Sport
Rain, rain, go away…
LAST WEEK, two Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League games dodged the rain.
After a week in which torrential rainfall was interrupted only by the occasional deluge, only one fixture was completed.
You have to feel for poor St Florence.
Through rain and tempest, they made the trip north to Solva, only to come away on the wrong side of a 9-1 shellacking by the home team.
Solva’s goals came courtesy of Joe Nash, Rhys Rivers, Tom Goodson, a hat-trick from Liam Thomas, two goals from Josh Bland, and one from James Griffin. Jake Webster scored the visitors’ only goal.
Every other game in Pembrokeshire was washed out. League organisers will be hoping that the weather breaks soon to allow the season to get back on track.
Solva’s victory was not the only game of football played in Pembrokeshire, however.
Once more Goodwick United defied the weather and completed a handy 3-1 win over Rockspur Fords in the West Wales FA Cup.
The visitors, who play in the Swansea League Division One, are a form team and must have fancied their chances at Phoenix Park. Goodwick are a tough team to beat, however, and they contested fiercely in appalling conditions for football.
Goals from Rhys Dalling and James Bryan gave Goodwick a 2-0 half-time lead.
On a blustery and soaking wet afternoon, Goodwick simply played the conditions better and there was more than enough niggle to go round in the slippery conditions.
Even conceding an early spot-kick midway through the second half didn’t deter Goodwick. With the score at 2-1 and time ticking down, a Jordan Griffiths free-kick snaked its way into the visitors’ net to clinch the tie 3-1 and leave Goodwick a step closer to a final at the Liberty Stadium next year.
Clarby Road were glad to have two pitches available for them. With the first team pitch unplayable, the second team one was judged fit for play for the second round WWFA Cup fixture against Llanelli’s Camford team.
While the conditions were foul, the pitch held up well.
As the halfway point in the first period approached, Ben John produced a screamer from outside the area to give Clarby the lead. One became two shortly afterwards when Matt Griffiths headed home a well-directed corner. Shortly before half-time, Ben John added another goal to give the homesters a 3-0 lead.
Undeterred, Camford scrapped hard in the second half and pulled a deserved goal back with a fine strike from Ben Bowler.
Clarbeston Road repelled another promising Camford attack before regaining a three-goal cushion, as Ben John completed a fine hat-trick.
With conditions closing in, Joules Ward added a fifth for the home team.
A final result of 5-1 in increasingly poor conditions was a fair reward for Clarby, even if it left an always striving Camford a little short-changed.
Sport
Division Three match reports: Key wins and dominant performances
Clarbeston Road II 2-3 Neyland II
Neyland II narrowly defeated Clarbeston Road II in a close 3-2 encounter. Clarbeston’s Jack Wood and Henry Lucas found the net, but Neyland II clinched the victory with goals from Zac Owen, Korey Arran (penalty), and Mason Morgans-Hurley. Despite their win, Neyland II remains near the bottom of the league, hoping to build momentum from this result. Clarbeston Road II’s defeat keeps them in 10th place with 9 points from 12 games, reflecting a challenging season thus far.
Goodwick United II 5-0 Camrose II
League leaders Goodwick United II continued their dominant form, securing a comfortable 5-0 win over Camrose II. Goals from Ifan Mathias, Gary Reynolds, Sion O’Sullivan, Thomas Phelps-Jenkins, and Tyler Booker highlighted their attacking prowess. Goodwick sits firmly at the top with 34 points and an impressive +33 goal difference, showcasing their strength this season. Camrose II, however, remains near the bottom with just 7 points, struggling to improve from 11th place.
Haverfordwest Cricket Club 2-1 Pendine
Haverfordwest Cricket Club fought hard to edge out Pendine 2-1, with goals from Jordan Harrison and Liam Sheehan. This victory lifts Haverfordwest CC to 5th place on 17 points from 12 games, giving them a boost in the mid-table standings. Pendine, despite Julian Blewitt’s goal, stays in 4th place with 19 points, within reach of the top but facing stiff competition.
Letterston 6-1 Kilgetty II
Letterston put on an attacking display with a dominant 6-1 win over Kilgetty II. Simon Jones led the charge with a hat trick, while Morgan Miles, Robert Hedley, and Jordan White added to the scoreline. This result strengthens Letterston’s position in the table, bringing them to 16 points, just a point behind Haverfordwest CC. Kilgetty II, meanwhile, drops further down with 11 points and a -14 goal difference, indicating defensive struggles.
