Welsh League Division One

Risca United 0

Haverfordwest County 2

A BRACE of goals from Greg Walters helped the Bluebirds to three valuable points, but only after a bizarre game which saw the home side pick up three of the four red cards handed out.

The first big incursion into the referee’s notebook came in the 21st minute, when Nicky Palmer was penalised for dissent and sent off. The Blues responded by re-structuring to two banks of four, with Ashley Bevan as lone striker.

Bevan showed up extremely well in this role, often sending another attacker through with the neatest of flicks, and on one occasion Steffan Williams was nearly in. In the 38th minute a fine through ball from Bevan sent Walters racing forward, only to be brought down by the Risca centre half, who earned himself the afternoon’s second red.

Then, on the stroke of half-time, Walters made ground down the right and sent in a swerving 25-yard shot which left the keeper stranded and put the visitors ahead.

A dispute followed and the keeper earned the Cuckoos’ second red card. The lead was a deserved one since the Blues had had the better chances in the first half, James Gwilt having been called upon to make just the one very good save.

They were not able to increase the lead though until the 70th minute when Bevan went on a very dangerous run into the box and was taken down by a defender, leading to a penalty and RIsca’s third red card.

Antonio Facciuto, captain for the day and playing his 100th game for the club, stepped up take the kick. He shot at the keeper, but Walters responded quickly to drive in the rebound.

Given the strange pattern of events, it is difficult to assess this performance, but it did mean three points, a fifth away win, a clean sheet for Gwilt and his defence, and a good brace for Walters.

The Blues will now want to repeat this good away form with a few decent results in the four home games which now follow. They will start with a match against leaders Goytre, on the Conygar Bridge Meadow on Saturday next, kick-off at 2.30pm.

Haverfordwest County: James Gwilt, Matthew Broome, Antonio Facciuto (Capt), Stefano Antoniazzi, Jamie Evans, Nicky Palmer, Greg Walters, Kristian Speake (Lee Hudgell, 75), Ashley Bevan (Kiernan O’Brien, 80), Steffan Davies, Steffan Williams (Rhys Dalling, 45).
Sub not used: Spencer Williams.