- Roscrow (40')
By James Dow
Haverfordwest County AFC took a step closer to securing a third place finish in this season’s JD Cymru Premier after a 1-1 draw with Cardiff Metropolitan on Friday night.
Adam Roscrow’s goal five minutes before half time had given the Archers the lead, however the Bluebirds drew level 22 minutes from time when goalkeeper Kelland Absalom turned the ball into his own net.
In a typically hard-fought encounter between the two sides, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between despite some promising moments in the final third.
In what was our final away game of the 2024-25 season, the Town showed the battling qualities that have served them so well this term to ensure they took a point with them back west down the M4.
The result saw County extend the gap to fourth place Caernarfon Town to six points, meaning the Canaries must win both of their final two encounters with Penybont and Cardiff Metropolitan while overturning an inferior goal difference of 12 if they are to finish third.
Team news
Manager Tony Pennock made two changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Caernarfon Town a fortnight ago, with Iori Humphreys coming into the team in place of Jacob Owen, and Owain Jones replacing forward Ben Ahmun. It was also a special moment for Academy product, Ashley Watkins, who was named in a top-flight matchday squad for the very first time.
Haverfordwest County AFC: Z. Jones, Humphreys (J. Owen 58’), Jenkins, Rees (C), McCarthy, Abbruzzese, Shephard, Walters, Kenniford, Hawkins, O. Jones (Ahmun 58’)
Substitutes not used: Knott, H. John, Watkins, L. Owen, D. John
First half
The match started fast with good intent from both teams to press high, and the first chance fell to the Bluebirds when some quick feet from Kyle Kenniford saw the midfielder beat his man and play the ball through to Owain Jones down the wing, and some quick link-up between the forward and Iori Humphreys saw the former reach the six-yard area but a tight angle meant his effort could only find the side netting.
Archers veteran Eliot Evans was dangerous down the flank, delivering a deep ball into the box which was met by Ryan Reynolds, but his header looped just over the crossbar.
The home side managed to take the lead in the 40th minute when Zac Jones’ attempted clearance came off Barnaby Soady, with the ball falling kindly to allow the wing-back to send an effort on goal. His shot was heading just wide of the right post, however Roscrow had chased it down and was able to turn it in just in time.
It was almost a level game instantly when Owain Jones was picked out inside the area, but his power shot rose well over the bar.
Second half
The home side started the second half strongly as they looked to double their advantage, and good movement from captain CJ Craven saw the midfielder create space for an effort from range, but his left-footed shot bobbled wide of the post.
As the half went on, the Bluebirds continued to push for the equaliser, with the ever-lively Rhys Abbruzzese winning the ball high up the pitch before shuffling across to make space for himself, but the wing-back dragged his shot wide of the goal.
The Archers looked dangerous on the break and nearly took advantage of a mistake in midfield which saw a stray pass fall to Jac Clay who drove into the box and saw his attempt from close range well saved by Zac Jones, who got down well to react and parry the ball away from goal.
Following a sustained period of pressure, the Bluebirds were rewarded with an equaliser in rather bizarre circumstances in the 68th minute, when a cross from substitute Jacob Owen was directed onto the left post by Kenniford, but the rebound hit Absalom before bobbling over the line.
The goal was a real confidence-booster for Pennock’s men who now had the belief to go and find a second, and with more open space due to tired bodies, Greg Walters nearly took advantage after a marauding run saw the midfielder beat Dan Barton for pace before playing an accurate low ball into the centre of the box to substitute Ahmun, but his strike was straight into the hands of Absalom.
There was a nail-biting moment for the Bluebirds during the last ten minutes when Met substitute Tom Vincent directed a powerful header at Zac Jones, but the New Zealander produced a fantastic reaction save to keep the ball out before substitute Jake Morris fired well over the bar as the game finished all square.
The result also meant that Haverfordwest County have only tasted defeat to three teams in this season’s JD Cymru Premier (The New Saints, Penybont and Flint Town United), as our attentions turn to next Saturday’s meeting with The New Saints before the European play-offs get under way.
