Sport

Ormond wins Senior Cup for Merlins Bridge

Published

8 years ago

April 23, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Chance: Adam Hawkins runs into the box for Merlins Bridge

CHRIS ORMOND’S second half strike gave Merlins Bridge a 2-1 victory over Clarbeston Road in the Senior Cup Final on Saturday (Apr 22).

The game was played at the Bridge Meadow Stadium and just over 1100 fans gathered to watch the final.

A win for Clarbeston Road would have seen them become only the third second division side to win the Senior Cup but it wasn’t to be their day.

Clarbeston Road started on the front foot and could have gone ahead when Richard Bevan headed the ball back across goal but no one was on the end of it and the ball went wide.

Both sides had a number of half chances but the keepers were largely spectators for the opening half an hour.

Steve McNabney sent a shot wide of the post for the Wizards but that was the closest any side came to scoring.

With half an hour gone Dai Davies crossed the ball on the edge of the box for Joe Leahy who shot first time on the half volley into the bottom left corner of the goal to put Merlins Bridge ahead.

However, their lead only last four minutes as Clarbeston Road were given a free kick. Mike Turpin took the kick from nearly 30 yards out and sent it into the top corner of the net to make it 1-1.

Runners up: Clarbeston Road

It stayed that way until half time and both sides were still in with a chance of victory.

Ten minutes into the second half Joe Leahy was sent through but his effort was ruled out for an offside.

Soon after, Clarby were dealt a blow when Turpin was forced off with an injury and he was replaced by Greg Brown.

A minute later Merlins Bridge went ahead after good work from Steve McNabney on the right hand side of the box and he crossed into the area for Chris Ormond to stab the ball into the net.

Clarby were looking to find another equalising goal and came close from a corner after a shot was blocked the ball bounced up to Bevan who headed the ball against the base of the post.

Bevan then saw another shot blocked as Clarby continued to press forward in search of another goal.

With fifteen minutes to go Merlins Bridge’s Adam Hawkins was brought down on the edge of the box by Clarby keeper Matthew Davies who was shown a yellow card.

Winners: Merlins Bridge celebrate their victory

Clarby pushed forward in the final minutes looking to take the game to extra time but Bevan saw another header go over the bar.

They had a late free kick but after the ball bounced around in the Wizards’ box Merlins Bridge were able to clear the ball and the chance had gone.

The final whistle went moments later and Merlins Bridge celebrated winning the Senior Cup.

Speaking to the Herald after the match, Merlins Bridge Manager Nathan Thomas said he had ‘a mixture of emotions’.

He added: “It’s hard to describe the feeling, after all the hard work we’ve put in through the season right the way through to now. Yes it was nip and tuck but all we wanted to was win the game and when the final whistle went it was just fantastic.

“We’ve come away with a trophy this season which we haven’t had in a couple of years so we’re over the moon.

“We had a few stern words at half time but there is only so much we can do, we organise everything and after that it’s up to the players on the pitch. We felt the first half we weren’t at our best but in the second half we came out of the blocks a bit better.

“We said not to give free kicks away because we knew Clarby were dangerous and we didn’t and we did that little bit better in the second half.”

Merlins Bridge coach Taffy said he was lucky enough to win the Senior Cup final as a player and said to win it is part of the coaching team was ‘fantastic’.

He added that Clarby are a very good side and although it was a scrappy game at times, the main thing was to have Merlins Bridge’s name on the cup.

Sport

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

Published

5 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

5 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

5 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.