Sport
TOWN GET NEW SEASON UNDERWAY WITH WIN
Briton Ferry Llansawel 2
Carmarthen Town 4
CARMARTHEN opened their pre-season programme against Welsh League side Briton Ferry whose spirited performance presented a suitably stern challenge for a Town squad that comprised mostly of last season’s regulars plus new signings Mark Jones and Dan Sheehan together with a number of players on trial.
From the outset the game quickly developed into an open end-to-end affair although neither side seemed to possess sufficient flair and vision to breach the opposing defence or seriously test the respective goalkeepers.
But gradually the Old Gold began to enjoy a greater share of possession and territorial advantage and after 21 minutes they eventually produced the first significant chance of the game. Chris Ham pounced on a weak back header by defender Josh Pike and he nodded the ball over ‘keeper Luke Probert as he advanced from his goal only to see it strike the post and bounce safely away.
Then on 26 minutes trialist Rhodri Morgan broke forward down the left flank and from the corner of the penalty area he released a crisp angled drive that drew an impressive full-length save from Probert. However in the 35th minute town’s persistence was rewarded when Liam Thomas raced through the centre to reach a long pass from defence and forced Probert into a hurried clearance that went straight to Chris Hartland who, after neatly slipping past a defender, drilled the ball into the net from close range.
Moments later the Old Gold increased their lead – Hartland picked up a poor clearance following his own corner-kick and from the edge of the penalty area he struck a delightful curling shot into the far top corner of the goal leaving Probert well beaten.
Briton Ferry, stung by that further setback, at last fashioned their first decent scoring opportunity on 42 minutes when Gavin Jones sent a searching cross deep into the penalty area only for Sam Baker to direct his close-range diving header just wide of the post.
After the interval the Welsh League side continued to play with more adventure whilst Town, having made multiple substitutions both at the re-start and shortly afterwards, settled into their reorganised formation, and on 56 minutes Briton Ferry went close to reducing the deficit when former Old Gold defender Ian Hillier rose highest in the packed goalmouth to reach Pike’s corner but directed his header narrowly over the bar.
Yet they were successful in the 72nd minute following a remarkable few moments of goalmouth activity – twice in quick succession Town’s substitute goalkeeper, trialist James Kirkwood, produced outstanding flying saves to block fiercely struck long-range drives but he was unable to resist for a third time as the rebound fell nicely for Ryan Griffiths who rifled the ball home from 15 yards.
Carmarthen’s response was decisive and immediate. Lewis Harling cut inside from the left flank, drifted effortlessly past two defenders and from 25 yards curled the ball sweetly beyond the reach of substitute keeper Kerry Nicholas and into the roof of the net.
Consistent with the emerging pattern of the second-half Briton Ferry soon struck back. On 79 minutes Lee John fired a 20 yard effort that drew another stunning save from Kirkwood but only moments later Steve Davey, with a powerful free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, reduced Town’s lead once more.
But that disappointment simply inspired the Old Gold to press forward with even greater intent during the closing stages and in the 89th minute they restored their two-goal advantage when Rhodri Morgan, just outside the penalty area, with dogged determination won the ball off a defender then slid a neat pass through to Mark Jones who confidently slotted home past Nicholas from 12 yards.
Team:
Lee Idzi (sub James Kirkwood 60); Dan Sheehan; Chris Thomas (sub Craig Hanford 46); Luke Jones (sub Chris Thomas 52); Jordan Knott (sub Kyle Bassett 46); Chris Ham (sub John Lumb 52); Ceri Morgan (sub Lewis Harling 46); Dwaine Bailey (sub Luke Cummings 48); Rhodri Morgan; Liam Thomas (sub Mark Jones 46); Chris Hartland;
Sport
South-West Wales Athletes Aiming to Shine at the Summer Olympics
Two of the finest athletes in south-west Wales are dreaming about bringing home medals from the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Track cyclist Emma Finucane and sailing star Micky Beckett will head to France in a buoyant mood after enjoying a successful build-up to their respective events.
Welsh athletes collected a record-equalling 11 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games and hopes are high that the tally could be beaten this year.
The Carmarthen-born rider cemented her rapid rise up the sprint ranks by winning a gold medal at the 2023 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Glasgow.
She became Great Britain’s first women’s sprint world champion since Becky James in 2013 and is now on track to chase more medals at the Olympics across three events.
The 21-year-old has yearned to compete at the Summer Games since watching Team GB sparkle at London 2012 and she is eager to make her mark this summer.
“It’s a massive dream of mine and it’s pretty cool that I’m kind of living my dream,” Finucane said. “I’m just trying to enjoy the journey and hopefully I’ll get selected and compete for my country.
“And it’s exciting because as the Team GB women’s sprint. I feel like we’re in a really good place to do well at the Olympics, not just compete as Olympians.”
Pembrokeshire-born sailor Beckett will also head to Paris with his sights firmly set on winning gold in the hugely competitive ILCA 7 class.
He will renew rivalries with Australian Matt Wearn, who controversially claimed the World Championship title ahead of Hermann Tomasgaard and Beckett earlier this year.
Online bookmakers rate Wearn as the favourite to emerge victorious this summer, but Beckett’s recent form gives him every chance of turning the tables.
Several new sports betting sites in Australia cut the Welsh sailor’s Olympic odds after he completed a trio of World Cup successes at a recent event in Palma.
Beckett believes the hard work he has done over the past few months gives him every chance of toppling Wearn when the action gets underway this summer.
“There is still plenty of work to do and managing form is probably the most important thing of any athlete’s job,” Beckett said. “There is no point being the best in the world unless you are the best in the world when it counts.
Sport
Kilgetty and Carew Share Spoils in End-of-Season Showdown
In the picturesque setting of Kilgetty, under the soft glow of the evening sun, local football fans were treated to an enticing clash between Kilgetty and Carew in the Pembrokeshire League Division 1. With the season winding down, both sides took to the pitch amidst numerous squad rotations, following a hectic week of multiple fixtures.
The match kicked off in a leisurely pace, resembling more of an end-of-season friendly than a fierce competition. Kilgetty seized the early initiative, with the trio of Josh Bevan, Richard Tebbut, and Richard Cope causing headaches for the Carew defense, skillfully led by Gareth Lewis. It was Jac Waters who broke the deadlock for the home side, putting Kilgetty ahead 1-0 as the first half came to a close.
However, Carew emerged revitalised after the break, with Jonty Bennett, James Hinchcliffe, and Zac Rowell putting in the hard yards to level the score. The introduction of Harvey Drummond for the ineffective Sam Christopher added further depth to Carew’s attacking prowess, culminating in an equaliser courtesy of the excellent Hinchcliffe.
As tensions rose, the game took on a newfound intensity, marked by needless bookings, after a clearly offside goal and a few heated moments on the field. Despite the fatigue evident from their recent fixture congestion, both teams showcased their competitive spirit, treating the fans to an entertaining second half.
In the end, neither side could break the deadlock, with Kilgetty and Carew having to settle for a well-fought 1-1 draw. While neither team was at their absolute best, the match provided a fitting conclusion to their respective seasons.
Sport
The stage is set – Senior Cup Final
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.
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