It wasn’t pretty, but it was perfect. Haverfordwest County clawed their way out of the relegation zone on Saturday, November 15, 2025, with a gritty 1-0 win over Colwyn Bay at Bridge Meadow Stadium — their first victory in four matches and the lifeline they desperately needed. Rhys Abbruzzese’s 63rd-minute strike, a low, curling effort that slipped past Colwyn Bay goalkeeper Alex Brown into the bottom corner, was the difference. The final whistle brought a roar from just 767 fans — a modest but passionate crowd that felt like a stadium full. This wasn’t about style. It was about survival.
Breaking the Winless Streak
Before this match, Haverfordwest County had gone winless in four games: two losses to The New Saints and Penybont, and draws against Connah's Quay and Caernarfon Town. Their form had been slipping, and with only one away win in 15 attempts during 2025, the pressure was mounting. The Bluebirds sat 11th, just one point above Flint Town United, and the specter of relegation loomed larger with every stalemate. But Saturday changed everything. The win moved them to 10th place with 16 points from 16 matches — four wins, four draws, eight losses. Their goal difference remains grim at -9 (21 scored, 30 conceded), but for now, breathing room matters more than aesthetics.
A Match of Near Misses and Heroic Saves
Don’t expect this game to be remembered for dazzling play. It was raw, physical, and decided by moments. Colwyn Bay dominated possession early, but Alex Brown was the star of the first half — denying Dylan Rees with a fingertip save, then scrambling to keep out Corey Shephard’s curling effort. The visitors had chances, but Haverfordwest County held firm. The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute. A corner was cleared, the ball fell to Abbruzzese just outside the box. He didn’t look up. Just struck it. It dipped, kissed the post, and rolled in. The stadium erupted. For the next 20 minutes, Colwyn Bay threw everything forward. Substitute Ben Fawcett, who had already missed a golden chance in the 78th minute, struck the crossbar in stoppage time with the goal gaping. It was cruel. It was football.
Manager Tony Pennock: ‘We’ve Been Missing Players All Season’
Post-match, Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock was humble but proud. ‘1-0 is always a nervy scoreline,’ he told the crowd. ‘Colwyn Bay are a really good, strong team. They were missing a couple of players themselves today, the same as us — but we’ve been missing players all season. So it’s all down to the squad you have.’ He praised his side’s resilience, particularly after their 5-0 thrashing by The New Saints in September. ‘I keep saying the last seven games have been excellent. Three wins, two draws, two defeats — and both losses were against the top two. We didn’t play anybody outside the top five in that run.’ He added, ‘We probably didn’t get the clear-cut chances we wanted… but I thought overall the boys were very, very good again today.’
The Road Ahead: Barry Town and the Relegation Trap
Next up: Barry Town United at Jenner Park on Matchday 18. The fixture, scheduled for November 28 or 29, will be officiated by referee Ryan Kenny, with assistants Johnathon Bebee-Bryant and Harry Hendricks. Barry, currently 8th, are in better form, but Haverfordwest will be buoyed by home momentum. The bigger picture? With only six games left before the season’s final split, every point is gold. The bottom two teams — Flint Town United and the 12th-placed side — face automatic relegation. The 11th-place team enters a playoff. Haverfordwest are now one point clear of 11th. But they’re not safe. Not yet.
A Season of Struggle and Small Victories
This is the reality of the JD Cymru Premier — a league where the gap between survival and oblivion is measured in single goals and missed headers. Haverfordwest County have won just two home games all season. Their away record? A single win in 15 attempts — a 1-0 at Briton Ferry in May. They’re not a team built for attacking flair. They’re built for grit. For discipline. For holding on. And on Saturday, that’s exactly what they did. The club, founded in 1946, has spent most of its recent history in the lower tiers of Welsh football. This season, they’re fighting to stay in the top flight for the 11th consecutive year — a run that would be remarkable for a club of their size and resources.
What This Win Means Beyond the Table
More than points, this victory restored belief. In the dressing room. On the training pitch. In the stands. For a club that lost 3-0 to Colwyn Bay just two months ago, this was redemption. It’s also a reminder that in lower-league football, momentum is everything. One win can spark a run. One moment of brilliance — like Abbruzzese’s strike — can change a season. The players didn’t celebrate wildly. They hugged. They pointed to the fans. They knew what this meant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Haverfordwest County’s chances of avoiding relegation?
The win lifts Haverfordwest County to 10th place with 16 points, one clear of Flint Town United in 11th. With six games remaining, they’re now in a position to fight for survival rather than just hope. But with only one away win in 15 this season and a goal difference of -9, they must win at least two of their remaining home games and pick up points from a tough away fixture at Llanelli to feel truly safe.
Why has Haverfordwest County struggled away from home?
The team has won just one of 15 away matches in all competitions in 2025 — a 1-0 victory at Briton Ferry. Factors include limited squad depth, inconsistent defensive organization on the road, and a lack of attacking options when facing organized defenses. Their reliance on set-pieces and counter-attacks doesn’t translate well in hostile away environments, where they often lack the composure to create chances.
Who is Rhys Abbruzzese, and why was his goal so important?
Rhys Abbruzzese, 24, is a midfielder who joined Haverfordwest County in 2024 after a spell at Aberystwyth Town. He’s not a prolific scorer — this was his third goal of the season — but his composure under pressure was vital. His 63rd-minute strike was his first league goal since August and came at a moment when the team was struggling to break down a stubborn Colwyn Bay defense. It was the kind of goal that defines relegation battles: simple, clinical, and perfectly timed.
What’s the significance of Tony Pennock’s comments about missing players?
Pennock’s admission highlights a chronic issue: Haverfordwest County’s squad depth is among the lowest in the league. Injuries and suspensions have forced them to field under-20 players in key positions, and their transfer budget is limited. Yet they’ve managed to stay competitive — a testament to Pennock’s man-management and the loyalty of players who stay despite low wages and little media attention. This win proves they can overcome adversity — but only just.
How does this result impact Colwyn Bay’s season?
The loss leaves Colwyn Bay in 7th place with 22 points, but their form has been inconsistent. They’ve won only two of their last six games and are now three points behind 5th-placed Llanelli. With key players injured and their attack lacking firepower, this defeat could be costly. They still have a chance to qualify for the top-six playoff, but they need to start winning games they’re expected to — especially at home.
What’s next for Haverfordwest County after this win?
They face Barry Town United at Jenner Park on November 28 or 29, followed by a home clash against Caernarfon Town — a team they’ve beaten twice this season. Then come away trips to Llanelli and The New Saints. If they can pick up four points from those four games, they’ll be in a strong position to avoid the relegation playoff. But with only 12 teams in the league, the margin for error is razor-thin.