West Wales Intermediate Cup – Round 3
Clarbeston Road 1 - Evans and Williams 2
Clarbeston Road pushed current West Wales Premier pace setters Evans and Williams all the way until with the last kick of the game were undone by a great goal by substitue Kristian Brown who lashed the ball into the top right corner of Rhys Mansell’s net as the game entered injury time, writes Matthew Fox.
This cup tie was switched to the Pembrokeshire Sports Village 4G pitch, situated at Haverfordwest High School, which Merlins Bridge use on a regular basis.
The visitors made the better start against the strong wind, they created some half chances but neither outfit carved out any decent scoring opportunities.
Midway through the first period Bruno Forkuoh made an instant impact as he broke down the left, drilled the ball across the six-yard box which Tom Withers unfortunately turned into his own net.
The hosts went close to equalising as Matthew Davies struck a dangerous free kick that flew past the post, as Matthew Fox’s Clarbeston Road outfit narrowly trailed 1-0 at half time.
After the break the Road kept possession as they put the visitors under pressure, in the 65th minute they were rewarded as they levelled matters when midfielder Matt Ellis crossed for Jake Booth who turned home from eight yards.
The Road were on front foot as they pushed for second, they came extremely close as Travis Jones struck a low drive from the edge of the box which goalkeeper Jac Lewis pulled off a terrific save.
In the 89th minute Clarby keeper Ryan Mansell tipped a vicious strike onto the crossbar, but in stoppage time super sub Brown found space inside the box as he lashed home the winner to stun courageous Clarbeston Road.
Clarbeston Road: Ryan Mansell, Josh Wood, Joules Ward, Matthew Ellis, Rheinallt George (Captain), Thomas Withers, Jake Booth, Matthew Davies, Ben John, Travis Jones, Laurie Haworth. Subs: Harry Phillips-Harries, Jake Wesley, Robert Morgans, Sam Hurton, Alfie Barnett.
Evans and Williams: Jac Lewis, Rhys Watson, Mark Howells, Nicholas Glendon, Mathew Williams (Captain), Steffan Vincent, William Gregory-Diana, Harri Rees, Chris Ferrier, Dylan Ashford, Sion Williams. Subs: Bruno Forkuoh, Kristian Brown, Darren Hughes, Ace Lloyd, Darren Greene.
Referee: Spencer Williams.
