Sport

Wrexham cruise to promotion with emphatic win over Charlton

Published

8 months ago

April 26, 2025

Wrexham 3-0 Charlton Athletic
WREXHAM secured a famous third consecutive promotion as they comfortably beat Charlton Athletic 3-0 at the STōK Cae Ras, clinching their place in the Championship for the first time in over four decades.

With Wycombe Wanderers slipping to defeat earlier in the day, Phil Parkinson’s side knew that a win would guarantee them second place in League One — and they delivered in style.

Ollie Rathbone fired the hosts into an early lead after 15 minutes with a low strike from outside the box, before Sam Smith doubled the advantage just three minutes later with a composed volley following Matty James’ lofted pass.

Charlton struggled to recover from the quickfire double blow. Although Nathan Jones’ men pushed for a response, Wrexham’s well-organised defence — marshalled by Arthur Okonkwo in goal — stood firm to record their 23rd clean sheet of the campaign.

In front of jubilant Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham rounded off the win late on, as Smith rose highest to nod home Max Cleworth’s cross in the 81st minute, sealing his second goal of the afternoon.

The result ended Charlton’s hopes of automatic promotion. The Addicks, currently sitting fifth, will now turn their focus to the League One play-offs.

Key Moments

15′ – Goal: O. Rathbone (Wrexham)
18′ – Goal: S. Smith (Wrexham)
81′ – Goal: S. Smith (Wrexham)

Assists

M. James (15′, 18′)
M. Cleworth (81′)

Match Summary
Parkinson named an unchanged side following the vital win at Blackpool earlier in the week, while Charlton boss Nathan Jones — who had branded Wrexham a “circus” before the game — made two changes to his team.

The match started evenly, but Wrexham took control with two quick goals, prompting chants from the home fans aimed at Jones’ earlier remarks.

Charlton had a couple of half-chances, with Okonkwo making a sharp save from Tennai Watson, but it was Wrexham who looked the more dangerous throughout.

Late substitutions helped Wrexham see the game out comfortably before Smith’s second goal sparked wild celebrations, marking a historic day for the club — who were playing in non-league football just two years ago.

Next Fixtures

Wrexham travel to Lincoln City for the final day of the season.
Charlton host Burton Albion ahead of their play-off campaign.

Sport

Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

Cwmamman United stun Tenby AFC in an unforgettable 3-3 thriller to reach the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup

Cwmamman Utd 3 Tenby AFC 3 (Cwm win 3–2 on pens)

AN EXTRAORDINARY cup tie unfolded at Grenig Park as Cwmamman United and Tenby AFC shared a breathless 3-3 draw, before the hosts edged through 3–2 on penalties.

Tenby struck almost instantly, with Lloyd Hughes finding the net inside the opening minute. Cwm hit back on 14 minutes when Cam Isaac produced a superb finish to level the tie, but Joe Leahy restored Tenby’s lead before the break – a goal that for long spells looked like it might settle the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, however, Cwmamman refused to accept defeat. In the 100th minute, Jackson Brereton pounced to smash home an equaliser and force extra time.

The drama only intensified. Tenby were awarded a hotly disputed penalty in the 114th minute, converted confidently by Hughes. The spot-kick also saw Cwm’s Kieran Rees – who had been excellent alongside Kai O’Donnell at the heart of the defence – shown a red card.

But with virtually the last kick of the game, Cwm’s goalkeeper Kai Rees strode forward for a final desperate attack and unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations around the ground.

Rees was far from finished. In the decisive shootout, he produced two superb saves to secure a 3–2 penalty win and send Cwmamman United into the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Photo: Cwm goalkeeper Kai Rees.

News

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Week Twelve results

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

A PACKET week of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League saw key wins at both ends of the table as teams continue to jostle for position going into the second half of the season.

Match results (Week 12):

Hundleton 10–0 Lamphey
Badgers 2–8 St Johns
Reynalton 0–10 Carew
Kilgetty 8–2 East Williamston
Cosheston v Llanteg – postponed
St Twynnells – bye week

A previously postponed fixture was also completed, with St Twynnells drawing 5–5 with Reynaltón.

League table (after Week 12):
East Williamston remain top, having played 10 and won eight, with a strong shots difference of +125. Reynaltón sit second after 11 games with 58 points, while St Johns and Hundleton follow closely behind on 54 points each.

At the mid-table mark, Carew (49 points), St Twynnells (48) and Kilgetty (46) remain tightly grouped. Badgers, Lamphey, Llanteg and Cosheston make up the lower order, though the number of games played varies, leaving room for movement in the coming weeks.

Full standings:

Team	P	W	D	L	S/D	Points
East Williamston	10	8	0	2	+125	72
Reynaltón	11	5	2	4	+35	58
St Johns	10	5	1	4	+32	54
Hundleton	10	5	1	4	-2	54
Carew	9	5	0	4	-25	49
St Twynnells	10	4	2	4	-34	48
Kilgetty	11	5	0	6	-44	46
Badgers	11	3	1	7	-59	45
Lamphey	11	5	0	6	-10	44
Llanteg	8	4	0	4	-5	41
Cosheston	9	3	1	5	-13	40

If you’d like, I can also turn this into a shorter snippet for the website or expand with quotes, season context, or upcoming fixtures.

Sport

Haverfordwest RFC names Team of the Week

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST Rugby Football Club has announced its latest Team of the Week, celebrating standout performers from across the junior age groups following another busy weekend of fixtures.

Players from the U7s through to the U16s Eagles have been highlighted for their work rate, teamwork and commitment on the pitch, with coaches praising the effort shown by all who took part.

The club said the selections recognise not only individual performances but the dedication shown by players at training and during matches throughout the season.

Parents and supporters were quick to share their congratulations online, with particular praise for U12s players George Bentley and Tom Wheeler, who impressed during their fixture.

Team of the Week – 14 December 2025

U7s: Ollie Bromham & Arthur Slee
U8s: Theo Headland & Lyla Phillips
U9s: Theo Canton & George Thornton
U10s: Rhys Davies
U10s Eagles: Frankie Campbell
U11s: Griff Jenkins & Ollie Edwards
U12s: George Bentley & Tom Wheeler
U12s Eagles: Cyra Ellis
U15s: Logan Keane
U16s Eagles: Laura Cichon

Coaches thanked players and families for their continued support as Haverfordwest RFC moves through the winter fixtures, saying the positivity around the club remains a key part of its success.