Haverfordwest County make the trip to Jenner Park on Saturday (March 5) to take on Barry Town United, as Phase Two of the JD Cymru Premier season gets underway.
After Phase One came to a close last weekend, County now move on to the Play-Off Conference, where we are joined by Cardiff Metropolitan, Aberystwyth, Connah’s Quay Nomads, Cefn Druids and tomorrow’s opposition.
The Bluebirds come into the game on the back of last week’s 2-0 victory over basement side Cefn Druids at The Rock, while the Linnets were edged out 2-1 at home by Caernarfon Town.
Both teams were very evenly matched in the opening 22 matches of the season, with Barry finishing Phase One just one place and one point above County in 9th.
In the previous meeting between the teams back in November, defender Kyle Patten’s goal was cancelled out by Kayne McLaggon as the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.
The first encounter between the teams this season saw County edged out 3-2 at Jenner Park. Despite leading 2-1 at half-time thanks to a brace from Ben Fawcett, Gavin Chesterfield’s side turned things around after the break, with Chris Hugh equalising after 66 minutes before Clayton Green scored from the penalty spot with just one minute remaining to snatch all three points.
The news of Connah’s Quay Nomads’ 18-point deduction yesterday has seen the Bluebirds move out of the relegation zone, as we now sit 10th and six points ahead of last season’s champions.
A victory for Nicky Hayen’s side would see us leapfrog Barry in the table, and potentially move level on points with eighth placed Aberystwyth Town, should they lose to Cefn Druids at The Rock this evening.
Key man: Kayne McLaggon – The striker has been a shining light in a difficult season to date for the Dragons, scoring 11 goals in his 20 appearances so far. An experienced campaigner, McLaggon netted against the Bluebirds in the previous meeting between the teams, and has proven to be a handful for opposition defenders this season.
Previous meeting
Barry Town United vs. Haverfordwest County – JD Cymru Premier MD23 (Kick-off: 14:30)
