Rhyl 4.

Haverfordwest County 0.

Haverfordwest County’s Cup dreams are over for another season, following a four-goal defeat at Belle Vue by Rhyl.

The scoreline is not an accurate reflection of the game, the Bluebirds were never in contention against a Rhyl side that have only lost in the Loosemore’s Cup this season.

Two goals in each half-ensured that Rhyl moved into the fourth round, while County were left ruing what might have been.

The Bluebirds started well and weathered the early attacks of a skilful and energetic Lillywhites side who were inventive, yet failed to find a way through a solid County defence until they scored from their first real chance.

In the 16th minute George Horan rose unchallenged in the six- yard box to head home a corner and give the home side the lead.

Derek Brazil’s side responded well and had chances to pull level, but the Rhyl defence held firm whenever they were asked.

The normally mercurial Tom Ramasut, playing with a heavily strapped knee, was never really in the game, and as a result the Rhyl midfield grew in confidence, as they began to control the game.

Just after the half-hour, however, Ramasut nearly pulled the game level with a fierce shot from 20-yards. Rhyl keeper Kendall was beaten, but the ball went just the wrong side of the post. Just after this Tom was forced to leave the game to be replaced by Dylan Blain, and then in the 42nd minute Mattie Williams doubled the home sides advantage with a well placed shot from the edge of the area.

In the second half, County started well and looked as though they could pull one back, but the Rhyl defence were able to prevent the final ball from getting through.

Nicky Woodrow continually harried the Rhyl defenders, but it was to no avail. Derek Brazil switched from the 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3 when he brought Luke Bowen on for Paul Michael, and the change very nearly paid off.

It took a magnificent save from Kendall to prevent the young striker’s volley from putting County back into the frame. The Bluebirds created more chances in the second half, but in the 71st minute a superb goal from Neil Roberts effectively killed the cup-tie.

Roberts added a second four minutes from the end when the County defence failed to deal with a long clearance.

This week the Bluebirds, who are currently fifth in the League are away to AFC Newtown.

Haverfordwest County: Idzi, Evans, Jarman, Elliott, Hanford, Michael (Bowen 65’), Hartley, Ramasut (Blain 37’), Christopher, Woodrow, Pierce.