Bluebirds seal second European qualification in three years after victory over Canaries at the Meadow

Bluebirds seal second European qualification in three years after victory over Canaries at the Meadow

Tony Pennock’s team added a clinical edge to an already flawless performance, and a brace from Ben Ahmun either side of Dan Hawkins’ strike set the Bluebirds on their way.

The Town controlled the game from start to finish, defeating a Canaries team that had been playing well after defeating Cardiff Metropolitan and Barry Town United in the quarterfinals and semifinals.

Although it was only a consolation goal for the away team, Louis Lloyd did manage to bring one back for the visitors in extra time.

As a result, Tony Pennock will coach his team into the UEFA Conference League qualifying round next season, becoming the first Bluebirds manager to earn European football twice.

Pennock made two changes to the Bluebirds starting lineup from the last regular season game: Corey Shephard was selected in midfield after missing our regular season finale to attend his son’s birth, and Zac Jones returned to start in goal. After missing nearly three months of action because of an ankle injury, Ben Fawcett also made a comeback to the team.

Jones, J. Owen (Humphreys 88′), Rees (C), Jenkins, McCarthy, Abbruzzese, Shephard, Walters (H. John 88′), Hawkins (Kenniford 73′), O. Jones (Fawcett 54′), and Ahmun (Watts 88′) are the players from Haverfordwest County AFC.

The first effort came from Rhys Abbruzzese, who beat Morgan Owen before releasing a right-footed curling effort towards the far corner that was well defended by Blaine Hudson, who looked the ball behind for a corner. The Bluebirds started the opening exchanges strong, pushing to take an early lead.

Shephard’s incredible run five minutes later saw the midfielder reach the area, slide a crisp pass through to Ahmun, who had done well to stay onside, and then roll the ball under Ben Hughes to open the score and send the 1,717-seat stadium into a frenzy.

Hughes went down brilliantly to deny the forward at his near post as Shephard proceeded to run the midfield, making another raging run before passing it to Jacob Owen, who raced into the box and squared the ball to Dan Hawkins.

Hawkins pulled the strings in the 10 and played a beautiful over-the-top ball to Owain Jones, who handled it brilliantly before sending his half-volley over the crossbar as the Bluebirds continued to press for a second goal.

At this point, Pennock’s team was clearly in control, and they showed it just after the half when Owain Jones delightfully flicked Abbruzzese’s through ball into Hawkins’ path. The forward then put County in a strong position by sending a powerful left-footed effort past Hughes at the near post.

Shortly before halftime, Josh Lock gave the Canaries their first opportunity after stealing the ball from Lee Jenkins in the box and releasing a shot that Kyle McCarthy blocked on its way to goal. McCarthy was in the ideal position to head the ball away to safety, keeping our lead at two as Bryn Markham-Jones blew his whistle for halftime.

Early in the second half, the away team had two early chances for striker Adam Davies and halftime substitute Danny Gosset. However, the latter’s close-range attempt was slightly touched by Zac Jones to ensure it struck the right post rather than the net, and the former’s attempt was blocked on its way to goal.

Nine minutes into the second half, Fawcett, who had come on as a substitute for Owain Jones, almost immediately made an impression when he broke down the right flank and then sent a fantastic pass into the area that found Ahmun, who managed to connect with the cross but was unable to put the effort on goal.

Just after the hour, the Bluebirds came dangerously close to a third goal when McCarthy put Fawcett in space. Shephard then joined the forward up the pitch and was sent through by his teammate, but Hughes made a huge save to keep the deficit at two.

Minutes later, Gosset had a half-time chance after the midfielder received the ball on the edge of the box but sent his strong shot well over the bar.

With five minutes of regular time left, the Town ended the match after maintaining control and keeping the visitors at bay. Greg Walters’ swift counterattack put Ahmun through on goal, and the striker sprinted past the Canaries defense before finishing coolly past Hughes as the Ogi Bridge Meadow fell into chaos, the result of which was now beyond dispute.

Lloyd’s goal from the byline in the last minute of stoppage time gave Richard Davies’ team a consolation goal, but it didn’t depress the Bluebirds players, staff, volunteers, and supporters who were celebrating a second European qualification in three years on one of the greatest days ever at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.

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