Haverfordwest County 4

Ton Pentre 2

THE Bluebirds completed a good double over one of the Welsh League division one’s toughest sides in a fast and exciting game which might have seen them score more than the four very good goals they notched.

The game saw a return to the Conygar Bridge Meadow for Tim Hicks, who was paired up front with Declan Carroll and this pairing played a big part in a convincing win. Hicks had in fact scored within 15 seconds as he latched on to a quick ball down the middle and chipped stylishly past keeper Gavin Rees.

The Blues settled to play with real tempo and the Ton defence were looking rattled but the Bulldogs pulled a goal back out of the blue in the 20th minute, when ex-Bluebird Adam Raymond evaded a marker out on the Ton right, to swing over a ball which Rameer Outlaw, having a fine game for Ton, was able to flick past Chris Curtis.

The Blues responded within two minutes when Hicks flicked a neat sideways ball to Carroll, who finished with a crashing 18-yard shot low into the corner.

And once again Ton equalised, when a powerful Raymond free kick was touched round the post by Curtis and Leon Young was able to get to the ensuing corner to head in.

But the second half saw the Blues really on the rampage. They went ahead in the 53rd minute, when Carroll went on a splendid run down the right and was able to cut the ball back for Hicks to notch his second goal.

Thereon the Ton goal really was bombarded. In the 58th minute Sean Pemberton headed against a post, and in the 67th minute Ton weathered a remarkable attack which saw shots blocked on the line three times before sub Luke Borelli’s shot crashed against the bar.

The goal that clinched the game, in the 80th minute, was another stunner. Richie Lewis fastened on to a loose ball 35 yards out, ducked and weaved, and then let loose a screaming right-foot shot that left Rees with no chance at all.

This exhilarating performance, maybe the best of the Bluebirds’ season so far, leaves them right up in second place and with games in hand on leaders Taff’s Well. Next Saturday they travel to play Cwmbran Celtic.

The programme sponsors on Saturday were AG Edwards & Son, Office Furniture, and the match ball sponsors were Dai and Viv, of County Windows.

Haverfordwest County: Chris Curtis, Ricky Watts, Antonio Facciuto, Sam Rodon, Dale Griffiths (Chris O’Sullivan, 55), Sean Pemberton, Declan Carroll (Joey Leahy 80), Dylan Blain; Steffan Williams (Luke Borelli, 65), Tim Hicks; Richie Lewis.