- Ahmun (45+3')
- Hulbert (23')
Haverfordwest County AFC were held to a 1-1 draw against 10-man Barry Town United at LHP Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Bluebirds were unable to take full advantage after the Linnets lost Josh Yorwerth to a straight red card in the 32nd minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The away side took the lead through a Ollie Hulbert strike following a scramble from a long throw, but County replied just before half time through Ben Ahmun, who netted his fourth goal of the season.
The Town occupy fourth place after adding another point to their tally, and will be back in action on Friday evening when we host Cardiff Metropolitan in Carmarthen.
Team news
Tony Pennock made one change from Friday’s victory at Aberystwyth Town, with Ben Fawcett coming into the side for Owain Jones. Greg Walters returned to the matchday squad after sitting out the win over the Seasiders.
Haverfordwest County: Z. Jones, J. Owen, A. Jones (Humphreys 75′), Tabone (O. Jones 63′), Jenkins, McCarthy, Shephard (C), Watts, Kenniford (H. John 63′), Fawcett, Ahmun
Substitutes not used: Knott, Rees, Walters, D. John
First half
The Bluebirds were very much on top in terms of possession and territory in the opening exchanges, however the first chance of the game fell to Harrison Bright just after the 15-minute mark when the defender received the ball following a low cross into the area and send an effort goalwards which was well blocked by a couple of Town bodies.
Despite County’s front-footed start to the game, the Dragons took the lead in the 23rd minute when a scramble in the box following a long throw fell to Callum Sainty, who backheeled the ball through to Hulbert who fired past Zac Jones.
The game was turned on its head just after the half-hour mark when Yorwerth was given his marching orders for preventing Ben Fawcett – who had got the other side of the defender just outside the area – from breaking through on goal.
County immediately tried to make their man advantage count, with their first strike at goal falling to Fawcett who could not get enough power on his header following a Kyle Kenniford cross.
The Bluebirds continued their dominance after the red card and, just before the end of the half, Ahmun drove forward and delivered a dangerous ball to the back post which just evaded his strike partner Fawcett.
With the final opportunity of the first half, the Town drew themselves level when Alaric Jones produced a great piece of skill t nutmeg Michael George before breaking into the area and delivering a low ball into Ahmun, who made no mistake and slotted the past Luc Rees at the near post.
Second half
With the wind very much in their sails, the first chance of the second half fell to the Bluebirds when Kyle McCarthy delivered a teasing ball across the face of goal, however his delivery just evaded the pocket of teammates who were waiting to pounce.
Just a minute later, Haverfordwest County tried their luck again when Alaric Jones delivered another quality ball into the box from the left side to Ahmun, who was unable to keep his header on target and saw it loop over the crossbar.
The Bluebirds continued to dominate and keep Barry penned inside their own half without creating any clear chances, with Ahmun picking up a loose ball in the box with his shot drifting wide of the right post.
Pennock’s men came agonisingly close to taking the lead with just over 10 minutes remaining when substitute Iori Humphreys’ cross into the area was flicked to the back post and into the path of McCarthy by Fawcett, but the defender’s effort dribbled just wide of the left post.
The Town had a handful of counter-attacks to deal with from the visitors during the second period, and they were able to negotiate these situations well and remain overwhelmingly on top with the man advantage, however it was ultimately a tale of frustration as the Bluebirds were forced to settle for a point which extends our unbeaten run against the Linnets to nine games.
Highlights
Reaction
