By James Dow

A five-star performance saw Haverfordwest County progress to the third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup after a 5-0 victory over Newport City at the Ogi Bridge Meadow on Saturday.

Two quick-fire goals from Ben Fawcett and Dan Hawkins saw the Bluebirds hold a 2-0 advantage at the break, with over 500 people in attendance on a sunny afternoon in Pembrokeshire.

Last season’s top goalscorer Ben Ahmun added a third just before the hour mark, before Fawcett netted his second of the match with just under 20 minutes to play. Corey Shephard rounded off the scoring with just under 15 minutes remaining.

It was a dominant performance from the Town, who showed no signs of a European hangover and gave themselves some useful momentum heading into Friday night’s JD Cymru Premier curtain-raiser against Penybont at the Meadow.

Team news

Tony Pennock made four changes from the Bluebirds’ 3-2 defeat to Floriana in the UEFA Conference League two weeks ago, with Ifan Knott replacing Luc Rees in goal as Eliott Scotcher, Iori Humphreys and Luc Owen came in for Alaric Jones, Ricky Watts and Greg Walters, with the latter serving the last of a three-game suspension.

Haverfordwest County: Knott, Iori Humphreys (Watts 65’), D. Rees (C), Scotcher (A. Jones 72′), Abbruzzese, Shephard, Owen (O. Jones 65’), Hawkins (Watkins 78′), Fawcett, Ahmun (Hughes 65’).

Substitutes not used: L. Rees, James

First half

The Bluebirds started well, seeing plenty of the ball in the opening stages and they carved out their first chance just after the ten minute mark when a dangerous ball into the box by Shephard was met by Fawcett, but the forward was unable to keep his header under the crossbar.

In a quiet start to the match with few clear-cut chances for either side, Ahmun was the first County player to work goalkeeper Cohen Riella, who gathered the forward’s headed effort.

Minutes later, Ahmun had a fantastic opportunity to open the scoring when the forward found space inside the area and released a curling effort towards the far post which was held by Riella.

The Steelmen had a couple of potential opportunities on the break, with Harvey Sing being denied a certain effort on goal by a great defensive challenge from Kyle McCarthy.

The Bluebirds made their dominance on the ball count seven minutes before half time when Hawkins’ free-kick into the area was headed on goal by Scotcher, with Riella saving the initial effort, however the loose ball was forced home from close range by Fawcett who was in the right place at the right time to open the scoring.

Having been forced to wait for the game’s first goal, Bluebirds supporters were celebrating the second just a minute later when the unmarked Hawkins tapped home Iori Humphreys’ low cross at the far post.

Rhys Abbruzzese nearly added a third during additional time when his powerful near-post effort was tipped over the bar by Riella.

Second half

The Bluebirds picked up where they left off after the break when a ball over the top to Fawcett saw the striker race away into the box, but his low effort was well saved by Riella.

A third goal was added just before the hour mark after Shephard drove into the box from the right flank and played the ball to Ahmun, with the forward placing his left-footed effort past Riella and into the bottom right-hand corner from close range.

There was a special moment for Academy product, Will Hughes, who made his first team debut for the club after coming on for Ahmun with 25 minutes remaining. Hughes was a key figure in last season’s treble-winning Development team, and the defender was able to enjoy a good portion of the game on his senior bow.

Fawcett got his second of the game with just under 20 minutes to play after releasing a powerful effort from the edge of the area which left Riella stranded in the middle of his goal.

The Bluebirds nearly added a fifth minutes later when Fawcett almost turned provider, squaring the ball to substitute Owain Jones who was denied by a great save from Riella.

Shephard managed to find a fifth for the Town in the 77^th minute after some quick feet in the box saw the midfielder create space before releasing a precise left-footed effort into the bottom right-hand corner.

Substitute George Kabza created the Steelmen’s first chance of the half late into the match when the attacker drove into the box before cutting onto his left foot and releasing an effort which was easily gathered by Ifan Knott.