Haverfordwest County 1

Goytre United 1

Haverfordwest County came from behind to seal a hard-fought draw against Goytre United at the Bridge Meadow as manager Wayne Jones confessed to ‘Lady Luck’ was not on his team’s side.

“We done more than enough to win,” said Jones. “We had two chances cleared off the line and another disallowed, their keeper made three great saves. Disappointed not to get three points.”

The Bluebirds were forced to make one change to the starting line-up that won against Pontypridd Town last Saturday, Ricky Watts picked up a calf injury in that clash and was replaced by Jack Wilson.

The team from near Port Talbot lost their opening fixture against Llanelli Town but won at home against Briton Ferry Llansawel last time out and their camp will feel happy they gained a valuable point at the Bridge Meadow on Tuesday night.

No goals in the first half, but there was plenty of goalmouth action. Lively Haverfordwest County striker Marcus Griffiths drew an excellent early save from Goytre goalkeeper Luke Probert.

At the other end keeper Steve Hall pulled off a fine stop to deny Goytre skipper Josef Hopkins from opening the scoring.

The hosts continued to press and Sam Rodon’s firm header from a corner was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Probert. From another corner Jack Wilson struck a wicked volley which centre back Adam Robbins headed off the line.

Shortly after the break the visitors piled on the pressure and were rewarded when some sloppy defending saw Joseph Jones pounce from close range to give the visitors the lead.

However, it was short lived as the Bluebirds equalised through a tremendous strike by Marcus Griffiths.

An intelligent angled ball from Elliot Thomas fell to the Bluebirds striker out wide on edge of 18-yard box, he controlled and struck a well-placed low effort into the far corner.

With the game in the balance the Bluebirds brought on the vastly experienced Nicky Palmer in midfield and Tyler Brock up front as they went for the win.

The Bluebirds continued to press, and Griffiths had a close-range shot cleared off the line and the striker also hit the back of the net, but it was frustratingly disallowed.

This Saturday, August 31 Haverfordwest County face a tricky away test at Briton Ferry Llansawel.

Haverfordwest County: Steve Hall, Miles John, Harri Rowe, Sean Pemberton (Captain), Sam Rodon, Scott Tancock, Kurtis Rees, Tom Dyson, Elliot Thomas, Marcus Griffiths, Jack Wilson. Substitutes: Tyler Brock, Jake Merry, Nicky Palmer, Kyle Stuart (gk).

Goytre United: Luke Probert, Ryan Kostromin, Joseph Jones, Jamie Baker, Adam Robbins, Adam Jenkins, Corey Francis, Callum Saunders, Liam Griffiths, Josef Hopkins (Captain), Joshua Jones. Substitutes: Dafydd Cole, Thomas Doidge, Harrison Frederickson, Lee John, Ryan Fleming.

Referee: Teifion Cook.

Assistants: Lindsey Brown & James Shiels.