Dafabet Welsh Premier

 

Aberystwyth Town 1

 

Haverfordwest County 2

 

Goals from Luke Borrelli late in each half gave the Bluebirds a thoroughly deserved and morale-boosting win against a battling Aber side. 

 

After Aber had put in their traditional brisk opening the Bluebirds settled down, even on a very difficult pitch, to getting very much the better of exchanges. Spencer Williams at full back and Declan Carroll in midfield were playing superbly, while Sam Rodon and Nicky Palmer were man-marking Jamie Reed and Chris Venables out of the game. Luke Borrelli was looking sharp up front and Jordan Follows, without getting in on goal was harrying the Aber defence constantly.

 

It was Borrelli who looked most likely to end the Blues’ goal drought and after he had hit the post in the 38th minute, he did the honours on the stroke of half-time, when Greg Walters played a beautiful ball out to Ricky Watts, who outstripped the defence and crossed for Borrelli to bang it in.

 

Playing into the wind in the second half the Bluebirds continued to play some spirited football, but were hit by an equalizer after 65 minutes when a corner was headed on to Aber captain Stuart Jones, for him to stab in at the far post. For ten minutes after that Aber came steaming forward but once again the Blues’ resolute defence baulked any further score and, as the wind eased a little, the Blues got right back into the game.

 

The winner when it came, in the 88th minute, was an absolute screamer. The visitors were awarded a free kick 28 yards out and Borrelli’s shot crashed in, leaving Aber’s very good keeper Mike Lewis helpless.

 

So after a real nail-biter of a game the Bluebirds side has at last got some reward for a string of very good performances. Goals in open play at last, three points against a side traditionally regarded as of the Welsh Premier’s toughest, and the Blues can go on now with real confidence.

 

Next week they play away to Bala, on Saturday, January 9.

 

Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris, Ricky Watts, Spencer Williams, Sam Rodon,  Dale Griffiths (Sean Pemberton, 55)  Greg Walters,  Kieran Howard, (Jack Christopher, 80). Nicky Palmer, Luke Borrelli, Jordan Follows (Steffan Williams, 67), Declan Carroll, 

Sub not used: Alfie Stottor