JD Welsh Premier
Newtown 1 – Haverfordwest County 1
Haverfordwest County moved out of the bottom two after they got an impressive draw with second placed Newtown at Latham Park.
Danny Williams struck early for the Bluebirds, but late in the second half Robins’ skipper Aaron Williams equalised from the spot.
After a month’s break it was good to see action back in the top-flight, the Bluebirds had Gary Richards and Jazz Richards in charge as recently appointed Nicky Hayen is still awaiting his working visa to be approved.
Bluebirds’ debutants
There were debuts for new signings, defender Ryan George and striker Jordan Davies, the latter was partnered up front by Jack Wilson also there was a welcome return for Kieran Lewis in midfield.
Acute strike
The Bluebirds opened the scoring early as Danny Williams beat keeper Dave Jones from a tight angle.
Kyle Patten picked up an early knock and was replaced by Ben Fawcett who has put in a transfer request.
The visitors had the better of the early exchanges as Elliot Scotcher played a ball over the top of The Robins’ defence that fell to Jack Wilson, but his tame shot went straight to the keeper.
The hosts were forced to make a change as Mwandwe left the pitch in discomfort and was replaced by Davies.
Scotcher picked up a yellow card for a professional foul before Taylor’s low shot was comfortably saved by Lee Idzi. Minutes later the Bluebirds’ keeper pulled off a save at full stretch to deny Rushton with a firm header.
At the other end goal scorer Williams headed wide from inside the box.
The visitors were good value for their 1-0 cushion at the interval.
Slender half-time cushion
On the hour mark Kieran Lewis left the pitch injured and he was replaced by Alhagi Touray Sisay.
Idzi picked up a yellow card for what was deemed by referee Dean John as time wasting.
The visitors went close as substitutes Fawcett crossed for Touray Sisay, but the Spaniard agonisingly failed to connect.
Robins’ keeper Jones pulled off a smart save to deny Touray Sisay with a one-on-one. Minutes later a swift counter led to another save by Jones to again deny the Spaniard.
Skipper Aaron is spot on
Idzi palmed Rushton’s snapshot over the bar, the next action saw The Robins awarded a penalty which Williams comfortably despatched to level matters.
Late in the game Idzi came off his line quickly to smoother a chance from Davies, Walker was booked for a late tackle on Touray Sisay.
This Friday, 28th January, the Bluebirds entertain Penybont at the Bridge Meadow Stadium, kick off 7.45pm.
Newtown: Dave Jones, Brett Taylor, Callum Roberts, Ryan Sears, Fumpa Mwandwe (29’ James Davies), Nick Rushton, Jordan Evans (89’ Ryan Edwards), Aaron Williams, George Hughes, Jake Walker, H. Cowans.
Substitutes not used: Dylan Downs, Max Williams, Rhys Hesden, Naim Arsen, Ryan Edwards, Ben Guest.
Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi, Jazz Richards, Elliot Scotcher, Jack Wilson, Dylan Rees, Kieran Lewis (60’ Alhagi Touray Sisay), Kurtis Rees, Ryan George, Kyle Patten (19’ Ben Fawcett), Danny Williams, Jordan Davies.
Substitutes not used: Wojciech Gajda, Joshua Legrice, Henry Jones, Mason Jones-Thomas, Iori Humphreys.
Referee: Dean John.
Assistants: Bryn Jones & Cilan Thomas
Fourth Official: Gareth Lloyd