Haverfordwest County AFC will be looking to use the confidence and belief they have built from their positive start to the season when they welcome reigning JD Cymru Premier champions The New Saints to LHP Stadium in Carmarthen on Saturday.

The Bluebirds have taken 11 points from their first five games of the season, which is enough to see them sit joint-top of the standings. County were victorious against Newtown last time out, with Lee Jenkins, Iori Humphreys and Owain Jones all on target in a 3-0 success over the Robins.

The Saints, meanwhile, have only played two games in the top-flight thus far, owing to their prolonged continental adventure this summer, which ended with them becoming the first Welsh domestic side to qualify for the league phase of a European competition as they clinched a place in the UEFA Conference League proper.

Craig Harrison’s side ran out 4-1 winners at Flint Town United in their season opener, before seeing off Aberystwyth Town by two goals to nil on Tuesday night, with Jordan Williams and Jake Canavan finding the net.

You have to go back to December 2023 for the most recent meeting between the sides. On that occasion, it was Oswestry side that secured a narrow victory as Ash Baker’s goal 10 minutes from time decided a hard-fought contest at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.

In terms of team news, defender Luke Tabone will be unavailable for the Bluebirds as he his currently away on international duty with Malta, who take on Moldova and Andorra in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday and Tuesday respectively.

The New Saints – At a glance

Founded – 1959

Ground – Park Hall

Manager – Craig Harrison

Captain – Danny Redmond

Last five meetings

December 23, 2023: Haverfordwest County 0-1 The New Saints

January 7, 2023: The New Saints 3-1 Haverfordwest County

October 29, 2022: Haverfordwest County 1-3 The New Saints

November 6, 2021: The New Saints 6-0 Haverfordwest County

August 28, 2021: Haverfordwest County 0-1 The New Saints

Form guide

Haverfordwest County

W W D D W

The New Saints

W W

Key player

Danny Redmond

Officials

Referee: John Jones

Assistants: Richard Dolphin and Steffan Davies

Fourth official: Teifion Cook

Observer: Dean John

How to follow

If you’re not able to join us in Carmarthen, you can still keep up to date with all of the action by following live, play-by-play updates on our X (formerly Twitter) page.

JD Cymru Premier MD6 fixtures

Kick-off times are 14:30 unless stated

Saturday September 7

Newtown vs. Briton Ferry Llansawel

Bala Town vs. Cardiff Metropolitan

Connah’s Quay Nomads vs. Barry Town United

Haverfordwest County vs. The New Saints

Penybont vs. Caernarfon Town

Aberystwyth Town vs. Flint Town United (17:15 – Live on Sgorio)

Previous meeting