MATCH REPORT
Courtesy of Gordon Thomas Western Telegraph
JD Cymru South:
Haverfordwest County 2 – Ammanford Town 0
Two second half goals from Tim Hicks and a stunning strike from Jack Wilson earned Haverfordwest County a thoroughly deserved victory against Ammanford Town under lights at the Bridge Meadow.
After a goalless first period the Bluebirds grabbed two terrific goals as they dominated proceedings in the second 45, firstly player coach Hicks’ header and a terrific strike from Wilson secured the victory.
This result sees the Bluebirds four points behind leaders Swansea University, and they have a game in hand as the top sides meet next Saturday in a crunch possible title decider.
In the first period the gusts of wind caused havoc for both sides with neither getting an early foothold in the game.
Left back Harri Rowe struck an in-swinging corner past Craig Morris’ post, Jack Wilson scuffed a low shot from outside the box well wide.
At the other end former Bluebird Luke Borrelli drilled a low effort straight at Kelland Absalom.
Bluebirds manager Wayne Jones made a couple of changes at the break which certainly did the trick. Nicky Palmer replaced Jack Britton and Tim Hicks came on Kurtis Rees. Player coach Hicks moved into central defence and it allowed skipper Ricky Watts to move from centre back into his more familiar role in midfield.
Kieran Howard’s wicked direct free kick was well dealt with by Ammanford keeper Craig Morris.
The Bluebirds missed a sitter midway through the second period, Howard’s cracking ball released Wilson down the right, his cross had a goal all written over it as Fawcett blazed over from close range.
Minutes later and Marcus Griffiths broke, and his long-range shot was tipped over by Morris. From the resulting corner Howard’s rebound nearly caught out Morris as the hosts were now knocking on the door.
The hosts continued to put the visitors under pressure and finally, the Bluebirds broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.
Howard’s dangerous floated free kick in the box was met with a firm header by super sub Tim Hicks.
The Bluebirds put the result beyond doubt in the 84th minute when Wilson scored an absolute screamer, Fawcett played a terrific ball out wide to the teenager who angled his 25-yard dipping shot in the bottom corner to secure the points for the Bluebirds.
Next Saturday, 29th February Haverfordwest County face a stiff test when they travel to Swansea University for a top end of the table clash.
Haverfordwest County: Kelland Absalom, Miles John, Ricky Watts (Captain), Scott Tancock, Harri Rowe, Kurtis Rees (45 Tim Hicks), Jack Britton (45 Nicky Palmer), Marcus Griffiths, Ben Fawcett, Jack Wilson (89 Corey Saunders).
Substitutes not used: Gwion Howell, Steve Hall.
Ammanford Town: Craig Morris, Matthew Jones, Rhys Fisher (Captain), Euros Griffiths, Nicholas Arnold, Dale Jones, Matthew Fisher, Bruno Forkou (73 Joel Beynon), Luke Borrelli, Tristan Jenkins, Gavin Jones.
Substitutes not used: Jamie Rano, Cerith Williams, Alex Arnold, Rhodri Davies.
Referee: David Morgan.
Assistants: Joe Portelli & David Badger.