Welsh League, Division One

Monmouth Town 3

Haverfordwest County 1

An early Tim Hicks goal was turned over by a strong rally which sent Monmouth to the top of the table.

This was a classic top-table clash and the Bluebirds made much of the early running, culminating in a fine goal when Declan Carroll, out on the right, was able to fend off defenders before swinging over a lovely cross. Luke Borelli met it at the far post to head back across goal where Hicks headed in.

It began to look as if the Blues would hold this lead until the interval but they were hit by an equaliser, late in the half, and from a predictable source, Monmouth’s free-scoring striker Dan McDonald.

The Blues were again looking bright early in the second half and Hicks this time sent one shot against a post, but the home side now began to rally and grabbed a second goal through Corey Jenkins. That reverse obviously set up a spirited Blues rally but, as so often happens, the side pressing for the equaliser pushed too many players forward once too often and was hit on the break. On this occasion it was Jenkins who scored his second and Monmouth’s clinching third.

Monmouth now go deservedly to the top of the table and look very likely champions. But the Blues meanwhile are locked tightly with Taff’s Well in a tussle for second place and, in the Blues’ case, promotion. If they get back to winning a succession of games, there is a real chance there and matters may well come to a head when the Blues and the Wellmen clash on the Conygar Bridge Meadow on Easter Monday.

Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris; Ricky Watts; Antonio Facciuto; Sam Rodon; Dale Griffiths; Sean Pemberton; Chris O’Sullivan; Luke Borelli; Declan Carroll; Tim Hicks; Richie Lewis.

Subs: Steffan Williams; Jack Britton; Ben Steele.