BALA TOWN 0
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY 1
SOMETHING had to give as Bala Town and Haverfordwest were both in the hunt for their first Welsh Premier League points of the season on Sunday.
It proved to be a tight encounter and a single strike early in the second half did the trick for the South Walians, leaving Bala rooted to the foot of the table after four matches.
Bala and Haverfordwest had opened the campaign with three consecutive losses, but both sides played football from the outset.
The home side created the better chances in the first 45 minutes.
Neil Fisher had two sights of goal for the Gwynedd side, but failed to take them, and in the second period, County had the better of things.
The game’s only goal immediately after half-time was a worthy winner for Derek Brazil’s men.
Bala keeper Leon Bimpson, who was making his first appearance of the season, advanced well outside his area to clear a Haverfordwest attack, but sent the ball to Chris O’Sullivan.
The wingman reacted quickly to send a superb effort fully 40 yards over the flailing arms of Bimpson and into the top corner of the net for the game’s pivotal moment.
Buoyed by the goal, the visitors looked to add to their tally as the second half wore on.
Matty Collins forced Bimpson into a fantastic fingertip save from a 30-yard thunderbolt, while County forged a few other chances through Danny and Neil Thomas, Lee Hudgell and Jack Christopher.
A late rally by the home side failed to bring about the desired comeback and Haverfordwest clung on to the three points.