JD Cymru Premier League: Cardiff Metropolitan 0–0 Haverfordwest County

There were no goals, but Haverfordwest County’s first game back in the JD Cymru Premier was anything but boring as they drew 0-0 at Cardiff Met tonight.

A fast paced affair at Cyncoed saw both sides have chances  - but it ultimately finished honours even with plenty to suggest the Bluebirds can compete well this season.

Playing their first game back in the top flight of Welsh football since 2016, Haverfordwest set up with intent as manager Wayne Jones opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Danny Williams and Ben Fawcett flanking Marcus Griffiths up front.

And in a lively start, it was the on-loan Williams who twice threatened for the Bluebirds – having a deflected shot saved by Met keeper Alex Lang before volleying narrowly wide from outside the area.

At the other end, the hosts had appeals for a penalty waved away after Eliot Evans went down.

And there was little sign of ring rust from either team as chances continued to come at both ends.

For Haverfordwest, Kieran Lewis forced Lang into a low save while Marcus Griffiths missed their best first half opening, rolling his shot wide when clean through after a sublime ball from Ricky Watts.

Ben Fawcett also tested Lang from outside the area but The Met enjoyed plenty of pressure themselves.

Wayne Jones’ side then again held their breath as Charlie Corsby went down in the box under pressure from Williams but again nothing was given – and Harry Warwick went clean through on goal only to be denied by the onrushing Steve Hall.

The second half started in the same vein and it was The Met who should have gone ahead when an Evans cross was met by Chris Baker- but he headed against the bar from close range.

Indeed, the students were beginning to look the most likely as Ollie Hulbert headed onto the roof of the net, and the forward was denied moments later by a great defensive block from Scott Tancock.

But Jones responded by sending subs Corey Shepard and Jack Wilson on to add some impetus to the Bluebirds, and as the tide turned again it was the latter whose driven left foot shot cannoned off a sliding Brad Woolridge.

Williams also fired narrowly side again before being replaced late on by Jack Britton, but in the end both sides were left to settle for a point.

This Saturday, Haverfordwest will be at home on the Bridge Meadow to host Newton at 5.45pm, with the game to be shown live on S4C.

Haverfordwest County: Steve Hall, Ricky Watts, Cameron Keetch, Sean Pemberton, Alaric Jones, Scott Tancock, Kieran Lewis, Kurtis Rees, Danny Williams (Jack Britton 87), Ben Fawcett (Corey Shepard 63), Marcus Griffiths (Jack Wilson 63). Subs: Wojciech Gajda, Miles John.