Sport

Pembrokeshire Second Division football round up

Published

4 months ago

September 16, 2024

THIS weekend’s matches in the Pembrokeshire Second Division were filled with goals, drama, and standout performances. Camrose continued their dominant run, Fishguard Sports demonstrated their strength, while both Lawrenny and Broad Haven remain in trouble. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each match:

Camrose 7-1 Lawrenny
Camrose delivered a stunning 7-1 win over a struggling Lawrenny side. Hat-tricks from Jordan Raymond and veteran Martyn Tweedie, along with a goal from Scott Chalmers, showcased Camrose’s attacking prowess. Tweedie’s experience is clearly proving invaluable, as he continues to lead the team from the front. Lawrenny’s James Phillips scored a consolation goal, but it was another tough outing for them. Since stepping up from Division Three, Lawrenny have struggled to adapt and currently sit at the bottom of the table. If they don’t find form soon, a long hard season could become a reality.

Fishguard Sports 5-0 Carew ll
Fishguard Sports asserted their dominance with a 5-0 demolition of Carew ll, thanks to goals from Luke Thomas, Ieuan Lewellyn, Greg Hughes, Anthony Couzens, and Haydn Hughes. This win solidifies Fishguard’s position as one of the strongest teams in the division, and they currently sit third in the standings. The balance in their squad was on full display, with goals coming from multiple players. As they keep pushing for promotion, Fishguard will be a team to watch out for.

Hakin United ll 0-2 Neyland
Neyland picked up a crucial 2-0 away victory over Hakin United ll, with Sean Hannon and Aidan Rees finding the back of the net. This win keeps Neyland competitive in the league’s top half, while Hakin United ll were unable to respond. Neyland’s defense and disciplined performance on the road were key to their success, putting them in a good position moving forward.

Merlins Bridge ll 3-1 Broad Haven
Merlins Bridge’s second string secured a solid 3-1 win against Broad Haven, with goals from George Mabuzane, Jamie Palmer, and Will Evans. Broad Haven’s Spencer Lepetit managed a goal, but it wasn’t enough to lift them from the bottom of the table. Currently sitting second-bottom with just one point, Broad Haven need to turn things around quickly. Meanwhile, Merlins Bridge ll’s form has been consistent, and this win will give them a further boost as they push for a strong finish.

Monkton Swifts ll 4-3 Solva
In the most entertaining match of the weekend, Monkton Swifts ll came out on top in a seven-goal thriller, beating Solva 4-3. Rudy Poole scored twice, with Lucas Thomas and Marc Edwards also getting on the scoresheet for Monkton. Solva’s Sean Ellison, Josh Bland, and Lucas Price all found the net, but Solva couldn’t quite get the better of Monkton in a high-energy encounter. Monkton Swifts ll showed their resilience and attacking flair, making it a memorable win for the fans. This result puts Monkton in a strong mid-table position, while Solva will be disappointed to have lost out in such a close game.

Narberth 1-0 Johnston
Narberth secured a narrow but important 1-0 victory over Johnston, with Steffan Williams scoring the only goal of the game. This win sees Narberth climb to second place in the table, just behind Camrose. While the scoreline was tight, Narberth’s defensive discipline paid off. Johnston, on the other hand, continue to struggle and have only managed three points from five games, leaving them perilously close to the relegation zone.

With Camrose leading the charge, Narberth and Fishguard Sports will look to keep up the pressure as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Lawrenny, Broad Haven, and Johnston have plenty of work to do if they want to avoid a relegation battle.

Sport

Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season

Published

3 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARMARTHEN TOWN AFC’s long-serving manager, Mark Aizlewood, has announced that he will not be renewing his contract, marking the end of an era for the club. In a heartfelt statement released on January 14, 2025, Aizlewood revealed this season would be his last at the helm of the Old Gold.

Aizlewood expressed gratitude to the players, staff, volunteers, directors, sponsors, and supporters who have supported him throughout his tenure. “The people of CTFC have made me one of their own,” he said, despite living 60 miles away. He also extended heartfelt thanks to his wife and family for their understanding and unwavering support.

