Sport
Road to Russia ended by the Republic
By Jonathan Twigg
WALES’ World Cup journey ended on Monday (Oct 9) at the Cardiff City Stadium when they were beaten 1-0 with a goal by James McClean of the Republic of Ireland in an emotional, tense but drab encounter.
The evening started with a rousing rendition of ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’, which moved the crowds mood to a crescendo and the Welsh team, lacking the mercurial Gareth Bale responded through possession and territory, which failed to generate chances to open the scoring.
The requirement was simple; beat the visitors and take a pathway through the play offs, probably as a seeded team and if luck ran with the Welsh players then maybe gaining automatic qualification if Serbia didn’t beat Georgia. Neither happened as Martin O’Neil, manager of the ’boys in green’ conjured up a master plan to outwit his opposite number Chris Coleman.
Predicted as the biggest game for Wales in a generation, after the disappointment of play-off elimination at the hands of Russia in 2004, a Paul Bodin penalty miss in the fatal night in 1994 and perhaps back as far as Scotland’s Joe Jordan’s handball in 1978. Wales can’t make that final step to infinity and the World Cup Finals, their last game being a quarter final defeat at the hands of champions Brazil in Gothenburg, Sweden, although an inspired semi-final performance at the 2016 Euro’s had heightened the publics expectations, perhaps falsely.
Without Bale, the collective team spirit needed to come to the fore for the Dragon, but it failed to ignite against an Irish team which out muscled them in key areas. Stoke City’s Pembrokeshire born midfielder Joe Allen left the field in a groggy state after being the filling in a sandwich, the bread supplied by skipper David Meyler and striker McClean. Wales couldn’t adapt to the loss of Allen with the normally bright Aaron Ramsey and youngster Lawrence unable to produce the magic moments.
The winner came in the 57 minute with the crowd rekindling the spirit of Euro 2016 with a rendition of ‘please don’t take me home’ when Jeff Hendrick robbed skipper Ashley Williams of the ball to whip in a cross from the right hand side for McClean to meet on the half volley.
The goal which stunned 30,000 voices into silence, 3000 Irishmen apart, saw Wales fall behind for the first time in the World Cup qualifying campaign and the crowd felt the unease as the team struggled to gain parity in the game.
Reflection shouldn’t be on the disappointing result in the final game, more perhaps on the team’s inability to secure three points in fixtures they were in control of during the campaign.
In 12 months they drew with Austria, Georgia, Serbia twice and the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, the first four of those fixtures saw them leading on each occasion. Coming into the last game they had won three on the bounce and held prime position for qualification for the play-offs in their own hands.
The defeat, a first on home soil since Serbia in 2013 takes some of the momentum out of Chris Coleman’s managerial reign, where a top draw offering of a return to Club football may see him venture to pastures new.
It could also mark the end for some stalwart performers as Ashley Williams, Chris Gunter and Joe Ledley head a list of players who may find another two year campaign too much for their aging limbs.
Wales’ golden generation may well be changing although the future is bright with a conveyor belt of talented youngsters now on the verge of the squad.
Optimism remains high from a Welsh public desperate to see their heroes reach a World Cup Final, where we are ranked thirteenth in the World.
There is still time for the Dragon’s roar to breath some real fire on the World stage.
Hakin United secure hard-fought win over Carew
Hakin United 3-1 Carew
HAKIN UNITED overcame a determined Carew side at the Obs, with two late goals securing the victory.
Ryan Wilson opened the scoring in the 16th minute, volleying home from a Jack Britton corner. Carew responded before halftime when Marcus Griffiths won and converted a penalty after being brought down by Mark Jones.
Jones made amends in the second half, setting up Shane Walsh to restore Hakin’s lead in the 77th minute. In stoppage time, Britton played in Alfie Stotter, who sealed the win with a delicate chip.
Goodwick United close in on league title
Goodwick United 5-0 Kilgetty
Goodwick United moved one step closer to retaining their league title with a commanding win over 10-man Kilgetty.
Will Haworth opened the scoring just before halftime with an overhead kick, and moments later, Nathan Greene doubled the lead with a powerful header from a Jonny Horgan corner.
Kilgetty’s hopes faded further in the second half when Kyle Marsh was sent off for a second booking. Goodwick capitalised, adding goals through Rhys Jones, substitute Kieran Blundell, and a second for Haworth to complete the rout.
They now need just one more win from their final three games to secure the championship.
Pennar Robins run riot as Herbrandston’s season ends in heavy defeat
Herbrandston 0-15 Pennar Robins
Relegated Herbrandston endured a crushing defeat in their final game, as Pennar Robins ran rampant with 15 unanswered goals.
Ben Adams led the charge with five, while Jack Jones netted four. Cameron Brunton added a hat-trick, with Noah Davison, Nick Willis, and Liam Williams also on the scoresheet.
Despite a difficult season, credit must go to Herbrandston and their leadership, with the club now looking ahead to a fresh start in August.
