Key Points
- Haverfordwest County, known as the Bluebirds, secured a 2-0 win against Cardiff Metropolitan University (the Archers) in their JD Cymru Premier Play-Off Conference opener at Cyncoed Campus.
- Rhys Abbruzzese scored the opener in the 74th minute with a curling right-footed strike from outside the box.
- Corey Shephard netted the second goal with the final kick of the match, rolling into an empty net after a team move.
- The first half ended goalless, with Cardiff Met missing a penalty saved by Haverfordwest goalkeeper Ifan Knott.
- Haverfordwest made four changes to their lineup, including debutant Jacob Bacon and Dan Hawkins’ 100th appearance.
- The Bluebirds’ victory narrows the gap to league leaders Cardiff Met to just one point.
- This marks Haverfordwest’s first win at Cyncoed Campus since October 2021.
- Manager Tony Pennock substituted Owain Jones at half-time and Lee Makwiramiti later.
Cyncoed Campus (Cardiff Daily) January 24, 2026 – Haverfordwest County launched their JD Cymru Premier Play-Off Conference campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Cardiff Metropolitan University, thanks to late strikes from Rhys Abbruzzese and Corey Shephard. The match, played on Friday evening at Cyncoed Campus in Cardiff, saw the Bluebirds overcome a resilient Archers side in a typically gritty encounter between the two teams. This result positions Haverfordwest just one point behind the top spot, setting up an intriguing run-in to the season.
What Were the Key Team Changes for Haverfordwest?
Tony Pennock introduced four alterations to the Haverfordwest lineup following their prior defeat to Briton Ferry Llansawel in Phase One’s finale. Ifan Knott, Iori Humphreys, and Corey Shephard entered the starting XI, while new signing Jacob Bacon earned his debut start. Dan Hawkins also featured from the outset, marking his 100th appearance across all competitions for the club.
The full Haverfordwest County lineup read: Knott, Humphreys (O. Jones 46′), D. Rees (C), Bacon, McCarthy, Abbruzzese, Walters, Shephard, Kenniford (Makwiramiti 70′), Hawkins, Ahmun. Unused substitutes included L. Rees, A. Jones, McGuire, Hughes, and Thomas. As detailed in the official Haverfordwest County match report, these adjustments aimed to inject fresh energy into the squad.
How Did the First Half Unfold?
The opening period proved evenly contested, with Haverfordwest creating the first chance in the third minute. Kyle Kenniford delivered a ball into the area for Corey Shephard, whose attempted bicycle kick was blocked, prompting handball appeals from the Bluebirds that referees dismissed.
Three minutes later, Cardiff Metropolitan earned a penalty when Haverfordwest captain Dylan Rees caught Joel Edwards while clearing inside his box. Adam Roscrow stepped up but Ifan Knott denied him, replicating a prior heroic save against the Students. Later, a Cardiff Met player clipped a goalwards effort just beyond Ben Ahmun’s reach.
As the half-hour mark neared, the hosts threatened via a corner that found Sam Jones unmarked; his close-range header was parried low by Knott. The official match summary highlights this goalless stalemate as a tactical battle.
What Changed in the Second Half?
Pennock acted at the interval, replacing Iori Humphreys with Owain Jones. Cardiff Met struck first post-restart, with captain CJ Craven’s 25-yard deflection drifting wide. Greg Walters then lofted a ball for Shephard, who narrowly failed to control with goal in sight.
Nearing the hour, Abbruzzese drew a foul just outside the area from Jones; Shephard’s free-kick was blocked. Jasper Payne’s 25-yard shot sailed over, before Ahmun tested goalkeeper Seager with a low effort from the right edge, comfortably gathered.
The game opened up as Hawkins’ first-time shot from a cross was blocked. Abbruzzese’s teasing delivery evaded Owain Jones at the far post amid penalty shouts waved away. As per the detailed play-by-play in the Haverfordwest report, momentum shifted decisively towards the visitors.
Who Scored the Decisive Goals?
With 16 minutes left, Abbruzzese broke the deadlock in style. Receiving possession near the left touchline, the left wing-back advanced to the edge of the area and curled a right-footed beauty into the bottom right corner. This moment of quality, lauded in the match analysis, swung the contest.
In the dying embers, Haverfordwest preserved their lead through stout defending—heroic blocks and headers repelling Cardiff Met’s equaliser bids. Then, with the final action, Ben Ahmun chased a clearance, held off CJ Craven, skipped past Barnaby Soady, and laid off for Shephard to roll into an unguarded net. Travelling fans erupted in celebration.
Why Does This Result Matter in the Play-Off Race?
The triumph marks Haverfordwest’s first victory at Cyncoed since October 2021, closing the gap to table-topping Archers to a single point. A thrilling season finale looms, with the Bluebirds now firmly in contention. Pennock’s side demonstrated resilience post-break, outplaying the hosts after a balanced first half.
This hard-fought win underscores Haverfordwest’s play-off credentials. The official report attributes their success to second-half dominance and clinical finishing.
What Do Lineups Reveal About Strategies?
Haverfordwest County: Knott; Humphreys (O. Jones 46′), D. Rees (C), Bacon, McCarthy; Abbruzzese, Walters, Shephard; Kenniford (Makwiramiti 70′), Hawkins, Ahmun. This setup balanced defence with attacking flair from Abbruzzese and Shephard.
Cardiff Met’s precise lineup details, including CJ Craven (C), Joel Edwards, Adam Roscrow, Sam Jones, Jasper Payne, Barnaby Soady, and Seager, reflect a compact unit reliant on set-pieces and counters. Substitutions and tactics aimed to exploit home advantage but faltered late.
How Did Individual Performances Shape the Game?
Ifan Knott’s penalty save proved pivotal, earning praise for repeating past heroics. Abbruzzese’s influence grew, culminating in his sublime goal; Shephard’s composure sealed it. Hawkins, on his milestone, threatened throughout.
Defenders Dylan Rees and Jacob Bacon held firm under pressure. Pennock’s bench, including Owain Jones and Lee Makwiramiti, provided impetus. The report credits collective grit for thwarting Cardiff Met’s late surge.
