Sport

Blain heroics set up thumping win

Published

9 years ago

February 11, 2016

Carmarthenshire League 1

Pembrokeshire League 7

At Stebonheath Park

PEMBROKESHIRE made the journey to Stebonheath Park in Llanelli to take on their counterparts from the Carmarthenshire League in the rebooted SB Williams Inter- League Cup, and the game lived up to it’s pre-match billing, including everything from top-class saves to a plethora of goals, with a red card thrown in for good measure.

The Pembrokeshire Squad: Training hard on Sunday ahead of the game

The hero for the Pembrokeshire side was West Dragon’s goalkeeper Peter Blain, who produced some outstanding saves early on to keep his side in the game, with the hosts looking certain to open the scoring on several occasions in the opening quarter of the game.

Pembrokeshire slowly grew into the game, and perhaps were unlucky not to take the lead when Hakin’s prolific marksman Nicky Woodrow headed home from fellow Hakin player Ashley Bevan’s first time cross, the Swansea linesman however ruled that the striker had strayed offside.

Carmarthenshire had enjoyed a lot of possession down the left hand flank and the visitors right back Steve Allen had found himself under pressure for the majority of the opening period, however when he was eventually awarded some space to attack just before half time, he produced a fine through ball that again set Woodrow free.

Woodrow showed his experience in front of goal by providing a perfect ball to his strike partner Rhys Dalling, who slotted past keeper Darren Greene at the second attempt after Greene had done well to keep out the Goodwick mans initial effort, sending the visitors in at the break a goal to the good.

Carmarthenshire came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half, determined to get back level in the game, however they were once again frustrated by the incredible Blain.

This led Pembrokeshire manager Gary Dawes to shuffle his pack, as he brought on the experienced Chris O’Sullivan in midfield to sure things up. It immediately paid dividends as Jonny Horgan, who had grabbed a brace on the weekend against Carew, hit a fine volley into the top corner after Woodrow had set him up, to double the visitor’s lead.

Carmarthen were not prepared to just lie down though, and again they tested the abilities of Blain, who kept out a stinging Rob Jones drive, a Louis Jackson freekick and a great effort from substitute Adam Jones in a blistering five minute spell from the home side.

The game turned on it’s head when Pembrokeshire broke away on the counter and with Rhys Dalling clean through on goal, centre back Ashley Thomas in his desperation, had no chance but to haul him down, conceding a penalty, and receiving his marching orders from referee Dave Morgan. Allen stepped up to put his side 3-0 up, and with the game all but gone Carmarthen could’ve been forgiven for giving up.

However they responded almost immediately as Loughor striker Rob Jones turned home an Adam Jones cross to finally breach Blain’s defences, but when Dawes brought on fresh legs in attacking areas, it was curtains for the hosts.

A woeful mistake by goalkeeper Greene allowed Woodrow to grab his first, before Horgan completed his brace with a brilliant chipped finish.

It was left to the Hakin boys to complete the rout as Ben Steele smashed home before Woodrow too grabbed a second to go along with his two assists to complete a hard-earned victory.

Pembrokeshire Coach Steve Briers was delighted with the result and in particular the performance of keeper Blain, and said the county side are already looking forward to their next game:

“It was fantastic to see two top sides going at each other and really showing pride in playing for the badge on the shirt.

“The scoreline suggests that we have ran out as easy winners, but that couldn’t be further from the truth as Carmarthenshire were really a very strong side.

“They were dominant in the opening exchanges and if it wasn’t for Blainy (Peter Blain) then we really would’ve been two-nil down inside the first 20 minutes. “It was a difficult opening period for us and they were particularly strong down the left hand side, with Steve Allen adjusting to their wingers pace and trickery after the opening 10 minutes.

“They created a few clear cut opportunities and really Blainy produced some world class saves that kept us in the game, if those efforts would’ve gone in, which they looked like they were going to, then it would’ve been a completely different game. He really was the man of the match, which is bizarre in a 7-1 win.

“As it was we were still in it and we settled down well after that, and luckily got the goal before the break to give us the advantage, which gave us the confidence to kick on.

“Gary (Dawes) made a tactical change at the break and brought on Chris O’Sullivan to sit in front of the defence. We ran the risk of being overrun on the counter in the channels, but Sully organised everyone well, and his experience really made the difference as we were able to win the midfield battle by having 5 in there.

“It was a great performance in the end with everyone putting in a shift for the badge, and it was great to see.

“We’ll take confidence from this one and look forward to our next game at home on the Meadow.”

Pembrokeshire are next in action on February 24 when they host Neath League at the Conygar Bridge Meadow, Haverfordwest.

Teams:

Carmarthenshire League: Darren Greene (Wellfield): Mark Standen (Seaside); Mike Yates (Seaside); Ashley Thomas (Loughor); Ross Harding (Loughor); Callum Thomas (Seaside); Louis Jackson (Loughor); Matthew Hurford (Loughor); Stuart Rees (Evans & Williams); Rob Jones (Loughor); Matthew Williams (Seaside).

Substitutes: Lee Griffin (Penllegaer); Shaun Rees (Pengelli); Graham Dutton (Penllegaer); Adam Jones (Wellfield); Kellen Johns (Bwlch).

Pembrokeshire League: Peter Blain (West Dragons): Matthew Broome (Hakin United); Nathan Banner (Hakin United); Chris Ormond (Merlins Bridge); Steve Allen (West Dragons): Ashley Bevan (Hakin United); Johnny Horgan (Goodwick United); Rob Morgans (Goodwick United); Ben Steele (Hakin United): Rhys Dalling (Goodwick United); Nicky Woodrow (Hakin United).

Substitutes: Patrick Hannon (Neyland); Sean Seymour-Davies (St Clears); Daniel Bryce (West Dragons); Chris O’Sullivan (Goodwick United); Matthew Price (West Dragons).

Sport

Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6

BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.

The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.

St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.

Team line-ups

Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.

St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.

Sport

Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Goodwick United 7-0 Carew

Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.

Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports

Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.

Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United

Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.

Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road

In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.

Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers

Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.

Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins

Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.

Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes

Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.

Analysis:

Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Sport

Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Broad Haven 4-4 Solva

In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.

Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports

Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.

Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II

Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.

Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II

The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.

Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth

Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.

Analysis:

The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.