JD Cymru South: Goytre United 0-2 Haverfordwest County

Haverfordwest County scored a goal in each half to secure a crucial victory over mid-table Goytre United at Glanhafod Park on Friday evening.

This result sees second placed Haverfordwest County just a point behind leaders Swansea University who both have five games left to play. 

The title is basically down to a two-horse race, the side who will go on and win it will need to hold their nerve, but most importantly maintain their winning form.

Bluebirds’ skipper Sean Pemberton, returning from a three-match suspension, scored just before the break plus striker Ben Fawcett sealed the points with a stunning late strike.

Neither side created many chances in the opening half hour, but in the 38th minute visiting midfielder Kieran Howard drew a great save from United’s goalkeeper Mathew Stanton.

In the 44th minute the visitors broke the deadlock when man of the match Corey Saunders’ corner was glanced in by Pemberton.

United came out in a more positive mood in the second period and had a good chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty after Scott Tancock took down Keane Watts inside the box. Josef Hopkins took responsibility duly blazing his 12-yard spot kick over Kelland Absalom’s crossbar.

Bluebirds boss Wayne Jones brought fresh legs in midfield midway through the second period as he introduced Kurtis Rees and Jack Britton for Jack Wilson and Miles John respectively.

Eight minutes from full time Fawcett scored a stunning goal, the livewire striker cutting in from the right unleashing 20-yard thunderbolt which flew in the top corner.

Haverfordwest County manager Wayne Jones: “This was definitely our best away performance of the season. The lads worked their socks off and got their just rewards.

“Left back Corey Saunders had an outstanding game, but overall, it was a good team effort.

“The pitch was heavy going for both teams, but I’m really happy we came through the test, scoring two goals also keeping a clean sheet.”

Goytre United: Mathew Stanton, Ross Hopper, Dafyd Cole, Jamie Baker, Louis Gerrard, Anthony Finselbach (45, Aidan Smith), Keane Watts (60, Dylan Blain), Joshua Allen (81, Michael McCalmon), Liam Griffiths, Josef Hopkins, Cullen Kinsella. 
Substitute not used: Ben Vanstone.

Haverfordwest County: Kelland Absalom, Miles John (79, Jack Britton), Cory Saunders, Sean Pemberton, Kieran Howard, Scott Tancock, Ricky Watts, Nicky Palmer, Ben Fawcett, Marcus Griffiths (90, Tim Hicks), Jack Wilson (68, Kurtis Rees).
Substitutes not used: Steven Hall, Harri Rowe.