European Play-Off Final: Losers on the day but heroes over the season – da iawn Caernarfon

CYMRU PREMIER EUROPEAN PLAY-OFF FINAL

Haverfordwest County 3 (Ahmun 17 and 85, Hawkins 33)
Caernarfon Town 1 (Lloyd 90+4)

It wasn’t quite to be for Caernarfon Town but what a fantastic season they have had.

Finishing an equal-best-ever fourth place in the Cymru Premier, reaching the European Play-Off Final for a second successive campaign and a first Golden Boot (joint) award for the club in the shape of Louis Lloyd.

They have entertained, been the best-supported club and were the highest North Wales finishers in the national league.

Sunday’s play-off final at Haverfordwest was perhaps one game too many for the Canaries.

County qualified for the UEFA Conference League with a well-deserved 3-1 win.
Ben Ahmun scored twice, either side of Dan Hawkins’ goal, to secure European football for the Bluebirds for the second time in three years.

Lloyd pulled one back for the Cofis in stoppage time. Perhaps fitting the last word went to a contender for League Player of the Season who would be a more than worthy winner.

The highest JD Cymru Premier crowd this season of 1,717 were in attendance at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, majorly boosted by a travelling army from Caernarfon.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 17th minute through top scorer Ahmun who was in the right place at the right time. Corey Shephard weaved in to the box and his far-sided shot fell into the path of the striker whotucked his shot underneath Ben Hughes.

Hawkins struck shortly after the half hour mark to double Haverfordwest’s advantage. Rhys Abbruzzese played a good through ball which was flicked on by Owain Jones in to the path of Hawkins who scored with a clinical finish at the near post.

Half-time: 2-0

Caernarfon re-emerged from half time with a spring in their step following the introduction of Jake Canavan and Daniel Gosset. They went near to reducing the deficit with Adam Davies hitting the post.

The game began to peter out until Ahmun added some life back into it with his second and Haverfordwest’s third to all but clinch the victory via a composed 85th minute finish,

Caernarfon replied when Lloyd netted from a very tight angle for his 21st goal of a marvellous season for the Llandudno man.

Haver substitute Iori Humphreys almost headed into his own net in the closing seconds.

“I’m so chuffed, the boys were excellent today,” Haverfordwest manager Tony Pennock told Sgorio after the game. “Credit to Caernarfon, they’ve had a long season and maybe it was just one game too many for them in the end.”