(JD CYMRU SOUTH LEAGUE)
A superb second half hat-trick by MARCUS GRIFFITHS secured a Haverfordwest County victory at gritty Briton Ferry Llansawel which keeps them at the top of the JD Cymru South league on goals difference.
Man of match Griffiths also assisted for JACK WILSON’S early opener on 9mins. His telling cross in the box was clinically met by the advancing Wilson who made no mistake from six yards.
The Bluebirds were without key players Ben Fawcett, Ricky Watts through injury and substitute Elliot Thomas who stayed on the bench after picking up a knock in the midweek draw against Goytre United.
Alongside Griffiths’ man of match performance centre backs Sean Pemberton and Sam Rodon both had excellent games, with the latter putting in an immaculate display especially when one considers he picked up a yellow card in the tenth minute.
Somewhat against the run of play and as a result of indecisive defending from the Bluebirds, the Ferry went in at half time with a 2-1 advantage with goals coming from Daniel Kingdom on 23mins and Steve Davey on 42mins. Previously and following a succession of corners and long throws from Jack Wilson the Blues were offered a number of aerial chances but none of these efforts hit the target.
Five minutes after the break, the visitors, who started the half with more purpose, equalised when GRIFFITH’S looping header header went in off the far post. The Bluebird’s continued to dominate possession after the introduction of coach Tim Hicks on the hour mark, a move that worked out very well.
In the 66th minute the visitors were awarded a stonewall penalty when a ball over the top from the busy Tom Dyson fell invitingly to Hicks who was taken down by Robert Thomas. GRIFFITHS took responsibility and emphatically finished with a well taken spot kick.
Four minutes later and the Bluebirds added a fourth when Miles John’s perfectly worked free kick found GRIFFITHS on the edge of the box and the in form striker’s low shot found the far corner of the net to complete an excellent hat trick and a terrific second half fightback.
A delighted Haverfordwest County manager Wayne Jones spoke shortly after the final whistle. “We showed great grit and determination. It was disappointing to fall behind but experience and character shone through to earn us a well earned victory. Considering that we’re struggling with injuries and missing key players, I give full credit to the lads who have stepped in and done a great job. I’m delighted we’re top of the tree and that is where we want to stay.”
Haverfordwest County: Steve Hall, Miles John, Harri Rowe, Sean Pemberton (Captain), Sam Rodon, Scott Tancock, Kurtis Rees, Tom Dyson, Tyler Brock (Tim Hicks 60), Marcus Griffiths, Jack Wilson.
Substitutes not used: Elliot Thomas, Joe Griffiths, Kyle Stuart (gk).
