Ammanford head west as they travel to Pembrokeshire to take on top-flight Haverfordwest County in the 3rd Round of the JD Welsh Cup on Saturday.
After three weeks without a fixture due to the rain, the Black and Whites return to action for the first time since October 21st. This fixture will complete a run of three successive away games following trips to Trefelin and Llantwit Major in the last two fixtures with Town returning home next Friday night against Cwmbran Celtic.
Ammanford head into the third round thanks to victories from the spot in the first two rounds. In the opening round, a goalless draw against Taffs Well saw Luke Martin become the hero, saving twice from 12 yards before Jack Lansdown saved brilliantly in sudden death after an entertaining 2-2 draw away to Trefelin BGC in Round 2.
On the playing front, Ellis Williams missed the trip to Llantwit and should be back in contention for Saturday’s fixture. The rest of Gruff Harrison’s side trained well this week and the squad has a clean bill of health as they take the trip down the A40 to the Ogi Bridge Meadow.
Our opponents on Saturday are riding the crest of a wave. Since being taken over in the summer of 2020, the Bluebirds have gone from strength to strength, accumulating in a famous Europa Conference League run this summer, defeating North Macedonian side Shkëndija and going within a whisker of beating B36 Torshavn in the Second Qualifying round.
Despite this, they have suffered an indifferent start to the JD Cymru Premier season. However, results have improved of late, as they’ve picked up 7 points out of a possible 12 including a 5-0 victory against last season’s JD Cymru North champions last weekend.
Having received a bye in the first round of the competition, County secured passage to Saturday’s game by the barest of margains, defeating Baglan Dragons from the spot. Like Ammanford, this was County’s third win from the spot in the last six months.
Under the stewardship of experienced coach Tony Pennock, they have recruited a formidable squad including Maltese international Luke Tabonne, strong centre half Lee Jenkins who scored arguably the club’s most famous goal in the Cardiff City Stadium as well as boasting Euro 2016 semi-finalist Jazz Richards amongst their ranks.
A familiar face within the Haverfordwest County squad is Kai Whitmore. The midfielder started the 2021/22 season in Black and White where his 14 performances in Town colours caught the eye of Penybont FC in the top flight. After making the move down the M4, he amassed over half a century of showings in Blue before travelling to County and joining up with Pennock’s squad this summer. Since arriving in Pembrokeshire, he has four goals in just ten appearances.
Our referee on Saturday is Cymru Premier referee Ryan Kenny. Connor Thomas and Steffan Rhodri Davies will assist him.
Kick-off at the Ogi Bridge Meadow is at the slightly earlier time of 14:00. The postcode for Haverfordwest County is SA61 2EX. There is plenty of parking available close to the ground. Entry prices are £7.50 for adults, £5 for concessions with Under 16’s being admitted for free.
As with the previous two rounds, if the game is tied at the end of the 90 minutes, the game will head straight to spot kicks. With the history of both sides from the spot in recent months, you wouldn’t be surprised if this is how the tie is settled.
