Haverfordwest 1 Porthmadog 4

Haverfordwest Academy Under 12s made history last weekend when they played in the FAW Academy Final against Porthmadog at Latham Park, Newtown.

The squad had been unbeaten all season in cup and league matches and they reached the finals with excellent wins against Port Talbot in the quarter-final and Newport YMCA in the semi-final.

Despite a very early start, the players and supporters arrived at Newtown FC in good spirits.

After a lengthy warm-up, the two teams were led onto the pitch for the national anthem and the players were introduced to the crowd.

The Porthmadog team quickly settled into their stride and gave the Haverfordwest boys plenty to do. An early goal was scored and this was soon added to, putting a lot of pressure on the Bluebirds' defence. Positional changes resulted in a calmer period, but Haverfordwest were 3-0 down at half-time.

After a stern talking to at half-time, Haverfordwest came out a changed side. They put a lot of pressure on the Portmadog goal and a shot by Luke Billing just skimmed past the post.

Minutes later, Archie Beaumont-Denning scored to put Haverfodwest back into the game. Max Fulthorpe hit the underside of the bar and George Taylor clipped the top of the bar with a rare free-kick.

During this pressure, Porthmadog counter-attacked and scored their fourth. Haverfordwest kept going until the final whistle, but the opposition were stronger on the day.

Special mention must go to Jack Parkinson, who played superbly in goal, in place of Ben Pepper, who with midfielder Geraint Harries, were unavailable due to a school football trip and to defenders, Fraser James and James Worrall, who covered excellently in defence.

Haverfordwest Academy Under 12s: Jack Parkinson, Matthew Dickinson, James Worrall, Nathan Ammersley-Rees, Fraser James, George Taylor (capt.), Daffyd Bevan, Dan Omeregie, Archie Beaumont-Denning, Luke Billing, Dylan Davies, Max Fulthorpe, William Haworth.

Haverfordwest Academy would like to thank their sponsors: Hasguard Cross Caravan Park, Bar 10, Tenby, Brite Lites, Haverfordwest, Lads and Dads, Barbers Haverfordwest, for covering the cost of the transport to Newtown, and to the parents and supporters who who have supported the boys throughout the season.