Ammanford AFC suffered a late heartbreak in the Welsh Cup after a penalty shootout against Haverfordwest County.
The JD Welsh Cup third-round clash saw the Bluebirds progress by edging Ammanford out 11-10 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
Haverfordwest took the lead in the first half through Ricky Watts, who capitalised on a loose ball from a long throw to replicate his scoring feat from last year’s Welsh Cup game.
However, Ammanford’s Euros Griffiths levelled the match with just 10 minutes left on the clock, after the goalkeeper fumbled a corner, sparking jubilant celebrations from the home fans.
Despite being up against a team from a higher division, Ammanford managed to create several promising opportunities.
Adam John, a Pembrokeshire native, came close twice before half-time, while Morgan Clarke, Nich Arnold, and Callum Jones all had chances to change the scoreline in the second half.
For Haverfordwest, Owain Jones was a constant threat to his hometown club, with a couple of near misses, including a superb one-handed stop by Ammanford goalkeeper Luke Martin.
Haverfordwest nearly doubled their lead prior to Ammanford's equaliser, but Ben Fawcett’s effort was cleared off the line by Arnold.
With the momentum in Ammanford’s favour following Griffiths’ equaliser, Haverfordwest goalkeeper Ifan Knott pulled off a stunning save in stoppage time to deny Lewis Reed, ensuring the game went to penalties.
In the shootout, both teams displayed excellent penalty-taking skills, with only Adam Orme and Ben Ahmun’s efforts being saved.
After all ten outfield players had taken their penalties, it was down to the goalkeepers.
Ammanford’s Martin sent his shot over the bar, giving Knott the chance to seal the victory for Haverfordwest, which he duly did, securing the side’s eighth consecutive penalty shootout win since manager Tony Pennock took charge nearly three years ago.
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