Welsh League Division One:
Haverfordwest County 3-0 Afan Lido 

THE Bluebirds were worth the 3-0 win in a game in which they were never really dominant but always looking to score goals and be positive, writes Robert Nisbet.

The Blues team looked from the start to be playing to a positive shape. Greg Walters was installed as centre forward and did a strong and efficient job of competing for ball in the air and spreading it to his fellow forwards.

At the other end Conah McFenton was far more ready to call for the ball and to come for it, while in front of him Sean Pemberton did another of his tight man-marking jobs on Jack Todd, and Tim Hicks was immaculate as sweeper. With teenage full backs Leon Luby and Alaric Jones well up to the Lido attack, and new signings Elliot Scotcher and Ryan Thomas fitting in neatly alongside Ricky Watts in midfield, the springboard to attack was there.

Once again the Williams wingers were a key part of the success. Danny was facing a skilful right back in Andre Griffiths, but he dodged and weaved around the Lido defence all afternoon. And as for Steffan, while all forward players miss some chances, his accuracy rate from balls breaking between 8 and 15 yards out is really high.

It was Steff Williams who gave the Blues the lead as early as the 6th minute, after Danny’s fine corner had bobbled in the box. The rest of the first half was scrappy but even then it was the Blues who had the better attacks, with Danny Williams and Pemberton both heading over and one fine Walters-Steff Williams link sending Greg in to shoot inches wide from a narrow angle. At the other end Pemberton brought off one very fine clearance, but Lido were achieving relatively little in attack.

As the second half progressed the Blues got more and more on top. Most of their attacks featured three, four or five passes and they kept the pressure on. They increased their lead in the 57th minute when Walters swung a fine cross over from the left, Watts played it back in, Steff Williams’ touch was nearing the line and Ryan Thomas applied the final touch.

Lido had a further set back when their big centre half Carlos Indjai suffered a back injury but by that time, the game looked settled anyway.

And the concluding goal in the 87th minute was maybe the best of them as Watts won a tremendous ball in midfield and set up a lovely move

which ended with Steff Williams once again applying the finish.

Next Saturday, the Blues are away to Penybont.

Haverfordwest County: Conah McFenton, Leon Luby, Alaric Jones, Sean Pemberton, Tim Hicks, Ricky Watts, Steffan Williams, Greg Walters, Ryan Thomas (Joe Pritchard, 87), Dan Williams (Charlie Davies, 87), Elliot Scotcher.
Sub not used: Nicky Palmer, Nick Jones (g/k).