Welsh League Division One:
Haverfordwest County 0
Monmouth Town 0 

IN a very one-sided game, the Bluebirds played attacking football for 90 minutes, sent in 20 shots, forced 10 corners, were pulled up for offside 11 times, and did just about everything but score, writes Robert Nisbet.

They went into the game without goalkeeper McFenton, skipper and centre back Pemberton and leading scorer, Steffan Williams, so it was good to see a busy performance from a squad which contained eight Academy products. Assistant manager Tim Hicks, a useful player to add to any squad, filled in at centre half immaculately and keeper Nick Jones was a very positive presence at the back.

The Blues’ midfield was what drove the game, with Greg Walters dominant and skilful, and Nicky Palmer covering swathes of the Meadow and constantly probing, and Ricky Watts becoming increasingly forceful as the game went on. The skilful Dan Williams took the corners and as the game went on found a better and better length and delivery, but a header from Tim Hicks and three from Sam Rodon all whistled over the bar and The Kingfishers survived.

Some of the Blues’ attacking in the first half relied on the ball over the top, but as the game proceeded they turned more to some good quality inter-passing, getting behind the defence on right and left flanks and sending in a series of crosses which either didn’t quite go to foot and met with a shot which wasn’t quite on target.

Walters, Joe Leahy, Williams and Kristian Speake all featured prominently and the three subs all chipped in, Alaric Jones with some lovely deep passes through from left back, Leon Luby with some scorching running from right back, and Alfie Stotter who, in a five minute burst, had the Monmouth defence looking rattled.

Successive draws against sides which they should have beaten will make Sean Cresser and Tim Hicks ponder, but there are many positives with the side still gelling.

Haverfordwest County: Nick Jones, Matthew Broome (Leon Luby 74), Kristian Speake (Alfie Stotter 85), Tim Hicks, Sam Rodon, Nicky Palmer, Ricky Watts, Greg Walters, Joe Leahy, Charlie Davies (Alaric Jones 65), Dan Williams.

Tonight, the Bluebirds play Goytre United in the Nathaniel MG Cup. That game will kick off 7.30pm on The Meadow.