Sport
Greene’s double sinks Swifts
MERLINS Bridge booked their place in the last 16 of the West Wales Cup on Saturday (Dec 8) as they beat Monkton Swifts 3-0 at the Racecourse.
A good crowd gathered to watch the game that was played in blustery conditions which caused problems for both teams throughout the match.
Neither side was able to gain an upper hand in the first half but it was the Wizards who eventually took the lead shortly before half time.
A slip allowed Joe Leahy in and went one-on-one with the Swifts keeper before finding the back of the net.
The windy conditions continued in the second half and Will Haworth came close to doubling the home side’s lead but his shot was saved.
They then made it 2-0 as Haworth crossed from the left for Nathan Greene at the back post who headed low and into the net.
Peter Thomas then played a good one-two with Greene but Thomas sent his shot over the bar.
Greene could have had a second soon after but, after the Swifts keeper had come off his line, he could only send his effort over the bar.
He wasn’t to be denied his second however as a through ball set him up and he fired low into the bottom left corner of the goal to make it 3-0.
On Saturday (Dec 15), Merlins Bridge return to league action with a game against bottom side Milford United at Marble Hall.
Monkton Swifts will look to bounce back as they travel to Herbrandston.
Sport
Robins beat spirited Neyland
The conditions at Marble Hall were poor due to heavy rain which made playing conditions difficult for both teams. Hosts Milford United went into this tie with a few key players out, but the conditions or missing players didn’t stop Parks’ team getting the job done.
Neyland’s young squad started brightly and they were rewarded with an early lead. After just three minutes, Ben Gale ran through Milford defence to score, the visitors deservedly leading very early.
However the hosts quickly woken up and after ten minutes Milford were awarded a penalty when Thomas Grimwood was fouled in the box. Liam Parr stepped up and struck the ball low and to the keepers right side only for Patrick Hannon to make a good save. Chances came for both sides but nobody was able to capitalise. Meaning the visitors went into the break one up.
The Robins came out for the fired up for the second half and quickly pressed for a goal. On the 58th Minute Morgan Picton swung in a corner which was met with a Jacob Horn Header to make it 1-1. Soon after Ieuan Rutherford played a ball through to Liam Parr who ran into the box and struck a left foot shot passed Hannon into the bottom corner for 2-1, shortly after on the 78th minute Morgan Picton picked up a pass outside the box and found the back of the net from 20 yards to make it 3-1 to the Robins.
The hosts thought that was game set and match, but Neyland had other ideas and pushed for a goal and it came from a corner and scored by the head of Patrick Hannon who came up for the corner to make it 3-2. With just minutes left both sides had chances before Alan Boswell blew the final whistle for a Milford win and a place in the quarter final against Clarbeston Road at Marble Hall this Saturday.
Sport
Milford Atheltic into the hat after seven goal thriller
Div 4 Cup Quarter Final at Pill lane.
Milford Athletic 4-3 Carew 3rds.
On a day when the awful Pembrokeshire weather decimated the fixture list once again, the game between Milford Athletic and Carew 3rds at Pill Lane was deemed playable with a morning pitch inspection. Both teams have struggled in the league this season, with Athletic finally finding some semblance of their previous good form more recently. Whilst the pitch was heavy through the middle, it was firm underfoot and both teams were glad to get the game on.
Playing downhill in the first half, Athletic dominated play and had a number of chances before Referee Marty Jones awarded a penalty to the home team in the 8th minute. Club stalwart Dave Hawkins neatly slotted the pen home for a deserved lead, and Athletic looked keen to put the game out of sight going 2 up on 11 minutes. Carew battled hard and kept in the game until the 31st minute when Athletic scored their third, and surely killed the game as a competitive tie. 3-0 with just over half hour played.
To their credit, in driving rain, Carew stepped up a gear and quickly scored 2 superb goals through Jack Broadhurst and Sam Goodwin (who had a blinder today) giving Carew renewed hope for the tie. There was no doubt Carew finished the half stronger, and with the advantage of playing downhill in the second half, the tie was still on a knife edge.
A much closer second half, on a pitch that was now just barely playable, seemed likely to play out with no further addition to the scoreline, when up popped Pete Tunstallbto add a fourth for the home team and this time surely seal the tie.
Both teams were trying to play good football, but the pitch was truly awful at this stage, with the referee checking the playing surface numerous times during the latter stages. It seemed Athletic were cruising home when, in injury time, Carew scored their third of the afternoon, and really made the last few minutes of added time exciting! Despite their best efforts Carew couldn’t equalise, and the home team progress through to the 4th division Cup semi final in a thrilling cup tie, made all the more difficult by horrendous playing conditions.
On an afternoon where the game could have easily got away from the players and ref, both teams played sensibly making the referees afternoon an easy one with just the one booking all game.
Credit to both clubs for managing difficult conditions perfectly and good luck to Athletic in their semi final.
Sport
Narberth’s Joe Allen open to return to international football
Narberth lad Joe Allen has made it clear that if Cymru manager Rob Page were to extend an invitation to return to the international scene for Euro 2024, he wouldn’t hesitate to accept. Turning 34 this week, Allen stepped away from his Cymru career 13 months ago. However, he’s now expressed his readiness to make himself available for potential Euro 2024 participation, although he’s realistic about the likelihood of a call from Page.
Cymru is gearing up to face Finland in a crucial Euro 2024 play-off semi-final at the Cardiff City Stadium this Thursday. Should they emerge victorious, they’ll face either Poland or Estonia five days later, with the opportunity to secure a spot in this summer’s tournament in Germany.
Reflecting on a potential return, Allen remarked, “Of course, if he asked me, I would never decline.” However, he added, “But I’ve been acknowledging lately that I don’t foresee that call coming.” Allen praised the strength of the current Cymru squad, particularly lauding the younger players for their impressive performances. He believes they deserve the chance to showcase their abilities on the Euro stage if they secure qualification.
Allen played a pivotal role during Cymru’s golden era, notably featuring in their memorable Euro 2016 campaign where they reached the semi-finals. He also contributed to Cymru’s qualification for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, albeit facing injury setbacks during the latter tournament.
Despite encountering fitness challenges since returning to Swansea in 2022, Allen is currently enjoying a commendable run of form and fitness this season. Cymru, however, faces some midfield constraints, with players like Josh Sheehan, Charlie Savage, and Dylan Levitt stepping up to fill the gaps. Ethan Ampadu, although primarily a defender for Leeds United, might feature in midfield against Finland, while captain Aaron Ramsey recently made a comeback from injury.
Allen’s decision to retire from Cymru duty last year was influenced by a combination of time and injuries, signalling a passing of the torch to the next generation. Last August, Page emphasised his commitment to nurturing young talent, indicating no plans to persuade Allen to reconsider his retirement.
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