PHOTO:
Rhys Dalling in action for Goodwick United last season, scored the Bluebirds' opener at Taffs Well
Welsh League Division One
Taffs Well 2 - Haverfordwest County 1
Richard French scored a brace that secured an opening day of the season victory for Taffs Well at home against Haverfordwest County.
The Bluebirds took an early lead when Rhys Dalling struck, but striker French equalised and scored another just before the break, there were no further goals in the second half, as the homesters held on for the points.
Early lead
The visitors took the lead against the run of play in the 13th minute, good work by Kristian Speake and Lee Hudgell down the left, the latter threading a pinpoint ball to Dalling inside the box; he rounded the keeper for an easy finish.
On the half hour mark and the Taffs Well equalised, the visitors won’t be happy with their defending as striker French latched onto a Marcus Jones cross to score from six yards.
Then right bang on half time, the home outfit extended the lead, again French punished the Bluebirds, and a parried shot by keeper James Gwilt was finished with aplomb by the lively Taffs Well striker.
Missed chances
The Bluebirds had the better of the second half, but could not find the back of the net. Striker Ashley Bevan struck a wicked shot that crashed against the crossbar, then skied a one-on-one opportunity, when nines time out of ten he would have scored.
Next Saturday, 20th August the Bluebirds are home at the Conygar Bridge Meadow against Caerau Ely, kick off is at 2.30pm.
Haverfordwest County: James Gwilt, Luke Harris, Kristain Speake, Sean Pemberton, Nathan Banner, Tom Wellington, SteffanWilliams, Rhydian Davies, Ashley Bevan, Rhys Dalling, Lee Hudgell. Substitutes: Steffano Antoniazzi; Frazer Finley.