JD Cymru Premier
Haverfordwest County 2 – Penybont 2
Super sub Alhagi Touray Sisay equalised late to secure a draw for Haverfordwest County against Penybont in a highly entertaining clash under lights at the Bridge Meadow Stadium on Friday evening.
On a cold damp evening more than 500 spectators witnessed an encouraging display by the Bluebirds, who remain second from bottom in the table whilst Penybont are fourth.
Ricky Watts marked his return from injury to the starting line-up with an early opening goal, but the visitors equalised through Ben Ahmun and took the lead through skipper Kane Owen. Ten minutes from full time Touray Sisay struck from inside the box to secure a vital point.
Watts scores a cracker
The Bluebirds opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a cracking well-worked goal. Watts started the move just inside his own half, involving Jack Wilson, Jordan Davis and Ben Fawcett before the latter’s wicked low cross from the right was met by Watts who advanced into the area to slide in at the far post.
Within twelve minutes Rhys Griffiths’ Bont team equalised with a rather soft goal which resulted in a back header by Ben Ahmun that left Idzi stranded.
Minutes later Jack Wilson was released on the left and he cut in and unleashed a low effort which keeper Ashley Morris palmed away at full stretch.
Idzi came off his line quickly as he snuffed a goal scoring opportunity for Sam Snaith, and minutes later Lewis Harling headed straight to the Bluebirds’ goal stopper.
The lively Bluebirds’ striker Jordan Davies struck a powerful shot from an acute angle to Morris but Bluebirds’ skipper Dylan Rees picked up a yellow card for a clumsy late tackle on Snaith.
Take lead in fortuitous fashion
Two minutes before the interval the Bont took the lead in fortuitous fashion when Owen’s direct free kick from the right bounced inside the box and evaded everyone before the ball finally nestled in the far corner.
Elliot Scotcher’s well-struck free kick was brilliantly saved by Morris as it looked to be heading for the top corner.
Shortly after half time Kai Whitmore had a shot blocked inside the box, and Idzi pushed Snaith’s wicked effort wide.
On the hour mark, Owen struck from distance which went high and wide, before the visitors brought on fresh legs as Lewis Cutton replaced Whitmore and Keane Watts came on for goal scorer Ahmun.
Touray Sisay came on for The Bluebirds, replacing the impressive Watts, and it was also great to see Henry Jones enter the fray after a lengthy injury spell, he replaced the hard-working Fawcett. Mason Jones-Thomas also came on for new recruit Ryan George as the hosts looked to close the deficit.
Sisay scores timely equaliser
In the 80th minute the Bluebirds deservedly equalised, thanks to the changes, with a brilliant move.
An intelligent Jones’ through ball on the right realised Jazz Richards whose inviting low ball in the box was met by Touray Sisay who swivelled and struck a first-time low shot in the bottom corner.
That goal was no more than the Bluebirds deserved and there was no further scoring, but the hosts can take heart from this result, with the squad looking stronger so surely a victory is just around the corner.
Special mention to Toby Ellis, from Pure West Radio, who created a terrific atmosphere at the ground which supporters totally engaged in.
Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi, Jazz Richards, Elliot Scotcher, Ricky Watts (67, Alhagi Touray Sisay), Ben Fawcett (73, Henry Jones), Jack Wilson, Dylan Rees (Captain), Kurtis Rees, Ryan George (78, Mason Jones-Thomas), Danny Williams, Jordan Davies.
Substitutes not used: W. Gajda, Joshua Le-Grice, Iori Humphreys.
Penybont: Ashley Morris, Kane Owen (Captain), Ashley Evans, Daniel Jefferies, Mael Davies, Lewis Harling, Benjamin Ahmun (63, Keane Watts), Nathan Wood, Kai Whitmore (58, Lewis Cutton), Samuel Snaith (83, Billy Borge), Shaun MacDonald.
Substitutes not used: Liam Walsh, Tye Williams, Ryan Reynolds, Tom Tweedy.
Referee: Richard Harrington.
Assistants: Daniel Beckett & James Sheils.
Fourth Official: Dean John.
