Fans left frustrated as Bluebirds let lead slip away (From Western Telegraph)

Fans left frustrated as Bluebirds let lead slip away

RHAYADER TOWN 3 Haverfordwest County 2

The Bluebirds once again frustrated their loyal fans by taking a 2-1 lead against fellow strugglers Rhayader in this six-point game and then coming away empty-handed.

Manager John Lewis gave a debut to ex-Merthyr centre back Dean Philpott, playing him between Eston Chiverton and Gareth Elliott at the heart of the Blues defence, with Dylan Blain moving out to right wing back. Perhaps this was just one re-shuffle too many, because it was uncertainty and lack of cohesion at the heart of the defence which cost the Bluebirds three silly goals.

The James Williams-sponsored County went behind in the sixth minute when a misunderstanding let in the free-scoring ex-Blues striker Steve Mardenborough who beat a helpless Peter Blain from six yards.

The Blues however equalised shortly afterwards when Marcus Taylor won the ball from Andrew Smiths comer, it ran free in the box and Gareth Elliott buried the chance from close range.

From this point on the Bluebirds, playing into a strong wind for the first half, established more pattern and rhythm than the home side, although they had to wait until the 56th minute before they took the lead, with Marcus Taylor planting his header firmly in the Rhayader net.

It looked now as if a third goal would finish off the Weirglodd side and, with Deryn Brace now really asserting himself in midfield, it seemed as if that could happen. Dean Busby went on a surging run down the left flank but turned inside when he might have done better to go all the way.

And, once the chance was gone, the Blues were hit by a double strike, the first of them by the predatory Mardenborough, in the 70th and 73rd minutes.

A furious late assault on the Rhayader goal, with Chiverton being sent up into the attack, proved in vain.

There were a few plus points for the Meadow side, notably in a fine and promising midfield display by Brace and in the fact that striker Taylor should have scored one goal and set up the other.

But overall it was a profoundly disappointing result which must leave manager Lewis wondering just where the next point is coming from. And yet, the Blues are due to play Barry Town on Tuesday and it would be quite in character for what is in fact a Bluebirds side with some extremely fine players, for them to go to Jenner Park and give the Dragons a real fright.

On Saturday, the Blues travel to Caernarfon and John Lewis will assemble the side in Haverfordwest for training on the Friday evening before the coach leaves the Bridge Meadow at 7.30 am on the Saturday morning (16th February).

Fans who would like to join the growing Barmy Army which accompanies the side on its travels should contact John Daniels on (01437) 765358. Haverfordwest County: Peter Blain; Dylan Blain, Dean Busby, Eston Chiverton, Dean Philpott, Gareth Elliott, Andrew Smith, Deryn Brace, Richie Adams, Marcus Taylor, Norman Parselle. Subs: Mathew Price (for Taylor, 74), Nathan Thomas (for Blain, 80), Gavin Rees (for Busby, 84).