Sport

Football: Pembrokeshire Second Division round-up

Published

2 months ago

November 26, 2024

THE PEMBROKESHIRE Second Division season is heating up, with fierce competition at both ends of the table as teams fight for promotion and survival.

At the summit, Hakin United FC Reserves lead the pack with 31 points from 14 games. Their consistency, bolstered by a strong +35 goal difference, has set them apart. Their impressive form (5 wins in their last 5) marks them as the frontrunners in the title race.

Chasing closely in second and third are Narberth AFC and Camrose AFC, with 29 and 28 points respectively. Narberth’s resolute defense and clinical attack have made them strong contenders, while Camrose’s high-scoring games keep them within striking distance despite a recent slip-up.

Fishguard Sports sit fourth with 24 points from 10 games, boasting the best goal difference in the league (+42). With games in hand, they could potentially challenge the top three if they maintain their form.

Merlins Bridge FC 2nd Team and Neyland FC, in fifth and sixth with 21 and 20 points respectively, have seen mixed fortunes this season. While Merlins Bridge have been inconsistent, Neyland’s recent upturn in form could push them further up the table as the season progresses.

The lower half of the table paints a different story. Johnston AFC, in seventh with 15 points, appear relatively safe for now, but the gap between them and the relegation-threatened teams isn’t insurmountable.

Solva AFC, Monkton Swifts FC Reserves, and Carew AFC Reserves are in a tough battle to escape the relegation zone, with 11, 10, and 8 points respectively. All three teams have struggled defensively, making it difficult to put together consistent performances.

At the bottom, Lawrenny AFC and Broad Haven FC are in dire straits. Lawrenny have 8 points but have been unable to find form recently, while Broad Haven remain rooted to the foot of the table with just 3 points and a woeful -45 goal difference. Broad Haven will need a dramatic turnaround to salvage their season.

With promotion spots tightly contested and the relegation battle intensifying, the Pembrokeshire Second Division promises plenty of drama in the weeks ahead. Every point will count as teams push to achieve their goals in this competitive league.

Sport

Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season

Published

2 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

5 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?