JD Cymru Premier
Haverfordwest County 1 – Caernarfon Town 0
Jordan Davies scored with a bullet header to earn Haverfordwest County a thoroughly-deserved opening day of the season victory against Caernarfon Town at a sun-kissed Bridge Meadow Stadium.
It looked as though it was going to finish goalless, but the defining moment came ten minutes from full time as Henry Jones’ pinpoint cross was met by a powerful header by Jones which crashed into the back of the net.
That goal stemmed from a superb tackle from man of the match Jazz Richards which set left back Rhys Abbruzzese on a powerful surge before Jones also got involved in their cracking goal - and with it a perfect start to the season for Tony Pennock’s men, who created a host of chances but were guilty at that point of not sticking them away.
Last season the Bluebirds lost twice against the Canaries, so to get a win in the first game of the season was a big bonus for Pennock’s team.
Positive start
The Bluebirds got off to a positive start as Jack Wilson had an early strike pushed away by keeper Joshua Tibbetts, and minutes later Ryan George played in Wilson but his left-footed effort was well saved.
At the other end Bradley had a goal bound shot blocked by the rock-solid Bluebirds’ defence consisting of Jazz Richards, Dylan Rees, Lee Jenkins, and Rhys Abbruzzese, the latter two making their Welsh Premier League debuts, as did keeper Lewis Brass.
Fawcett’s far post finish agonisingly missed the target as the hosts pressed in sweltering hot conditions, and Jones teed-up Davies, but the striker dragged his shot wide of the left post.
Canaries on backfoot
The Canaries were on the back foot as the hosts kept pushing forward and were nearly rewarded as George whipped in a cross that found Fawcett inside the box; the striker had a couple of bites of the cherry without success. Jones also struck a shot from distance which didn’t trouble Tibbetts.
Jones had a shot blocked from a corner as the players took drinks break due to the hot conditions.
Finally, in the 80th minute the hosts grabbed that well-taken winner as Davies headed home that accurate Jones' cross to give his side plenty to celebrate at the final whistle.
Next Saturday, August 20th, Haverfordwest County travel to Bala Town.
Haverfordwest County: Lewis Brass, Jazz Richards, Dylan Rees (Captain), Lee Jenkins, Rhys Abbruzzese, Ricky Watts, Ben Fawcett (90, Iori Humphreys), Henry Jones, Jordan Davies, Ryan George (76, Elliot Scotcher), Jack Wilson.
Substitutes not used: Zac Jones, Ioan Evans, Daniel James, Harri John.
Caernarforn Town: Joshua Tibbetts, Iwan Cartwright, Gruffydd Williams, Laurie Bell, Sion Bradley, Daniel Gosset (83, Darren Thomas), Michael Hayes (65, Osian Evans), Noah Edwards, Ryan Williams, Ben Wynne (58, Robert Hughes), Josef Faux.
Substitute no used: Tyler French.
Referee: Huw Jones.
Assistants: Ashley Davis & Thomas Bevan.
Fourth Official: John Davies.
