After the debacle of the end of phase 1 which I shan’t go into, phase 2 lines up as follows;
TNS. Penybont, Haverfordwest, Cardiff Met, Caernarfon and Bala.
From a Haverfordwest point of view this is superb. To have qualified for the Championship Conference is a great achievement from everyone involved. To have done it so convincingly in 3rd place with the best defence in the league is nothing short of tremendous.
But the hard work starts now.
25th January 2025
There is excitement in the clubhouse and around the ground prior to kick off. We are in unknown territory. Usually the talk is how many points can guarantee us safety then how far are we from the illustrious 7th place to qualify for the European play offs. However talk is now
“We can catch Penybont in 2nd”
“You don’t think…we could…y’know…?”
“Maintain this form, TNS win the cup and we could even qualify for Europe without the play-offs!”
This is very exciting.
The flags are up, we have tried the new food offerings in the hatch and have warmed up the vocal chords with some of the finest beverages that the club has to offer.
The game begins.
In truth it’s a slow start. Our minds go back to the previous home game (played at the LHP in Carmarthen) versus Bala which wasn’t a classic in the pouring down rain. We hope it’s not a repeat. Out of all the games in this Championship phase this is the game we should be winning. No disrespect to Bala as usually a point would be celebrated in previous years against them however this season is different.
31 minutes into the game our midfield fumbles the ball and Louis Robles attacks our left side with venom beating multiple defenders. A terrific cross flies over all of our defenders which leaves Osebi Abadaki to head in. A great goal from them however a very disappointing goal to concede.
Both sides have half chances but before the break our luck changes.
1 minute before half time we get a corner in the Clubhouse End (not the official name). Abu gets the ball in and after a bit of pinball in the penalty box Dan Hawkins connects his foot with the ball and it flies into the net! Get in, back on track. Shift the momentum before the half ends. Psychologically this is a game changer.
Half time Haverfordwest 1-1 Bala.
The second half is in full swing and we turn on what the Bluebirds do best. Great attacking passing football which we have coined, Pennockball.
In the 64th minute, Abu attacks the left wing towards the Withybush End (again not the official name) beating two defenders in the meantime. He crosses the ball into the box which nicks off Ben Ahmun’s knee and falls to goalscorer Dan Hawkins just in the inside of the box. The next bit really does show Dan’s class. He takes a touch, lines up where he wants the ball to go and drills it into the bottom right hand corner of the goalkeeper. An excellent finish. The scoreline now reflects how the game has now turned.
Only 5 minutes later and we are looking for a third. Now, Zac Jones is known for his goalkeeping and saving prowess but he picks out Ben Ahmun like he is prime Zidane finding Ronaldo Nazario from one end of the pitch to the other. Ahmun then does what he does best, from the left side of the box and slots it into the far right corner of the goal. 3-1!
Multiple subs are made and Haverfordwest are playing well. Nothing too strenuous just keep it 3-1 and this will be an excellent start.
But no, more drama was guaranteed, this is Haverfordwest County after all!
In the 81st minute Bala find some good link up play in their attacking half towards the Clubhouse End. The ball floats over to outside Zac’s box but within a quick move across the box beating several blues defenders the ball finds Aeron Edwards who slots it in the back of the net.
3-2. Just hold on we say, with a few expletives, sure!
After some more Bala pressure we get the ball away and it finds Greg Walters who is having the season of his life so far. He starts to put on the afterburners. He’s reaching the halfway line when suddenly a fast, rash, late diving tackle comes in and takes Greg down.
REF!!!
Referee Bryn Markham-Jones has no doubt in his mind and reaches for the red card and sends off Nathan Peate for Bala.
This changes the momentum back to the Bluebirds who control the ball and see out to a 3-2 victory.
A great win to start phase 2 and with Penybont losing we celebrate through the evening.
Up the Bluebirds!
Full time, Haverfordwest 3-2 Bala. Attendance: 503.
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