JD Welsh Cup Round Two: Haverfordwest County 4-3 Swansea University

This exciting game had most of the elements of a classic Cup-tie -37 shots on goal, some cracking finishes, two young Number 9s capping fine displays with a brace of goals apiece, a very good penalty save and an 89th minute winner, writes Robert Nisbet.

The Blues struck first in the 8th minute, when Lee Trundle hit a superb first time ball from the touchline over and behind the students’ defence for Ben Fawcett, who really is developing as a fine finisher, to dart through and drill in a low shot.

The Uni seemed quite undaunted and kept up their pressure until, in the 16th minute, they were hit again, this time when Leon Luby jabbed a quick ball down the middle of the defence and the predatory Trundle cruised through seemingly effortlessly to waltz the ball in.

The Blues now seemed to be getting right into top gear, as a Trundle free kick just evaded Sean Pemberton’s head, Tom Dyson went on one surging run and raids by Danny Williams and Alaric Jones threatened.

And then they were hit by a two-goal Swansea blast, in the 33rd minute when Declan McAde hammed in a real screamer and in the 35th when Levi Houapeu exploited a hesitation to stab in from close range.

But almost at once the lead was restored as in the 38th minute, and by the old firm (or young-and-old firm maybe) as Trundle played another fine ball through for Fawcett to knock in his second. But even then the first half had more to offer, as Houapeu went over in the box and referee Richardson awarded a penalty, only for Steve Hall to conjure up a superb save from Nick Hyden’s powerful spot-kick.

The students were still right in the game and they played the second half in that spirit, with Hall needing to make several saves from the dangerous Houapeu.

The fourth goal often appeared close but so did a Swansea equaliser and in the 80th minute, after a wave of attacks, Houapeu scored his second.

But in the 88th minute, after one of Jack Wilson’s dangerous long throws had bounced free in the box it was Pemberton again who drove in the winner.

The Blues who go into the draw for the third round, but Swansea University ran them extremely close, full credit to them.

Next Saturday, November 17, the Blues are away to Cwmbran Celtic before they return to the Meadow to play Cwmamman United on Saturday 24, kick-off 2.30pm.

Haverfordwest County: Steve Hall; Leon Luby (Jack Wilson, 75); Alaric Jones, Sean Pemberton; Tim Hicks; Tom Dyson (Nicky Palmer, 64); Danny Williams; Elliot Scotcher (Elliot Thomas, 64); Ben Fawcett; Lee Trundle; Ricky Watts.
Subs not used: Ashley Bevan, Kyle Stuart (g/k).