Zac Jones’ goalkeeping heroics saw Haverfordwest County edge Cardiff Met in a penalty shootout at Cyncoed Campus after their JD Cymru Premier European play-off semi-final finished 0-0 in 120 minutes.
Jones produced a string of saves in normal time and extra-time, including a stunning penalty save to deny Eliot Evans. The New Zealander then saved two more spot-kicks in the shootout to send his side into the play-off final against Newtown next weekend.
A nervy start to the game saw Haverfordwest create the first half chance as a long throw was glanced just wide by Jordan Davies.
Tom Price was first with a sight at goal for Cardiff Met, as he tested Jones in the Bluebirds’ goal with a stinging drive from just outside the box. Dylan Rees then tried his luck with an effort at the other end from 25-yards which Alex Lang could only parry away.
The best chance of the half came in the 25th minute as Davies found himself free in the box but his header looped just over the bar.
The Archers started the second half brighter as CJ Craven hit a half volley that was collected by the grateful Jones in goal.
It was then Haverfordwest’s turn to test the opposition ‘keeper as Jamie Veale’s free kick was well saved by Lang. The Bluebirds then carved out the best chance of the game as Jack Wilson found himself clear and saw his shot blocked, before squaring the rebound for Dan Hawkins whose shot was deflected just wide.
Cardiff Met were then awarded a penalty in the 70th minute, as Henry Jones tripped Price after his marauding run into the box. However, Eliot Evans saw his spot kick superbly saved by Jones, who dived to his left. It would prove to be a chance that the hosts would regret as neither side were able to find a breakthrough in the 90 minutes and the game went to extra-time.
Extra-time began and Jones headed wide for Cardiff Met when he should have hit the target as Lewis Rees crossed in. On the stroke of half-time, Price hit a stunning shot from over 30 yards out that cannoned off the bar.
Then, at the death, Sam Jones was clean through on goal and his shot was destined for the far corner if not for yet another heroic save from Jones in the Haverfordwest goal.
This sent the game to penalties where Jones was the star again, saving the first two spot-kicks he faced from Kyle McCarthy and Lewis Rees.
Dylan Rees and Jack Leahy ensured the Bluebirds raced to a 2-0 lead in the shootout, before CJ Craven, Jordan Davies and Sam Jones scored for their respective teams but Henry Jones missed to give Met a sniff of a comeback.
After Archers youngster Jack Veale kept his cool to make it 3-3, it fell on the shoulders of Elliot Dugan to send Haverfordwest into the final. He showed composure to score from 12 yards and spark wild scenes of celebration amongst the Bluebirds faithful.
Cardiff Met: Lang, Chubb (Veale 119’), McCarthy, Lewis, Price, Evans (Rees 73’), Baker, Corsby (Kabongo 89’), Owen, Craven, Jones
Haverfordwest County: Z Jones, Wilson (Leahy 91’), Rees, Jenkins, Borg (Dugan 105’), Abbruzzese, Shepherd (Watts 100’), Veale (Evans 91’), H Jones, Davies, Hawkins (Humphreys 115’)
