By James Dow

Haverfordwest County recorded their first home league win of the season after a 3-1 victory over Flint Town United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow on Saturday.

A superb first-half free-kick from Rhys Abruzzese, followed by a second-half strike from Dan Hawkins and substitute Iori Humphreys’ late header, earned the Bluebirds their first league win since the end of August, lifting us up one place to 11th in the process.

The first half was fairly even with the Bluebirds enjoying more of the ball, but few chances were created at either end. It took a moment of quality to break the deadlock, as Abbruzzese curled home a superb free-kick from just outside the area in the 33rd minute.

There was more attacking quality from Tony Pennock’s side after the break, with a fantastic finish from Hawkins doubling the lead five minutes into the second half before Flint responded through Jake Phillips with 30 minutes to play.

The hosts weathered the storm in the closing stages and sealed all three points with a third goal a minute from time through a Humphreys header.

The Bluebirds registered the game’s first shot on target inside five minutes. Abbruzzese battled well with Phillips before laying the ball off to Greg Walters. The midfielder carried it forward a few yards and struck from distance, but his effort bobbled harmlessly into the hands of Jack Flint.

With no clear-cut opportunities in the opening 20 minutes, the Bluebirds enjoyed the better share of possession. Their best moment came when Abbruzzese whipped in a dangerous set-piece that found Elliot Scotcher, but his looping header drifted over the crossbar — a half chance at best.

The Bluebirds broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark, as Abruzzese produced a moment of magic from a free-kick – which he won – just outside the area, curling his strike into the top left-hand corner for his first goal of the season.

It didn’t take long for the Bluebirds to extend their lead, adding a second just five minutes into the second half. A neat move found Corey Shephard in the box, and his cheeky backheel released Hawkins who drilled a stunning strike into the top left corner to double the advantage.

The Silkmen pulled one back ten minutes later when Jake Phillips’ cross-cum-shot evaded everyone in the box — including goalkeeper Ifan Knott — and found its way into the net to reduce the deficit.

Phillips threatened again just minutes later, delivering another cross into the area that found Elliott Reeves, but the striker lifted his headed effort over the bar.

The Bluebirds sealed the points a minute from time. From a short corner, Abbruzzese played in Hawkins who whipped a cross into the area. Owain Jones selflessly headed the ball into the path of Humphreys who was on hand to nod home from close range.

Haverfordwest County: Knott, Hawkins, D. Rees (C), Scotcher, A. Jones, Abbruzzese, Watts, Shephard, Walters, Fawcett (Humphreys 83′), Ahmun (O. Jones 83′)

Substitutes not used: L. Rees, Makwiramiti, Owen, Watkins, Hughes

Flint Town United: Flint, Burke (Davies 65’), Owen (C), Thorn, Phillips, Hughes (Maire 65’), Reeves, Wynne (Jones 30’), Lee, Canavan, Stephenson.

Substitutes not used: Szczepaniak, Ferguson

Highlights

Reaction

Pennock: That was a real battle, Flint are a very good side

Interviews6 hours ago