Pembroke Borough 6-2 St Florence
Pembroke Borough extended their strong form with a decisive 6-2 victory over St Florence. Jake Campbell and Jordan White each scored twice, with Luke Hendry and Jack Walker also contributing. Pembroke Borough remains secure in 2nd place with 25 points from 12 games, keeping up the pressure on league leaders Goodwick United II. St Florence, however, continues to struggle for consistency, sitting in the lower half of the table with 11 points.
Sport
Pembrokeshire Second Division round-up: Promotion race heats up
CAMROSE took another decisive step in their promotion quest with a 2-0 victory over Johnston. Sitting third in the league on 25 points from 11 games, they are just one point behind second-placed Narberth. With a strong defensive record and reliable scoring, Camrose is poised for a continued push for the top spots. Johnston, meanwhile, remains near the relegation zone with only 9 points from 10 games, struggling to rise from the lower ranks.
Carew II 3-0 Broad Haven
Carew II’s 3-0 win over Broad Haven moved them up to 10 points, giving them valuable breathing space above the bottom of the table. Now positioned in 10th, Carew II is working to establish consistency in the league, while Broad Haven continues to languish at the foot of the table, winless so far this season.
Merlins Bridge II 7-3 Solva
In a goal-filled spectacle, Merlins Bridge II overpowered Solva with a 7-3 win, showcasing their offensive might. This victory lifts Merlins Bridge II to sixth place on 18 points from 11 games, strengthening their mid-table position. Though not currently in the promotion mix, their recent form indicates potential to climb higher. Solva, in seventh with 11 points, has now lost six of their 11 matches, struggling to find consistency.
Monkton Swifts II 0-9 Hakin United II
Hakin United II demonstrated their dominance at the top of the league with a commanding 9-0 win over Monkton Swifts II. Leading the division with 28 points from 13 games and an impressive +29 goal difference, Hakin United II’s blend of offensive firepower and defensive stability has kept them clear at the summit. Monkton Swifts II, with just 10 points and a -21 goal difference from 13 games, remains near the bottom and continues to struggle.
Neyland 1-3 Narberth
Narberth maintained their title challenge with a solid 3-1 win over Neyland, holding onto second place with 26 points from 11 games—only two points behind Hakin United II, with two games in hand. Their +24 goal difference highlights their robust form and positions them as serious contenders for the top spot. Neyland, now fifth with 20 points, is also performing respectably, though the defeat underscores the gap they must bridge to challenge the league leaders.
Sport
Pembrokeshire First Division match reports – November 9, 2024
Carew 2-3 Clarbeston Road
IN a closely fought contest, Clarbeston Road edged out Carew with a narrow 3-2 victory. James Hinchliffe struck twice for Carew, but his efforts couldn’t secure any points. Clarbeston Road’s Laurie Haworth also netted twice, with an own goal tipping the scales in their favor. This win boosts Clarbeston Road to 20 points, strengthening their hold in the top half of the table.
Kilgetty 5-1 Herbrandston
Kilgetty capitalized on Herbrandston’s ongoing struggles, securing a commanding 5-1 win. Jordan Richards shone with a hat-trick, while Callum Proctor and Jordan Gorman each added a goal. Adam Whatling’s penalty offered Herbrandston a consolation, yet the team remains at the bottom with zero points and a daunting -81 goal difference. Kilgetty, meanwhile, climbs to 13 points.
Milford United 0-7 Goodwick United
League leaders Goodwick United showcased their dominance in a resounding 7-0 victory over Milford United. Rhys Dalling, Will Haworth, and Rhys Jones each netted twice, with James Bryan adding the seventh. This emphatic win solidifies Goodwick’s position at the top with 31 points and a +50 goal difference, while Milford United continues to grapple with defensive issues.
St Ishmaels 3-4 Merlins Bridge
In a thrilling, high-scoring encounter, Merlins Bridge narrowly defeated St Ishmaels 4-3. Brennan Devonald, Thomas Williams, and Ieuan Hawkins found the net for St Ishmaels, but it wasn’t enough. Nick Squire’s brace, along with goals from Tom Jago and an own goal, secured the win for Merlins Bridge, bringing them to 16 points and comfortably mid-table.
Tenby 5-2 Monkton Swifts
Tenby proved too strong for Monkton Swifts, claiming a decisive 5-2 victory. Jerome Williams led the charge with two goals, supported by strikes from Scott Ferney, Joe Leahy, and Daniel Storer. Monkton’s Gareth Finnegan and Ryan Hughes managed goals, but couldn’t prevent defeat. Tenby’s victory cements their third-place position with 20 points, while Monkton Swifts sit just above Milford United on 11 points.
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