Haverfordwest Go For Trophy Double, But Not Promotion

Haverfordwest County FC have made it clear they will not seek promotion to Welsh Premier League football.

They are intent on completing a Welsh League trophy double, but won’t look to go up.

That opens the way for current First Division leaders Barry Town United, who are keen on a return to the top flight.

They must finish in the top two to qualify for promotion.

County are three points behind Barry in the table and the rivals play each other at Jenner Park next Tuesday (7.30pm).

Haverfordwest have also qualified for the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup semi-finals where they play Bridgend Street.

The other last four tie features Caerau Ely v Llanelli and both will be played at neutral ground on Wednesday, April 5.

A statement on their official website sets out the club’s position, saying: “The directors of Haverfordwest County would like it to be known they are not in favour of the current structure of the Welsh Premier League.

“The club strongly believes the present 12 team format with a mid-season split is not in the best interest of the clubs themselves or in the best interest of domestic football in Wales.

“Haverfordwest submitted proposals for a return to a 16-team format and no mid-season split, however, this proposal was rejected unanimously.

“Haverfordwest will continue with efforts to maintain a domestic license which enables the club to participate in the Welsh Premier League. Should the FAW decide to reconstitute the Welsh Premier League into an expanded format with no split then in all probability the club would consider seeking promotion.

“The club would not, however, accept a place in the WPL as it is currently constituted, i.e. a 12-team league. Should Haverfordwest qualify for promotion in the future then promotion into an unchanged WPL would be declined.”

Penybont FC, who are fourth in Division One, won 5-1 in their home match against Risca United at the KYMCO Stadium.

Joe Hopkins led the way with a four-goal haul.

They had to come from behind, but emerged convincing winners over the 90 minutes.

Sebastian Haggett fired Risca ahead after 25 minutes and Penybont responded quickly when Hopkins equalised three minutes later from a Kyran Gardner cross.Hopkins scored again after 41 minutes and Penybont led 2-1 at half-time.

Marcus Griffiths scored Penybont’s third goal after 82 minutes before Hopkins completed the scoring by netting two more.

Penybont: Rhys Wilson, Ioan Emanuel, Kane Owen, Adam Carpenter (Danny Woolfenden 75), Tom Atyeo, James Parry, Owain Warlow, Kyran Gardner (Bleddyn Webster 65), Billy Borge (Rhys Jordan 85), Marcus Griffiths, Josef Hopkins.

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