Sport

Vikings up the pressure in Division One race

Published

4 years ago

January 9, 2020

MANDERWOOD PEMBROKESHIRE LEAGUE

A BLUSTERY but fine day at the Obs saw Hakin put in the sort of performance that reminds their rivals that the title race isn’t over until the Vikings have their say.
With the top of Division One contested by Goodwick Utd and leaders Monkton Swifts at the start of the day, Merlin Bridge’s storming comeback win against Goodwick meant this win propelled Hakin to second in the table.

With a vastly superior goal difference than Goodwick, with whom they are now level on points, and a better goal difference than the Swifts who lead the table by three points, Hakin will want to extract maximum benefit from the game they still have in hand.

If Swifts slip up against Fishguard Sports on Saturday and Hakin play to form against strugglers St Clears, the Vikings could seize the top spot next weekend.
Strengthened by the return of NIcky Woodrow, Hakin were never really in trouble against mid-table Clarbeston Road, who have been dogged by inconsistency all season and undoubtedly suffered from a recent lack of league football.

The returning Woodrow showed he had not lost his scoring touch, finding the net in typically clinical fashion.

A few tasty challenges in midfield never spilt over into anything more serious than a talking to from the referee to the players involved.

Hakin showed greater variety and poise in their play than Clarby and capitalised on moments of poor control by the visitors to press play upfield at every opportunity.
Cameron Thomas opened the scoring for the home team before Nicky Woodrow popped in a neat finish. Ashley Bevan rounded off a strong display from the Vikings with the third.

Elsewhere in the Division, Monkton Swifts hammered Narberth 7-0 away from home, with goals from Ben Steele (2), Jordan Richards (2), Dillon Davies (2), and Martin Carrol. Meanwhile, a hat trick from Steve Lewis allied to braces apiece for Danny Hopkin (2), Matt Harries (2), and Niall Kinsella (2) and a goal for Karl Headley led Fishguard Sports to a 10-1 hammering of second-from-bottom St Clears, who managed a consolation through Jamie Thomas. Bottom side Saundersfoot were edged out 3-2 at home to Carew and Pennar Robins, with a goal apiece for Craig Asparassa and Josh Clarke, shaded Neyland 2-1.

The day’s remaining top division clash was easily the match of the day. In-form Goodwick made the trip to the Racecourse to face a Merlins Bridge who haven’t given up on their title ambitions.

At one point, it looked like game over for the Wizards as Goodwick took a 2-0 lead. However, the home team muscled their way back into the game to clinch a thrilling comeback with three goals to take all three points.

Sport

The stage is set – Senior Cup Final

Published

56 mins ago

April 25, 2024

Herald Sport

It’s the time of the year again, Saturday see’s Bridge Meadow host the senior cup final. The sun has been shining and both teams will be dying to get on the pitch. This year the final will be contested by Goodwick United and Clarbeston Road.

League champions Goodwick will go into the final as favourites, and most around the county expect a Goodwick win. It has been an outstanding season for Goodwick however cup success has evaded them so far. Clarbeston Road have impressed everyone this season and really deserve their place in this years final.

Neill Crawshaw will referee the game, with Tudor Walters and Stefan Jenkins running the line.

There will be a unique contest on the pitch as brothers Will Haworth and Laurie Haworth come face to face on opposing teams. Adrian their father was a great player in the county, and played in many cup finals himself.

The stage is set, Clarby will feel less pressure than Goodwick and will be a threat with Haworth, John and Davies in attack. Meanwhile Goodwick are also blessed with quality players in every department, there is no weak link in O’Sullivans team. Cup football and finals in particular never go as people predict. On paper Goodwick are firm favourites, Clarbeston Road will be happy the game will be played on grass though and not paper, anything can happen! Hopefully it’ll be a good crowd down at the Meadow for the show piece of Pembrokeshire football.

News

70 Pembrokeshire clubs benefit from Sport Wales funding

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SEVENTY Pembrokeshire clubs have been successful in receiving grants from the Be Active Wales Fund over the last financial year.

In total the clubs received more than £407,800 from the grants scheme from Sport Wales in 2023/24.

The fund backed 25 different sports, ranging from archery, basketball and cricket to sailing, short mat bowls and weightlifting and everything in between.

The Be Active Wales Fund is open to applications from not for profit community clubs and groups to help develop and sustain their activities.

Grants range from a minimum of £300 up to a maximum of £50,000.

The scheme will support coach education courses, the purchase of essential items of equipment right up to larger projects such as floodlighting and boats for sailing clubs.

For advice and support with your application contact Alan Jones or Lois Hilling at Pembrokeshire County Council’s Sports Development department, Sport Pembrokeshire on [email protected]

The Be Active Wales Fund is always open for applications.

More information is available on the Sport Wales website.

Sport

Clarby stand in the way of Goodwick double

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2024

Herald Sport

Two thrilling semi finals last weekend has meant Goodwick United and Clarbeston Road will meet in the senior cup final this coming Saturday.

Goodwick faced Pennar Robins in their semi final who pushed the champions very hard. Carl Vincent will be disappointed but proud of the Robins as they gave a great account of themselves. However in the end Goodwick’s quality and experience just was too much for Vincent’s team.

The other semi was an absolute thriller, and after a nail biting game Matthew Fox’ Clarby progressed to the final. A offside call has sparked a lot of debate around the county. However it seems that linesman Jenkins made an absolute perfect call so credit to him for that.

Both teams would have wanted a nice week of preparation for the final, maybe without any games to play. Unfortunately this hasn’t been possible due to the fixture backlog and both outfits have played already this week.

Goodwick will be favourites of course, however if anyone can upset the apple cart Saturday it’s this Clarbeston Road team. Fox’ outfit have impressed over and over this season. Without too much pressure on them, they are in a good place going into the final.

The double at one staged looked like the minimum Goodwick would be aiming for this season. However losses in other cup competitions, means its Senior Cup success or just the league title for the outstanding team of the season. Oddly becoming champions with no cup success maybe seen as a huge disappointment considering their dominance this season. A unique pressure. However if anyone can handle that pressure it’s O’Sullivans outfit.