Friday Night sees us return home to Stebonheath Park after a tough away trip to Flint Town United.
After some tough results in the league The Reds return to cup action with our first game in the JD Welsh Cup since our painful semi-final exit last season.
Joining us at Stebonheath Park? Make sure to read our supporters guide to ensure you’re ready for your visit to Stebo!
Our Opponents – Haverfordwest County AFC
We face Haverfordwest County at home for the second time this season. Although the Reds came out on top in the previous meeting, the two sides have experienced contrasting fortunes since then.
While Llanelli have fallen to three consecutive defeats since that match, Haverfordwest have recorded wins over Flint Town United and Bala Town, as well as a narrow loss to second-placed Penybont.
Those results have allowed the Bluebirds to open up a four-point advantage over the Reds in the league — and they still have a game in hand.
Previously Against the Bluebirds…
As already mentioned the sides last met just a few weeks ago in the JD Cymru Premier, when the Reds came out on top in a hard-fought 1–0 victory at Stebonheath Park.
A first-half strike from Danny Williams proved to be the difference on the night, as Llanelli produced a disciplined defensive display to claim all three points under the lights.
The two clubs also met in last season’s JD Welsh Cup, with the tie played at the LHP Stadium in Carmarthen due to work taking place at Ogi Bridge Meadow. On that occasion, the Reds caused a real cup upset, running out 2–0 winners to knock out their Cymru Premier opponents.
That victory sparked a memorable cup run for the Reds, who went on to reach the semi-finals of the competition — and they’ll be hoping for another special night under the lights at Stebo this Friday.
Who’s In Form?
As mentioned, Haverfordwest haven’t had the start to the campaign they would have been hoping for. However, one player who has really begun to find his rhythm in recent weeks is Rhys Abbruzzese.
The left-back has been a consistent outlet down the flank for the Bluebirds, combining defensive stability with a real threat going forward. His recent performances have been rewarded with two goals, as he continues to play an influential role in both boxes.
A set-piece specialist with a dangerous delivery, Abbruzzese’s energy and quality from wide areas will be a key weapon for the visitors at Stebonheath on Friday night.
Reds Recap
The Reds come into Friday night’s cup tie off the back of a 4–0 defeat away to Flint Town United last weekend — a frustrating afternoon in North Wales where the hosts took full advantage of their chances.
Earlier in the week, Llanelli were on live Sgorio coverage at Stebonheath Park but fell to a 3–1 defeat against Cardiff Met on Tuesday 7th October, despite a positive opening spell and plenty of endeavour in front of the home crowd.
Before that, the Reds endured another tough away trip, this time to Connah’s Quay Nomads, where they were beaten 3–0 by one of the division’s in-form sides.
The side’s last victory came against Haverfordwest County, when a first-half strike from Danny Williams sealed a 1–0 win at Stebo. With the same opponents visiting again in cup action this Friday, the Reds will be eager to rediscover that winning feeling under the lights.
How to Follow – Llanelli Town vs Haverfordwest County
If you can’t make it to Stebonheath Park on Friday evening then you can follow along with all the action via our social media channels. Regular match updates will be shared throughout the 90 minutes.
