Sport
Vikings and Wizards lock horns in West Wales Cup semi

TONIGHT (March 26), Hakin United will take on rivals Merlins Bridge in the semi-final of the West Wales Cup at the Bridge Meadow stadium in Haverfordwest.
It will be the latest chapter in a long rivalry between the two clubs but with a place in the final up for grabs this one is going to be extra special.
Merlins Bridge won a thrilling game between the two sides earlier in the season 4-3 at the Racecourse but Hakin will be looking to exact some revenge for that defeat.
The Wizards are having a strong season with just one league defeat to their name, against leaders Monkton Swifts, and are also in the final of the Senior Cup, having also beat Hakin on their way.
Hakin United sit five points behind their opponents in the table after three defeats in their fourteen games so far.
It will be another exciting and close game between the two teams and one that is not to be missed.
The Vikings have been in five finals, winning it three times, including once in the 50s when it was called the Amateurs Cup.
Merlins Bridge have been in the semi-finals twice but have never reached the final and they will be hoping to make it third time lucky.
Route to the final
They began their run to the last four with a 1-0 win away to Kilvey Fords in October with Will Haworth grabbing the only goal to send them through to round 2.
The Wizards were again drawn away from home to last season’s beaten finalists Penlan Club but they again came back with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Joe Leahy.
In the third round Merlins Bridge played Monkton Swifts and two goals from Nathan Greene and another from Leahy gave them a 3-0 win.
Leahy and Greene were at it again in the fourth round as they both scored to earn the Wizards a 2-1 win over Swansea side Llandarcy.
Merlins Bridge were drawn at home to Plough Colts in the last eight and earned a 5-2 win with Adam Hawkins scoring twice and other goals from Leahy, Greene and Dai Davies.
Leahy and Greene have both been on the scoresheet in each round from the third round and Hakin will do well to keep these two quiet.
The Vikings played Llandeilo in the first round and came away with a 5-2 thanks to a hat trick from Cameron Thomas and other goals from Shane Walsh and Nicky Woodrow.
Woodrow then scored four for the Vikings in round 2 as he helped his side thrash Milford United 12-2. Justin Harding, Mark Jones and Ryan Wilson all scored twice in that game alongside others from Shane Walsh and Adam John.
Hakin played Morriston Town in the third round and earned a 3-0 win thanks to a Woodrow hat trick.
In the fourth round, Hakin needed extra time to get past St Josephs as two goals from Justin Harding and another from Walsh saw them through.
In the quarter final they were drawn against holders Goodwick United and came from behind to win 3-1 thanks to two goals from Woodrow and one from Ryan Wilson.
Justin Harding and Nicky Woodrow have both been in good scoring from in the Cup and they will likely prove a handful for the Bridge defence.
What they say
The Herald asked both camps for their thoughts on the game and here is what they had to say.
Hakin United manager Kristian Bennet said: “It’s going to be a battle! It is a big pitch and it will be a big occasion so it should be a cracker. The players are looking forward to it with it being one step from the Liberty.”
Merlins Bridge boss Matthew D’Ivry said: “It’s going to be a tough one, I have been with the club for fifteen years but we’ve never been in the West Wales final in that time. We’ve had a hell of a draw against Penlan, who were favourites, who we beat to zero, and we then beat Monkton, Kilvey and Llandarcy.
“It will be strange playing Hakin but we know their qualities but we are confident that if we perform to our capabilities no one in west Wales can beat us. The (Senior Cup semi-final) result will give us confidence but we will have to be careful of being over-confident.
“It’s massive for both clubs but I am confident our boys will give absolutely everything.”
The final will take place at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea on Tuesday, May 7.
Sport
St Clears and Letterston shine as Neyland struggles in Division 3

THE PEMBROKESHIRE Third Division delivered another thrilling weekend of football, with key results shaping the league standings.
Clarbeston Road II capitalises on Neyland errors
Clarbeston Road II secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Neyland Reserves, with Robert Reed-Griffiths and Henry Lucas both getting on the scoresheet. Neyland’s woes were compounded by two own goals, further adding to their struggles. Mason Morgans-Hurley netted Neyland’s only goal, but it was not enough to prevent yet another defeat.
Pendine and Kilgetty II battle to a draw
Pendine and Kilgetty II played out a 2-2 draw in a hard-fought contest. Carl Gwyther and Andrew Evans (penalty) found the net for Kilgetty, while Julian Blewitt and Kyran Lewis (penalty) ensured Pendine earned a share of the points. The result keeps Pendine in the promotion race, while Kilgetty II continues their push to climb the table.
St Clears see off Haverfordwest Cricket Club
A hat-trick from Nick Squire powered St Clears to a 4-2 away victory over Haverfordwest Cricket Club. Scott Page also found the net for the visitors. Despite Liam Sheehan scoring twice for the hosts, they were unable to contain St Clears, who now edge closer to the top four.
Letterston cruise past St Florence United
Letterston produced a dominant display, claiming a 4-0 win over St Florence United. Simon Jones bagged a brace, while Gareth Mathias and Gary Delaney added to the tally. The victory cements Letterston’s place in the top half of the table.
New Hedges Saundersfoot United march on
New Hedges Saundersfoot United continued their strong form with a 4-1 triumph over Pembroke Borough. Adam Davidson and Harvey Drummond both struck twice to secure a convincing win. Sonny Price managed to pull one back for Pembroke Borough, but they were no match for the high-flying contenders.
League standings update
Goodwick United Reserves remain at the summit with 51 points, while New Hedges Saundersfoot United continue their charge in second place with 38 points, holding games in hand. Pendine and Pembroke Borough remain tightly matched on 35 points, while St Clears’ latest victory sees them move to 30 points in the top five. At the bottom, Neyland Reserves remain rooted with just six points, unable to turn their season around.
As the season enters its final stretch, every point is crucial in the race for promotion and survival in Pembrokeshire Division 3.
Sport
Narberth dominate as Neyland hit fifteen in Manderwood Division 2 thrillers

