2010/11 Principality Welsh Premier
By Robert Nisbet

27/03/2011

Relegation is now a real threat at the Bridge Meadow after the Bluebirds’ very disappointing display against a quicker and more relaxed Bala side.
     The James Williams-sponsored Bluebirds fielded a slightly experimental formation with Gareth Elliott and Kyle Graves swapping positions, Dyfan Pierce returning at left back and Mark Dodds sent up front as the second striker. In the first half it was all they could do to hold a rampaging Bala side, who played an uncomplicated game, running into space and shooting on sight. Their winger Mark Connolly was particularly venturesome and heralded his intentions as early as the 5th minute when he took a free kick on the halfway line, saw Neil Thomas a couple of yards off his line and sent a big dipper just over the bar.
      Just another 5 minutes on Bala made the break when Chris Mason slipped quickly into space on the left, had his first shot parried by Thomas but was able to drive in the rebound.
      In the rest of the first half Bala could easily have trebled that lead against a County side which was decidedly out of sorts. The tactic the Blues relied on was to pump the ball up to Jehu (West) man of the match Dodds and Jack Christopher, no bad ploy in itself, because both were strong in the air, but one which needed a little variation.
     After some profligate Bala finishing, the visitors only had themselves to blame when they were hit by an equalizer right on half-time when Chris O’Sullivan’s corner floated to the far post and Dodds headed back. Christopher’s header was parried but he was able to follow up and drive in low. 
     The Bluebirds did perk up a little in the second half and for 20 minutes or so did rather more of the attacking. Christopher sent one shot just wide and Dodds had the ball in the net after sub Christian Roberts had crossed but the offside flag was up.
      At that stage Bala had to attack more on the break but as the second half proceeded the balance swung again and it was Bala attacking with the Blues looking to counter. For a long while Bala continued to finish rather wildly and home fans still had the sneaking hope that their embattled side could pinch a winner. But all that was blown apart by Bala’s Mike Hayes in 4 minutes late on. His first goal was crisply taken, the second owed more to some indecisive defending, but the net effect was to leave the Blues two down with 5 minutes left.
      A late surge saw Roberts get a ball in to Christopher who able to force home a second goal, but this was not enough.
      Points are needed urgently now and next Saturday the Blues entertain Newtown (like Bala, 4 points ahead of them), kick–off 2.30.

Haverfordwest County
Neil Thomas, Gareth Elliott (Christian Roberts 79'), Dyfan Pierce, Lee Jarman, Mark Dodds, Kyle Graves, Chris O`Sullivan, Tom Ramasut, Ricky Watts (Craig George 58'), Jack Christopher, Richard Evans (Kristian Griffiths 33')