Milford United 2-1 Clarbeston Road
MILFORD UNITED booked their place in the Senior Cup final with a spirited and fearless performance, overcoming defending champions Clarbeston Road in a dramatic semi-final at Bridge Meadow.
With both sides having beaten each other in the league, a competitive encounter was expected, and The Robins wasted no time in making their mark. Young Jack Dyer fired them into the lead in the fourth minute with a superb volley, setting the tone for an intense battle.
Milford had a golden chance to double their advantage just before the half-hour mark, but Clarby held firm, ensuring the deficit remained at one goal heading into the break.
Half-time: Milford United 1-0 Clarbeston Road
Clarby came out strongly in the second half, piling on the pressure from the restart. Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy produced a series of crucial saves, but in the 62nd minute, Clarby found the breakthrough, levelling the game at 1-1.
Moments later, Milford were dealt a major blow when captain Scott Griffiths was shown a straight red card, leaving them to battle the remainder of the match with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, The Robins showed incredible resolve, and in the 82nd minute, Scott Reid fired home from close range to restore Milford’s lead—sparking wild celebrations among their supporters.
Milford saw out the closing stages with a determined defensive effort, securing a hard-fought victory that showcased their grit and resilience.
They will now face old rivals Hakin United in the final at Bridge Meadow on Saturday, April 12, with momentum firmly on their side.
HAVERFORDWEST 13-52 TENBY UNITED
TENBY UNITED asserted their dominance in a knockout cup clash against Haverfordwest, securing a commanding 52-13 victory on Saturday.
The Seasiders entered the match as strong favourites given the gulf between the two sides in league standings. Despite a determined effort from Haverfordwest, they trailed by 18 points at halftime and conceded another 21 in the second half without adding to their tally.
Jack Broadhurst opened the scoring for Tenby before Haverfordwest responded with a well-worked try from Guy Barrons, converted by Jack Codd. However, Tenby quickly regained control. Hywel Baker powered over, Kyle Rossiter finished a forward drive, and Tom Edmonds crossed after a break from Dai Jones. Lloyd Thomas added the extras before No. 8 Jack Brown crashed over just before the break to extend the lead.
The Blues had promising spells and earned two penalties, both converted by Codd, but failed to capitalise on further opportunities. In the second half, Tenby’s dominance continued. Gwion Jones, Lloyd Thomas, and Ryan Bolton all added tries, with Thomas finishing the match with 17 points in a one-sided contest.
Government’s £5bn benefits crackdown: What It means for Pembrokeshire
New reforms could hit disability claimants hardest THE UK GOVERNMENT has unveiled a major reform of the welfare system, aiming...
Police confirm tragic death of teenage girl in Burton
EMERGENCY services responded to a medical emergency at a property in Burton on Saturday (Mar 15). Dyfed-Powys Police say they...
Much-loved radio DJ and entertainer Matt Baker passes away
TRIBUTES have poured in following the sudden passing of Matt Baker, a well-loved radio DJ, entertainer, and former pub landlord,...
Pembrokeshire households could benefit from new energy infrastructure
HOUSEHOLDS in Pembrokeshire and other areas near new or upgraded electricity pylons are set to receive bill discounts of up...
Pembrokeshire MS calls for reversal of ‘family farm’ and ‘jobs’ taxes
THE UK’S economy experienced an unexpected contraction of 0.1% in January 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS),...
England thrash Wales with 10-try rout but miss out on Six Nations title
Wales 14-68 England Youngster Henry Pollock shines with two debut tries in Cardiff drubbing ENGLAND delivered their most dominant performance...
Wales v England: A battle for pride and the title
TODAY the Six Nations reaches its climax – it’s Super Saturday, Wales and England prepare for a clash in Cardiff...
Child sexual crime in Pembrokeshire: Perception vs. reality
IN RECENT years, concerns have grown among Pembrokeshire residents regarding the perceived high number of child sexual offences in the...
Software engineer collided with bus near Cleddau Bridge deliberately
A TRAGIC collision near the Cleddau Bridge claimed the life of a Pembrokeshire software engineer, an inquest has heard. Matthew...
Local Authority is ‘hoarding cash’ as Council Tax rises by 9.35%, says MS
DEMANDS FOR REFORM AS COUNCIL’S £83 MILLION RESERVES REVEALED PEMBROKESHIRE residents are bracing for a 9.35% council tax rise, despite...
-
News2 days agoCampaigners urge Welsh Government to end animal testing
-
Education2 days agoFormer Ysgol y Preseli headmaster passes following battle with cancer
-
Crime6 days agoCalls for urgent reform as violence among teens rises in Wales
-
Community2 days ago
Much-loved radio DJ and entertainer Matt Baker passes away
-
News6 days agoDelays to Wales’ tribunal system ‘deeply troubling’
-
Top News6 days agoHaverfordwest man accused of repeated assaults on partner to face Crown Court trial
-
News21 hours ago
Police confirm tragic death of teenage girl in Burton
-
Sport7 days agoHakin United secure final spot with second-half surge