Newtown 0 Haverfordwest County 2

JD Cymru Premier

HAVERFORDWEST County returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Newtown at Latham Park on Boxing Day.

After two defeats and a draw, the Bluebirds picked up a big three points in their bid to clinch a top six spot come the split.

As a consequence, County moved up to third in the table ahead of the home match against Aberystwyth Town on New Year’s Day (2.30pm).

The visitors reaped the reward of a fast start with a 10th minute goal by Ben Fawcett, who rounded keeper Samuel Ussher to slot home after good work by Rhys Abbruzzese.

The same players combined again when Abbruzzese’s free-kick was met by Fawcett, whose header sailed wide.

At the other end, Zac Jones was forced into action to deny Jason Oswell after a mistake by Josh Lock.

The Bluebirds saw more of the ball after the break but the first chance was created by the Robins when Jolyon Harries headed wide following a free kick.

Taking control of the encounter, a fine County team move created space for Dylan Rees to shoot from distance but his effort was well gathered by Ussher.

The visitors needed a goal to get some breathing space and they were presented with an opportunity 20 minutes from the end when they were awarded a penalty.

A long ball upfield from Rees created a 50-50 between Dan Hawkins and Ussher which the Bluebirds forward just got to first before being fouled by the Robins goalkeeper, with referee Alex McInch pointing to the spot.

With regular penalty taker Ben Ahmun just about to make his entrance as a substitute, Abbruzzese took the responsibility and made no mistake from 12 yards to double the visitors’ advantage.

Having earned the penalty, the scheduled substitution then took place as Hawkins made way for Ahmun, with Watts and Walters coming on in place of Kenniford and Shephard not long after.

County were now in the driving seat and nearly added to their tally when substitute Greg Walters’ 25-yarder was palmed around the post by Ussher.

Credit to Newtown, they kept going and almost reduced the arrears when Oswell fired against the post after pouncing on a loose ball with six minutes remaining.

The same player was then cautioned for simulation in the closing stages after appealing for a late penalty.

It was a timely return to winning ways for the Bluebirds who will clinch the coveted top six spot with games in hand if they pick up three points against the Seasiders.

Haverfordwest: Z. Jones, J. Owen, Jenkins, A. Jones, McCarthy, Abbruzzese, Rees (C), Shephard (Walters 77′), Kenniford (Watts 77′), Hawkins (Ahmun 71′), Fawcett. Subs not used: Knott, H. John, D. John, Picton