HAVERFORDWEST County will have the chance to play in one of Europe’s top competitions next season after winning their Play off final against Newtown.
The Bluebirds had booked their place in the final just a week ago, beating Cardiff Met on penalties, and after a tense game in Newtown another shoot out was required.
County again held their nerves and can now look forward to seeing who they will play in the qualifying rounds.
There was an excellent 1800-strong crowd in Newtown with fans given free entry to the game.
Dan Hawkins had a chance but he saw his effort saved. The offside flag went up though so any goal wouldn’t have counted.
However, three minutes later, a ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and Jordan Davies pounced to give his side the lead.
With seven minutes to go until half time, Aaron Williams equalised for the hosts and the game was back in the balance.
With the score at 1-1 at the interval it was still all to play for in the second half.
Newtown started the second half well with Zac Jones making a good save before Nick Rushton fired over.
Corey Shepherd saw an effort deflected wide for a corner while Jack Wilson saw a shot go just over.
Neither side could find a winner and it meant there would be an extra thirty minutes of play.
Ioan Evans came close in the first period but his curling effort was saved by the Newtown keeper.
There was little in the way of goalmouth action in the second period as both teams tired in the heat.
It meant penalties would be needed to settle the game.
Fresh from his penalty heroics last week, Zac Jones saved the first spot kick.
Dylan Rees stepped up and scored giving County the advantage.
Cowans missed Newtown’s third kick and the Bluebirds held a 3-1 lead.
Ben Fawcett had a chance to win it but he saw his effort saved.
Newtown scored their next penalty to keep the toe alive but it all came down to one final kick.
Corey Shepherd held his nerve and scored to send Haverfordwest County on a European adventure.
