Danny Williams’ first half goal proved to be the difference under the Stebonheath Park lights on Friday evening. A solid defensive showing from Lee Johns side cemented the Reds’ second win within just a matter of days.

The Bluebirds started the game on the front foot within the early stages, winning a number of corners within the first five minutes – however, none presented any real danger to Alex Pennock in goal.

Danny Williams had the first chance of the game for the Reds – a quickly taken throw in finding the forward in behind the defensive line however Danny’s shot was saved low by Ifan Knott in the Bluebirds net.

The Reds continued to grow into the early stages on the front foot, a great piece of play by Morgan Evans saw his pass played perfectly to Ethan Cann. Ethan’s ball across the area was poorly cleared by Greg Walters which saw the Reds win a corner.

Despite a gifted chance from a set piece, Haverfordwest defended well and cleared any Reds danger from their box.

It was the Reds who opened the scoring at Stebo, an initial shot through a crowded box by Theo Wharton allowed Danny to tap in an effort from close range to give the Reds a deserved lead after quarter of an hour. 

The game then entered quite a contested phase as the clock approached 30 minutes. Both sides showed that they were keen to score the next goal which showed in such an end to end affair.

Haverfordwest enjoyed a spell of creating numerous chances in the final third, however no real effort came close to really troubling the Reds backline or Alex in goal.

It was the Reds who had the final effort of the first half, Theo Wharton won the ball back in midfield before laying a short pass off to Joe Lloyd. Joe’s pass finding Danny who played a quick pass to Ethan – his curled effort from the edge of the area safely caught by Knott.

The first effort of the second half came in the form of an incredible volley attempt from the edge of the box by Elliot Scotcher – his effort for the visitors just flew over the bar.

A sight to be held as Haverfordwest were awarded an indirect free kick seven minutes into the second half following a back pass by the Reds. Corey Shephard took the set piece which was defended out for a corner by the Reds extended wall.

The Bluebirds had one of their better chances just after the hour mark, a great move down the right saw the ball fall to Corey Shepard on the edge of the area, his narrowly dragging wide of the post.

Haverfordwest were then awarded a free kick just on the edge of the penalty box following a handball by Joe Hopkins. Scotcher stepped up to take but his low strike was blocked well by the Reds wall.

A fantastic piece of play by Ethan saw the striker’s pass find Theo in a dangerous area just outside the six yard box – his shot just missing the target with substitute Tristan Jenkins just unable to lay off the recovery pass.

The Reds continued to defend strongly with just 20 minutes to go, defending their box well despite a number of dangerous chances from the visitors.

An end to end battle then consumed a great piece of the game, both sides battled hard with a chance for the Reds coming from Tristan whose shot was stopped strongly by Knott with just 10 minutes left of the 90.

Another chance for the visitors came with just four minutes of regular time remaining. A quick break by the Bluebirds saw a cross land in the area for Greg Walters whose strike was cleared well by Joe Hopkins.

A nervy end to the game then presented itself for the Reds, Haverfordwest continued their heavy pressure deep into stoppage time as they searched for an equaliser.

However, the Reds stood strong and defended well within the six minutes of additional time to hold on to the one goal lead and earn a second three points of the week.

Reds Lineup: Alex Pennock, Harrison Bright, James Parry, Sean Cronin, Joe Hopkins, Joe Lloyd, Theo Wharton, Ethan Cann, Danny Williams, Morgan Evans, Nelson Sanca

Subs: Mike Lewis, Alex Bonthron, Tristan Jenkins, Jac Norris, Rio Booth, James Lester