Match REport: Penybont 2 - 1 haverfordwest county
Under a cloudless sky and mild autumn air, a busy DragonBet Stadium buzzed with life as Bont took on South Wales rivals, HaverfordWest County in the JD Cymru Premier. Both sides proceeded into European competition earlier this year, and this game was anticipated to be a thrilling affair.
The game got underway at 7.45pm, and 14 minutes into the clash, HaverfordWest broke through the Bont back line. Luke Armstrong made a show stopping save, tipping the ball onto the post, however, Ben Fawcett was there from close range to tap in the rebound and scored the opener for the visitors. Bont were determined to push onwards and change the course of the game and commenced the charge with a first time Clayton Green strike that was saved by the HaverfordWest keeper. However, only a few minutes later, HaverfordWest pounced back at the other end of the pitch, but failed to beat Luke Armstrong again as he acrobatically tipped a dipping long-distance strike over the bar. Bont patrolled forward in retaliation, and a low-drilled Nathan Wood effort deflected wide of the post for a Bont corner. Only 7 minutes later, in the 35th minute, Nathan Wood let loose again, as he struck a powerful opportunity over the bar. On the brink of the break, a viciously sweet HaverfordWest volley was amazingly palmed away by Luke Armstrong. This received great praise by Bont manager, Rhys Griffiths as he exclaimed “one of the best saves I’ve ever seen live” after Luke had tipped the strike over the bar. Two minutes were added onto the half, and despite their best efforts, Bont went into the break trailing.
The second half commenced, and Bont continued knocking on the county front door until it broke. A lofted Kircough pass was played through to James Crole and after a pristine Crole touch, the Bont number ten, slotted home the equaliser! Bont still weren't satisfied, and an aerodynamic Wood effort curled ever so narrowly wide of the top corner. Bont pushed on and on, until the ball found the accurate head of the outstanding Gabe Kircough, who put Bont ahead with a clever dipping header! Ash Baker was shown a yellow card minutes later and after Bont’s only substitution with Jacob Jones replacing Kane Owen, the full time whistle blew and Bont move onto TNS with fighting spirit and a full three points!
Next up: Bont Boys head up north to face league leaders, TNS as they embark on potential route to the top of the table!
Ben Lewis