PHOTO:
Ben Fawcett scores for Haverfordwest County in their win at home against Lido
Haverfordwest County 2 – Afan Lido 1
Ben Fawcett and Danny Williams grabbed the goals that sealed a hard fought victory for Haverfordwest County against Afan Lido at the Conygar Bridge Meadow.
Fawcett bagged the opener before Danny Williams headed home in the second half, Bluebirds goalkeeper Steven Hall pulled off a terrific penalty save to deny Afan Lido’s Craig Jones - deep in injury time Sacha Walters pulled one back with their second penalty of the afternoon.
This was the Bluebirds fourth league win on the bounce, and this clash could have gone either way, with both teams creating decent chances.
Manager Wayne Jones will be pleased that his side managed to hold on for the points whilst inflicting a first defeat of the season over the visitors.
Great save, Fawcett strikes
Early on Hall pulled off a superb save from point blank to deny Walters, but with the very next attack the home outfit took the lead in the 15th minute. Defender Leon Luby made good ground down the right and his timely cross was swept home first time with a sweet strike from teenager Fawcett.
Alaric Jones cleared a goal bound effort off the line as the Bluebirds narrowly led 1-0 at half time.
Midway through the second period and the visitors were an awarded a penalty when Hall took down Jack Todd. Hall was issued a yellow, but the keeper made amends when he pulled off a smart save, diving to his left to deny Craig Jones from 12 yards.
Vital scoring touch
The Bluebirds added a second goal in the 83rd minute as skipper Sean Pemberton headed towards goal only for Danny Williams to get the vital scoring touch inside the six yard box.
This goal proved crucial as the visitors were awarded a second penalty when Tim Hicks was the transgressor. Walters drilled his effort straight down the middle, but it was a classic case of too little, too late for Afan Lido as a mighty relieved Bluebirds camp who held firm for the remainder for three more crucial points.
Haverfordwest County: Steve Hall; Leon Luby; Antonio Facciuto; Sean Pemberton (Captain); Tim Hicks; Alaric Jones; Elliot Thomas; Elliot Scotcher; Ben Fawcett; Danny Williams; Ricky Watts. Substitutes: Martyn Carroll; Tom Dyson; Jack Wilson.
Afan Lido: Rory McCreesh; Kieran Parsons; Jack Fleming; Lewis Holmes; Cai Owens; Noah Daley; Owen Williams; Jack Todd; Jack Hurley; Sacha Walters. Substitutes: Callum Lewis; Jack Underwood; Jamie Karnsang; Gareth Couch (GK).
Referee: Mr. J. Harman.
Assistants: Mr. G. Elliott & Mr. A. Jenkins.