Haverfordwest County V Caernarfon Town FC
Saturday 13 August, 14:30
Cofis Go Down To Late Defeat.
Haverfordwest County 1 – 0 Caernarfon.
Caernarfon began their Cymru Premier League campaign on Saturday with the long trip to Pembrokeshire, where they took on Haverfordwest County at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.
The Cofis were without injured captain Dion Donohue and the suspended Aaron Simpson but otherwise, manager Huw Griffiths had a full squad to choose from.
The hosts started brightly and Jack Wilson forced Josh Tibbetts into smart saves in the third and sixth minutes. Caernarfon’s first effort on goal fell to Sion Bradley who got on the end of a Joe Faux cross, but he saw his first time attempt blocked and deflected over the bar from ten yards.
Tibbetts came to the Cofis’ rescue again in the twenty fourth minute as he dived full stretch to his left to thwart a Ben Fawcett drive.
Ten minutes later it was the turn of Noah Edwards to see a goalbound strike blocked by a County defender and Tibbetts was soon forced into another excellent save, when he pulled of a reflex save to deny a certain goal for Fawcett.
The hosts continued to dominate in the second period and Jenkins, Davies and Fawcett all went close to opening the scoring for them within a four minute spell early on. Caernarfon, despite not being able to enjoy much by way of going forward were resolute and determined at the back and they seemed content to try and hold on for a point.
Unfortunately, with ten minutes remaining their defence was finally breached when a Henry Jones cross was met at the far post by Jordan Davies, and the former Prestatyn forward headed past Tibbetts to clinch the points.
The match was played in sweltering heat and both sides should be commended for their efforts in difficult conditions.
Town manager Huw Griffiths will be encouraged by side’s stubbornness and work rate in defence but will also know that the Cofis need to provide more of an attacking threat if they are to enjoy another good season in the Cymru Premier League.
Tyn Lon Volvo Garage Man of the Match: Josh Tibbetts.
Team: Josh Tibbetts, Gruff John, Ryan Williams, Iwan Cartwright, Laurie Bell, Sion Bradley, Danny Gosset, Mike Hayes, Noah Edwards, Joe Faux, Been Wynne.
Subs (used): Rob Hughes, Osian Evans, Darren Thomas. Not used; Tyler French.
I'w Ddilyn / To Follow