Two decades of success

Aizlewood has been a defining figure in the club’s history, holding a UEFA Pro Licence for over 30 years and leading Carmarthen Town AFC to consistent top-six finishes in the Welsh league, as well as cup victories and European qualifications. “In my 20+ years at the club, these achievements became the norm, and we were at the very top of the football ecosystem in Wales,” Aizlewood remarked.

However, he acknowledged that the current situation at the club has shifted, adding, “Unfortunately, this is not the case any longer. The ship is pointing in the right direction, and the destination is agreed by all, but perhaps now is the right time for a new captain to steer the club along its agreed journey.”

Looking ahead

Aizlewood assured fans he remains passionate about football, declaring he will retain his UEFA Pro Licence and remain involved in the sport. As Carmarthen Town AFC prepares for a new chapter, Aizlewood wished his successor and the club every success in the future.

A legacy of dedication

Mark Aizlewood’s departure signals the end of one of the longest managerial tenures in Welsh football, a career marked by dedication, achievement, and an unyielding love for the game. His leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Carmarthen Town AFC.

The search for a new manager begins as the club aims to build on Aizlewood’s formidable achievements and continue its proud tradition in Welsh football.

Cover image credit: Lewis Mitchell/FAW

Sport

Letterston marksman wins junior athlete award

Published

6 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TALENTED young athlete from Letterston has been honoured at the British Shooting Awards 2024.

Seren Thorne was shortlisted for the prestigious awards and attended the gala event held at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. To the delight of her family and supporters, Seren was named the winner of the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award.

This accolade highlights Seren’s exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, marking her as one of the rising stars in British shooting.

Her mother, Sian Thorne, expressed immense pride in Seren’s achievement, sharing photos of the memorable evening.

The British Shooting Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the sport, with a full list of winners available on their official website.

PHOTO CAPTION: Champion marksman: Seren Thorne receiving the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award (Pic: Supplied).

Sport

Previewing the 2025 Super Bowl

Published

6 days ago

January 20, 2025

Staff Writer

Each year millions of people across the world gather to watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year – the Super Bowl. Last year, 3.4 million people in the UK watched the Super Bowl, up 1.1 million from the previous year. Considering the growth in popularity of American football in the UK, we anticipate the viewership will be even higher for 2025.

The 2025 Super Bowl is scheduled to take place on 9 February 2025 at Caesars Superdrome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

NFL teams

12 teams began competing for a spot in the 2025 Super Bowl when the playoffs began on January 11. At this point, four teams were eliminated. This now leaves eight teams to compete in the Divisional playoffs. Four of these will make it to the Conference Championships before contesting for a spot at this year’s Super Bowl.

The eight teams left with a shot at competing in the 2025 Super Bowl are:

Philadelphia Eagles
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams
Washington Commanders

Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs took the title for the second year in a row. However, the latest Super Bowl odds puts the Detroit Lions as the favourites to win this year’s Super Bowl, following a series of impressive performances in the regular season.

The national anthem and halftime show

Before the game commences, a special guest performs the national anthem. Last year, Reba McEntire offered a moving performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, and this year the task falls to jazz singer Jon Batiste.

It’s not just the football match that people look forward to. Super Bowl halftime shows are a spectacle in themselves and many look forward to the performance as much as the game itself. This year, 17-time grammy winner Kendrick Lamar is headlining the halftime show. Lamar previously headlined the Super Bowl in 2022.

How can I watch the Super Bowl in the UK?

The Super Bowl is being broadcast to fans free on ITV, including live online via ITVX on your laptop, mobile, or tablet.

Sky Sports is also broadcasting the event which you can watch online via Sky Go, NOW TV, or using the Sky Sports mobile app. You could also head to your local pub as plenty of pubs in Pembrokeshire will be showing the big game.

Will you be tuning in?

With a surge in popularity for American Football, it’s anticipated that more people from the UK than ever before will be turning their TVs on for the big event this year. Will you be watching this year’s Super Bowl?