- Abbruzzese (90+6')
Rhys Abbruzzese was pleased with the way his Haverfordwest County teammates battled until the final whistle, as his last-gasp goal earned the Bluebirds a point away at Barry Town United.
The wing-back’s brave header at the far post from Rio Dyer’s pinpoint cross ensured a share of the spoils at Jenner Park, helping to keep County top of the JD Cymru Premier Playoff Conference with seven games remaining in Phase Two.
This was the second time this season that the former Wales age grade defender has popped up in stoppage time to help the Town claim a point, after his free-kick against Caernarfon Town back in August.
Here’s what he had to say in full after the game:
On the result
“When things don’t go our way it’s quite frustrating, but we dug in and we stayed in the game and managed to get a point in the end.”
On his late goal
“I didn’t even know it was in extra time to be honest with you! Obviously the penalty miss could have put our heads down, but I think we still controlled quite a majority of the game, but we couldn’t take our chances. Luckily the one in the end went in.
“Rio and myself are in a car school, and we chat about balls in the box and getting on the end of things, so it’s a great ball from Rio, fair play, and I just managed to be in the right place.”
On the improving depth in the squad
“We’ve had some injuries this year, but we’ve been getting more boys back recently and a stronger squad is massive for us. That impact off the bench is huge, we always talk about it.
“We always talk about trying to keep those clean sheets now, and once they start coming, I think the wins will come, but first and foremost I think we need to focus more on our clean sheets.”
⚽️ 90+6'
Gôl hwyr Rhys Abbruzzese yn sicrhau pwynt i'r Adar Gleision yn erbyn Y Barri 🔵⚪️@HaverfordwestFC | #JDCymruPremier pic.twitter.com/2NFoasXRQQ
— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) February 23, 2024
On adding to his game
“That’s one of the things I wanted to add to my game from last season, more goals, more assists. I probably haven’t got as many assists as I would like, but I’ll keep trying to chip in whenever I can.”
On enjoying his time with the club
“It’s a great place to be. I’m obviously pleased to get the deal done nice and early so we can focus on the second half of the split and push forward now.”
On next week’s challenge
“Obviously we’ll be going for the win, but we know Colwyn Bay are going to be tough. They’re no mugs. They’re going to be right at it, so we know we’ve got to be at it as well to get those points.”