THE LATEST round of fixtures in Pembrokeshire’s Manderwood Division 2 on Saturday (Feb 8) produced a flurry of goals, with Narberth and Neyland delivering emphatic victories.
Narberth thrash Solva in goal fest
Narberth strengthened their title charge with a commanding 8-2 win over Solva. Stefan Williams was the standout performer, netting four times, while Jordan Williams added a brace. Aidan Howitt and Brychan David also got on the scoresheet. Solva responded with a penalty from Josh Bland and a late consolation goal, but they were no match for the league leaders.
Neyland’s ruthless fifteen-goal display
Neyland produced the most dominant performance of the day, dismantling Monkton Swifts II with a staggering 15-0 victory. Alfie Crawford, Corey Richards (hat-trick), Richard Mills (four goals), Max Bowman-Davies (two goals), Henry McBeth (three goals), and Ben Gale (two goals) all found the net in a relentless attacking display. The result cements Neyland’s position in the top half of the table.
Johnston secure win over Merlins Bridge II
Johnston continued their solid form with a 3-1 victory over Merlins Bridge II. Ryan Doyle led the charge with a brace, while Josh Knapp also found the net. Bradley Barrett pulled one back for Merlins Bridge, but Johnston held firm to claim all three points.
Carew II cruise past Lawrenny
Carew II enjoyed an impressive 4-1 away win at Lawrenny, with Connor Hay scoring twice. Charlie Perkins and Gareth Brown also got on the scoresheet. Owen James netted Lawrenny’s only goal, but the hosts struggled to contain Carew’s attacking threat.
Fishguard Sports hit Broad Haven for six
Fishguard Sports continued their strong run with a comprehensive 6-0 win over Broad Haven. Anthony Couzens and Adam Lawrence both bagged braces, while Luke Thomas and Ieuan Llewellyn also scored in a dominant display.
League standings update
Following these results, Narberth remain top of the table with 15 wins from 18 matches. Hakin United Reserves and Fishguard Sports remain in pursuit, while Broad Haven are still searching for their first win of the season.
Sport
Goodwick dominate Hakin to tighten grip on title race

Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1
Goodwick United 4-1 Hakin United
GOODWICK United took a significant step toward retaining their league title with a dominant 4-1 victory over fierce rivals Hakin United. The result, captured by Sgorio TV cameras, extends Goodwick’s lead at the top to four points, putting them in pole position to lift the trophy once again.
With both teams unbeaten heading into this crucial clash, something had to give. Goodwick asserted their authority early, racing into a 3-1 lead by half-time before sealing the win with a fourth goal in the second half. Now, with just five league games remaining, Hakin’s hopes of mounting a late challenge rely on Goodwick slipping up twice while they win all their remaining fixtures.
Fast start sets the tone
Goodwick wasted no time in making their mark, breaking the deadlock within two minutes. A long throw-in found Rhys Dalling, who set up Will Haworth to fire home a well-struck effort from 18 yards.
Dalling, a constant threat throughout, turned provider again in the 18th minute. Cutting inside, he unselfishly squared the ball to Rhys Jones, who drilled a precise shot into the far corner to double the lead.
The home side continued to press, forcing mistakes from Hakin’s defence. Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when a poor clearance from goalkeeper Gareth Fawcett landed at Dalling’s feet. With quick thinking, he lofted a superb 30-yard lob over the stranded keeper to make it 3-0.
Hakin responded just three minutes later. Ryan Wilson’s corner found Jack Britton at the far post, and he powered home a well-taken header to give the visitors a glimmer of hope before the break.
Goodwick stand firm, then seal the win
The second half was a more tactical affair, with Goodwick’s backline standing firm. The defensive unit of James Bryan, Matthew Delaney, Scott Delaney, and Sean Pemberton expertly nullified the attacking threats of Ashley Bevan, Alfie Stotter, Mark Jones, and Shane Walsh.
As Hakin pushed for a way back, Goodwick delivered the killer blow. Jonny Horgan’s excellent work down the left saw him deliver a pinpoint low cross into the box, which Haworth calmly slotted home for his second of the game, sealing an emphatic victory.
Hakin’s frustrations boiled over in the dying moments when Ashley Bevan was shown a straight red card by referee Stefan Jenkins, rounding off a disappointing afternoon for the Vikings.
Rivalry set to continue
These two sides won’t have to wait long for another battle, as they are set to face off again in the Senior Cup quarter-final at Phoenix Park in two weeks’ time.
-
featured7 days ago
Culture of fear exposed in damning fire service report
-
Business2 days ago
Digital Marketing Challenges for Rural Welsh Businesses
-
Community6 days ago
National triumph: Pembrokeshire pub ranked among the friendliest in UK
-
Education5 days ago
Excluding pupils for knives ‘too simple’, says Estyn chief
-
News6 days ago
Threatening email revealed: Why Neyland’s clerk missed controversial meeting
-
News2 days ago
Police report filed over Neyland Town Council email controversy
-
News6 days ago
Cat stuck in Pembroke Dock tree for days sparks local rescue effort
-
News7 days ago
Pembrokeshire households could face £250 council tax rise