Sport
Cullen scores twice as Swans sink Forest in FA Cup
SWANSEA City’s Liam Cullen scored twice on Saturday as he helped his side to a 5-1 thrashing over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
It also set up a fifth round tie with Premier League giants Manchester City after they overcame their opponents Cheltenham Town.
Cullen, born in Tenby, netted the opener in the first half and added his second after half time.
He was denied the chance to go for an FA Cup hat-trick however as he limped off late on with an ankle injury.
Forest, perhaps with one eye on maintaining their Championship status, made ten changes for the game and featured two players that had recently returned from injury.
Swansea gave a debut to new signing Conor Hourihane
The game was only seven minutes old when Wayne Routledge crossed from the right and Cullen volleyed the ball back across goal and into the bottom corner, wrong-footing Forest’s stand-in keeper Jordan Smith.
Routledge was then forced off with an injury but his replacement was the in-from Jamal Lowe.
He almost made an instant impact as he was sent through on goal but his touch let him down and Smith was able to claim the ball.
Forest threatened briefly when Joe Lolley crossed into the box but the Swans were able to clear before Anthony Knockaert could get on the end of it.
The Swans were almost two ahead when Forest defender Joe Worrall headed the ball towards his own goal but from the resulting corner they doubled their lead in stunning fashion.
The corner was cleared but the home side played the ball to Matt Grimes, captain for the game, who unleashed an unstoppable shot that flew past Smith and into the top right corner.
Connor Roberts then came close with a header and he also had the ball in the net a minute later but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Forest made two subs at the start of the second half and came out the better side. Joe Lolley went close but his shot was saved by Swans keeper Woodman.
Then, shortly before the hour mark, the Reds were back in it. Lolley gathered the ball in the box but when he was brought down the ball fell to Knockaert who fired in to make it 2-1.
However, any hopes Forest had of mounting a comeback were soon dashed as two minutes later the Swans were awarded a penalty.
Joe Worrall was adjudged to have fouled Ryan Manning although replays suggested Manning stuck his foot towards Worrall’s leg to win the foul.
Grimes sent the keeper the wrong way to score his second of the afternoon and put the Swans 3-1 ahead.
Manning also came close to scoring but Smith was able to palm away his effort.
He then turned provider as he crossed into the box for Cullen who shot low into the bottom left corner to make it 4-1.
The Swans had already made their five substitutions before Cullen went off injured but that didn’t stop them.
With five minutes to go Jamal Lowe saw his shot blocked but the ball fell to sub Ollie Cooper whose shot squirmed in despite Smith’s best efforts.
It was an excellent display from the Swans who will now look forward to their fifth round tie with Manchester City.
Before that though they face two crucial Championship games, at home to Brentford on Wednesday before a trip to Rotherham on Saturday.
News
Rugby Weekly – Tenby’s promotion push continues
It’s crunch time for all rugby clubs around the county, whether promotion is their aim or fighting relegation or even just trying to improve their league position, it’s now or never.
Last weekend saw an important win for Fishguard in division two west which should put any relegation fears to bed completely. James Griffiths added an impressive 18 points for the Seagulls as they defeated Nantgaredig 33-19.
Elsewhere in the second division, Milford were beaten 32-8 by a good Lampeter outfit. The Mariners are still a little too close for comfort with the drop zone but should have enough quality to see them safe.
At the other end of the table Tenby sit in second place and have played fewer games than leaders St Clears and third place Lampeter. They won impressively again last weekend, beating Pontyberem 64-19 at Haywood Lane. Fletcher Broadhurst impressed with two tries as did Hywel Baker who also grabbed himself a brace. Another excellent performance in an outstanding season so far in which promotion would be the absolute icing on the cake.
In Division Three West, Pembroke were well beaten by Laugharne 74-15 in which the outstanding Liam Price and Nico Setaro both crossed the whitewash 4 teams a piece. The latter also added 7 successful conversions.
There was a local derby at Pill Parks where Llangwm hosted Pembroke Dock Quins and it was an exciting clash. The visitors won narrowly 28-23, Craig Barnett and Gethin Bradney both scored two tries for the Quins. The Wasps battled hard and will be proud of their performance, Gethin Thomas impressed for the hosts with two tries of his own but it wasn’t enough to secure the points.
St David’s hosted the high flying Cardigan outfit and were unable to score in reply to the visitors 20 points, with it ending 20-0. The Saints however won’t be losing too much sleep over it as they have had a great season so far.
Sport
Crunch time – Pembrokeshire Division 1 Round Up
An important round of fixtures last weekend, saw Fishguard’s fate in theory sealed if not mathematically. Neyland join them in the relegation places and look unlikely to be able to escape them now. While the Seasiders moved up to fourth, in what is an excellent return to Pembrokeshire’s top flight.
Noir’s men won 2-1 over Monkton Swifts, in a win that puts Tenby on 28 points in fourth but level on points with the Bridge who sit in third. Goals from two of their star players ensured the three points, with Darryl Mansbridge and Adam Muskett finding the back of the net.
Meanwhile, Hakin saw off ten men Pennar 3-1 who lost Connor Roberts a key player to a red card after just 29 minutes. Frustration got the better of manager Carl Vincent who also saw red near the end.
Carew came out on top of a five goal thriller away at Fishguard Sports who now look to be all but relegated. The visitors played a large portion of the game with ten men after losing keeper Harries to a red card just before the interval. It ended 3-2 with the visitors taking the points thanks to goals from a Hinchcliffe brace and Morgan.
In the six pointer at the foot of the table, it ended up being a single point for both teams. Neyland and Kilgetty couldn’t be separated as they drew 2-2, a result that is far more damaging for Neyland than Kilgetty. Neyland now sit three points behind Kilgetty but having played four games more than them. A win for Kilgetty in their remaining seven games would mean Neyland have to win at least two of their remaining three games which seems unlikely.
Sport
The Treble is on – Goodwick win again.
Goodwick went into their visit to Merlins Bridge in the Senior Cup as firm favourites, against a Bridge side capable of causing an upset. However there was no magic of the cup on this occasion for the Wizards.
Goodwick put five past the hosts and made sure it was a comfortable afternoon for them as they’ve become very used to lately. A brace a piece for Dalling and Haworth along with a Horgan goal sealed the deal for O’Sullivans men.
Another dominant display for an excellent outfit, who were missing a key player in Rhys Jones although their strength in depth was really demonstrated here. The treble must now be on everyone’s minds even if they don’t want to talk about it too much yet. You definitely wouldn’t bet against this team right now.
The win means Goodwick are into their second semi final of the season, ahead of their huge clash with Penlan in the West Wales Cup semi final on the 2nd of April.
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