan; Laurie Haworth; Lloyd Hughes; Sean O’Neill. Subs: Alfie Stotter; Louis Thompson.