Bridge preserve unbeaten run

Published

8 years ago

December 18, 2017

MERLINS Bridge moved up to second in Division 1 as they beat Narberth 2-1 in a game that was over-shadowed by a reckless tackle which sparked a brawl between both sides.

Narberth were coming into this game off the back of their first defeat following an eight game unbeaten run and were keen to get back to winning ways.

The Bridge are also on a good run and are yet to taste defeat so far this season with eight wins and two draws.

The Jesse Road pitch was deemed playable despite early rain throughout the county.

It was Narberth who took the lead early on when they were awarded a penalty and it was Tony Evans who stepped up to score.

The Wizards then equalised midway through the first half as Richard Hughes bundled the ball home.

He could have scored a second moments later when the ball was again played into the box but Richard Hughes could not get enough on the ball as he sent it wide.

Ceri Phillips then played the ball through for Dafydd Wright who went one-on-one with the Bridge keeper but he put his effort over the bar.

There was then a flashpoint in the game as a reckless tackle from Bridge player Matthew D’Ivry saw him catch the Narberth player.

Narberth’s players were unhappy with the challenge and a brawl broke out between both sets of players.

Coaches and subs from each bench had to come on to calm their sides down as referee Paul Rooney called the game off because of what had gone on.

However, both captains persuaded Rooney, who had walked as far as the penalty area, not to call the game off.

After it had all calmed down, Bridge’s D’Ivry was shown a yellow card as was a Narberth player and the game continued.

It remained 1-1 at half time but the game had been overshadowed by the bad-tempered incident.

In the second half it was Will Haworth who put the Wizards ahead with an excellent free kick from 30 yards out.

Narberth had a number of chances to score in the second half but they could not find the net.

The Wizards held on for the victory which moves them to within two points of leaders Goodwick United with both teams having played the same amount of games.

Narberth slip to third following this defeat but they felt hard done by after failing to get something out of the game.

The sides are next in action on Saturday, December 30, when Merlins Bridge are at home to Clarbeston Road, who currently sit fourth in the table.

Narberth are away in their next game as they travel to Angle for a 2:30pm kick off.

Related Topics:Football Merlins Bridge Narberth Pembrokeshire League

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World Cup qualifiers 2026: How are Wales doing?

Published

17 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Staff Writer

THE 2026 World Cup is going to be bigger and better than ever before, with the tournament expanding to accommodate an additional 16 teams this time around, for a total of 48.

This makes qualifying a little more interesting as many more teams have the opportunity to perform on the highest stage. Teams like England were able to secure their place in the competition fairly early, while other groups have been under more pressure to secure top spots – Wales included.

So whether you’re a casual viewer here for the drama, or a dedicated fan watching both on TV and across online betting apps for the best odds, here’s a rundown of how Wales are doing in the World Cup qualifiers.

How are Wales performing?

Wales have been in qualifying Group J, alongside Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. Despite tough competition, Wales, led by head coach Craig Bellamy, have produced some great performances and have given themselves a reasonable chance of making the finals. This would be their third qualification ever, following on from 2022’s success.

They had a strong start against Kazakhstan, in which they claimed a solid 3-1 victory at home. They then drew 1-1 against North Macedonia thanks to a 96th minute equaliser, and thrashed Liechtenstein 3-0 back in June. The undefeated streak ended with a 4-3 loss to group favourites Belgium in Brussels (and again a loss to Rudi Garcia’s team in Cardiff last month).

With another victory over both Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein under their belts, these results have put Wales in a good position within the group, but they nonetheless face a fight to qualify, being two points behind Belgium, and behind North Macedonia on goal difference.

If Wales win and Belgium lose (as unlikely as that seems), they would qualify for the World Cup automatically as group winners.

Lose or draw and it’s the play-offs for Craig Bellamy’s men. In some senses, there’s less pressure on tonight’s match as Wales have already at least qualified for the play-offs as one of the Uefa Nations League group winners. However, finishing second in the group would give them an easier path to qualification.

Looking ahead to the 2026 play-offs

If Wales miss out on topping the group (which is likely), they will have to settle for a play-off spot, which is a much more challenging route to qualification.

Should they lose or draw tonight, they will have to face a top-seeded team away from home to have a chance at reaching the play-off final. However, should they beat North Macedonia, they will play weaker opposition at home.

Today’s crucial game for Wales

The 2026 qualifiers have and continue to be highly competitive in Europe. Wales are in the mix, having proven that they can challenge, but are sitting very much in between favourites and underdogs.

Tonight’s match is looming, the stakes are high, and anything could happen. A win could put them on the path to automatic qualification if Liechtenstein can overcome the odds, while a draw or loss will force them to rely on the hardest play-off route. Welsh fans will be hoping for a strong performance, as well as a bit of luck.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Week eight results and league table

Published

1 day ago

November 17, 2025

Herald Sport

THE SOUTH Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – known as the Friendly League – has released the latest results following week eight of the competition.

Last week’s matches saw:

East Williamston 8–2 Cosheston
Kilgetty 7–3 St Twynnells
Reynalton 5–5 St Johns
Llanteg 8–2 Lamphey

The fixture between Hundleton and Carew was postponed, while Badgers had a bye.

Updated league table – Week eight

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Shot Diff	Points
East Williamston	7	7	0	0	160	62
Reynalton	7	4	1	2	34	40
St Johns	7	3	1	3	-2	35
Cosheston	7	3	0	4	33	33
Badgers	7	3	0	4	-10	33
Llanteg	7	3	0	4	-39	33
Carew	6	3	0	3	-20	30
St Twynnells	7	3	0	4	-45	30
Hundleton	6	3	0	3	-8	29
Lamphey	8	3	0	5	-19	29
Kilgetty	7	3	0	4	-54	26

More fixtures are set to follow as the Friendly League moves into the second half of the season.

Sport

Haverfordwest County Women make it two wins from two in Phase 2

Published

1 day ago

November 17, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women continued their strong start to Phase 2 with an impressive 4–2 victory over a determined Morriston Town side on Sunday.

It was a superb all-round performance from the Bluebirds, combining sharp team play with some outstanding individual finishes. Striker Kayla Jones led the way with a well-taken brace, while Ella May Mumford and Tayla Gibbs also got on the scoresheet to secure all three points.

The win makes it back-to-back victories in Division A, further strengthening the squad’s momentum going into the next fixture.

Haverfordwest County now turn their attention to their next home match on Sunday 23rd, when they host Bonymaen Colts Ladies.

Squad: Rhian Jones, Freya Watkins Williams, Erin Frost, Katie Gibbins, Mollie Flanagan, Bethan Chapman, Tayla Gibbs, Ella May Mumford, Emma Smith, Ffion Kirk, Kayla Jones.